A one-year hiatus from the gridiron hasn’t stopped Eastlake Wolves defensive end Evan Clark from wreaking havoc on opposing team’s offensive lineman in early season action.
Clark, who is 6 feet 7 inches tall, utilizes his length and agility to relentlessly pursue quarterbacks into bad decisions. Clark had a game-high three sacks against the Gig Harbor Tides in a non-league contest Sept. 19.
Clark said his lacrosse background combined with his unusual size give him the tools he needs in order to be a successful defensive lineman.
“It gives me a big advantage on pass rush. If guys are bigger or stronger than me, I get them locked out with their arms where they can’t get their hands on me. Usually I start with my speed rush and once I get past the lineman a couple of times they start to adjust. Once they start adjusting, I will swim back to the inside because they are looking for that outside rush,” Clark said. “Playing lacrosse helps me a lot with my agility. When you’re a lineman people don’t expect you to come out and be very agile, but playing lacrosse helps with footwork, cutting and endurance, too.”
Clark said he’s not feeling rusty despite sitting out his junior season in 2013 after playing as a sophomore in 2012.
“I felt like I needed to take a year off last year. Now I’m recommitted to the game and am just out here having a good time,” he said.
Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Clark a few questions about his life away from the football field.
Issaquah Reporter: What is your biggest pet peeve?
Evan Clark: It is probably bad drivers. It just bothers me when I’m trying to get to school and people aren’t driving right.
IR: Where do you see yourself in five years?
EC: I see myself as a wealthy entrepreneur in some kind of business venture.
IR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?
EC: I like to LARP (live action role play) in my free time. I have been doing that for six months now.
IR: Where is your favorite place to eat in the Issaquah/Sammamish area?
EC: It’s probably “The Ram” in Issaquah. It has really good food and is pretty cheap. They have a really good atmosphere.
IR: What is your favorite movie of all time?
EC: It is “Dark Knight.” I’m a big Batman fan. It is one of the best superhero films.
IR: What song/artist are you listening to the most in your iPod right now?
EC: “Let it Ride” by BTO (Bachman-Turner Overdrive) is probably the most played song right now. It’s a feel good song that is a classic. It gets me pumped up.
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5054; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
