Austin Clark – September 8, 2022
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Thursday, September 8, 2022
Defensive Line Coach Austin Clark
(You’ve talked about DT Raekwon Davis and his body obviously being the best since you’ve been here. How will you measure this year and whether he takes that next step? And also with a player like him who obviously clogs the holes and you can’t fully measure them on stats, do tackles for loss or sacks make much difference for you in evaluating him? Because he obviously doesn’t have very many through three years.) – “Yeah, I think, the first thing for him is just – this may sound crazy to you, but we’re literally focused on the day. We’re focused on (today’s) practice. We’ll get to Sunday when we get there. In terms of statistical measures, I think alignments and scheme can dictate whether a player should have more or less. Like when you are head up on the center and you’re taking on double teams and we’re aligning you in fronts where that’s what’s going to happen, it’s tough. However, as a defensive lineman, in any system, you want to create negative place. So that’s definitely a point of emphasis. I think he’s done a great job so far this week. And we’re full pads today so hopefully he can continue that.”
(You’ve been with the defensive line for a couple years now. How does the conditioning of Week 1 compare to the rest of the season when it comes to snap counts? Do you have to be more cognizant of how fresh guys are for Week 1?) – “Yeah, I think it’s really game-plan oriented. Like are you playing a team that runs more? Passes more? How are we using those guys? What roles? What alignments? Those types of things all factor into it. But we put a heavy focus on conditioning, especially out here in the heat and all those types of things. I think so far, where we’re at going into today’s practice, we’re pleased with where the guys are.”
(On facing the Patriots this season.) – “I think, obviously we’re a different team, they’re a different team. I think they have a phenomenal offensive line. I think it all starts up front from Trent Brown, (Isaiah) Wynn, (Mike) Onwenu, (David) Andrews is solid in the middle. Cole Strange is a great, great player. I mean in the preseason, he’s been phenomenal. The usage of the tight ends, blocking, the receivers cracking and the running backs are fall-forward backs. Both (Damien) Harris, (Rhamondre) so and (Ty) Montgomery, all of these guys – their whole team’s bought in to running the football and it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”
(Obviously, you’ve lost DL Adam Butler, LB Brendan Scarlett obviously not here. You add LB Trey Flowers to your group. What skills do you think he’s going to bring?) – “Yeah, I think Trey’s biggest asset is probably versatility and familiarity with a lot of the scheme stuff. I think he’s a guy that plays hard, plays with great technique, and he’s got a knack for taking the ball away. So far, he has been awesome to work with.”
(With DT Raekwon Davis and his size, how is he able to play with leverage? And what goes into that?) – “Yeah, I think it starts with bending at the knees is a big thing for him and pad leverage. Like any d-lineman, whether you’re 6’1” or 6’7” – if you’re 6’1” and you stand up, you’re going get knocked out of there. You’re going to tell him that you need to be able to play with great knee bend, ankle flexibility, and you’ve got to be in a proper stance to be able to come out of your hips because that’s what generates the power. I think for ‘Ray’ (Raekwon Davis), that’s a big focal point. Some may see that as a disadvantage, but I see his length as a huge asset. And that’s the one thing, at 6’7”, he’s got long arms, he’s powerful, and he can bend with his size. And contact balance and playing with a great base, those type of things all factor into that.”
(DT Christian Wilkins was named a team captain. How excited were you for him? And then just kind of talk about his leadership skillset.) – “Yeah, I definitely was excited for him. Any time you watch a guy go – I wasn’t here year one, but year two, year three, and now going into this year, for his teammates to see him as that is a good thing. I think the way Coach McDaniel did that was awesome. For Wilkins, it speaks to his body of work in practice, off the field, in that locker room, and so it’s great for him. He’s a vocal guy, but it’s a different kind of vocal.”
(DT Christian Wilkins known for not being shy about voicing his opinion on the field to teammates or opponents. Do you think in this case, it helps him play better?) – “I don’t know. I think just general philosophy, and this is from our head coach, the guys need to be themselves. We try to create that environment in the d-line room. I love the guy. If that helps him play better and that’s what it is, man, let’s give that to everybody. (laughter)”
(We saw a big jump with DT Christian Wilkins last year in overall production, tied for the league lead among defensive linemen in tackles. Do you see yet another level? How eager are you to see whether he can take even a higher jump?) – “Yeah, I think there’s always more to get out of a player. And him specifically, going into year four, I definitely think so. I think a lot of times though, he may be in schemes where it’s not his play to make. Maybe it’s him taking on the double. I think just buying into the scheme and the system, like he’s done over the past couple years, is all we’re asking him to do. And keep flying around and I think the plays will come to him.”
