Exclusive Interview
                                                     Asher Clark

                                  By: Aaron Fischman

 

December 30, 2008 - An Interview with Asher Clark

Asher Clark is a stud, pure and simple. As a standout at Peachtree Ridge High School, Clark played quarterback, but he always had a penchant for running the ball (video evidence here). Apparently someone at Air Force noticed. Although Clark was originally slotted as a QB at Air Force, the coaching staff decided he was too dynamic to keep off the field and started him as a halfback in Week 6 against San Diego State. Clark responded by rushing for 109 yards on 15 carries.

Seven games and 531 rushing yards later, Clark is the starting running back for the Falcons as they take on Houston in the Armed Forces Bowl. Before the game Aaron Fischman caught up with Clark to discuss his incredible freshman season, the triple option offense and his favorite moment of the season so far.

We hope you enjoy the interview. Don't forget to catch Asher Clark in the Armed Forces Bowl tomorrow at 12:00 PM ET on ESPN.

Aaron Fischman: How have you been able to contribute to the team in your first collegiate season?

Asher Clark: I would say that I have been able to contribute to the team this year by being a person who the offense can count on. I try to just execute the plays that they call, and from that point get yards and keep moving the sticks for first downs.

AF:. In what ways has your height (5’8) helped or hurt your game? What advice do you have for aspiring athletes who are on the shorter side?

AC: I don't think that my height has hurt me as far as being short, because I don't feel that height is an issue as long as you play fast. That is what I try to do when I play. My advice to aspiring athletes on the short side is to never let people say that you are too short to play. When they do, just use that as something to drive you to keep going. There are going to obstacles that are going to come up and you just have to keep going when it gets hard to get to what you want.

AF: You are listed at quarterback, but have become the team’s best running back. Which position do you like better and why?

AC: I think [that] each position is different and it is just a mentality that you get into. I like running back right now because that is what I am playing and I don't have to think quite as much. But I like quarterback too because it is cool to be able to lead an offense down the field and score on a defense.

AF: With fellow freshman, Tim Jefferson, at quarterback, the team has begun to run the triple option much more often. Describe the triple option and why it is so difficult for defenses to stop.

AC: With the triple option there are three different people the defense has to account for. Having TJ at quarterback and myself and Todd [Newell] at fullback, the defense has to account for the speed that the play is run, which is difficult if they over-pursue or [they] don't play their assignments correctly.

AF: Let’s discuss your most memorable moment of the season. What is it and why?

AC: For me the most memorable moment was getting to start for the first time at Qualcomm Stadium and have my first 100 yard rushing game. My dad was able to come to see it, which made it more memorable for me.

AF: The Air Force defense has been strong, but also inconsistent at times. Though you play on the offensive side of the ball, what can you tell us about the Falcon defense?

AC: The defense definitely plays hard every series that they step on the field and the coaches have done a great job positioning and scheming to stop the tough offenses that we play in the Mountain West [conference]. When the offense is stalling or not connecting on plays and the defense makes a big play, we feed off of what they are doing and gain momentum as the game goes on. So we rely on the defense and their play-making ability.

AF: How does the offense plan to attack Houston’s defense in the Armed Forces Bowl?

AC: The offense plans to attack the defense through our execution. We have a gameplan that is not complicated and our success comes down to how we are able to run [the] plays [that] we have been running all year.

AF: Earlier in the year you guys defeated Houston 31-28, but both teams are saying that everything will be different this time. Is that the case?

AC: Yes, that is the case. Both teams are different and have different lineups, so it should be interesting this time around also.

AF: How can Air Force bounce back after losing its last two games?

AC: The team has already forgotten those two losses in my opinion and all [of] our focus is on the game we have ahead in Houston.

AF: Who do you think most deserved to win the Heisman trophy this season?

AC: I think the Heisman committee got it right by choosing Sam Bradford because he meant so much to his team and he was definitely a play-maker on the field for the Sooners.

AF: What are your goals (football and otherwise) for the near future?

AC: The goal that I have is to play to the best of our ability and execute against Houston on New Year's Eve. Hopefully, in doing so, we see a W on the board at the end.

 

 

 

 

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