Q & A with Raiders linebacker Danny Clark

By Anthony Carroll  |   Tuesday, July 25, 2006  |  Comments( 7 )

Oakland Raiders
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Despite a trio of highly underproductive seasons for the Oakland Raiders, linebacker Danny Clark--in his two seasons with the Silver and Black--has remained highly productive.

Clark joined the Raiders in 2004 and promptly took over the team's starting middle linebacker slot. In his first season in Oakland, Clark registered a team-leading 129 tackles, along with five pass deflections and a pair of sacks. Although the team finished the season with just five wins, Clark remained confident heading into the 2005 campaign. Alongside rookie linebacker Kirk Morrison, the Illinois grad finished the regular season with 113 tackles, seven pass deflections and a sack. In all, the 245-pound workhorse has started in 31 of 32 games with the Silver and Black, earning him the coveted title of defensive co-captain, as voted upon by his fellow teammates.

In his six-year career--four years with Jacksonville and two with Oakland--Clark has amassed 421 total tackles, five sacks, 13 pass deflections, and an interception.

Thanks to Denise White, founder of EAG Sports Management, I was fortunate enough to have a few of my questions answered by Clark.

Carroll: What are some of the early differences you have deciphered between Norv Turner and Art Shell?

Clark: First, I would like to say that Norv is a darn good coach, but Art Shell has been through this as a player and a coach in the Raiders organization. He knows how to deal with the owner from a player's perspective and a coach's perspective. Basically, he is a Raider at heart. He is trying to instill the Raider mentality of the 70s in the players, which we need.

Carroll: Defensively, the Raiders had a very strong draft back in April. Are you confident that Rob Ryan now has the personnel to effectively use more than one defensive scheme, mainly the 4-3, 3-4, and 4-2-5?

Clark: I am very confident that he has the personnel needed. We had a very strong draft. Our defense is as fast as it has ever been.

Carroll: Thus far, how impressed have you been with rookie linebackers Thomas Howard and Darnell Bing?

Clark: These guys are two major reasons why our defense is faster. They look good in shorts and the ultimate test is to see them in pads.

Carroll: For the first time in several years, the team has a considerable amount of depth at the linebacker position. Do you believe you will enter into your seventh season as a starter? If so, at what position?

Clark: Yes, [I'm] definitely entering as a starter. [I] plan on playing middle linebacker. That's what I am focused on and where I plan to be.

Carroll: I know you aren't involved with the offense, but which of the three quarterbacks do you feel looked the strongest in minicamp?

Clark: Definitely Aaron Brooks has turned some heads. I am also a big fan of Andrew Walter.

Carroll: After four seasons with Jacksonville and your last two with Oakland, what noticeable differences have come with being a member of the Raider Nation?

Clark: The fans. The fans are extremely faithful and they believe in us. It's a culture versus just being football fans.

Carroll: Growing up, which NFL player did you most look up to?

Clark: Mike Singletary. I grew up in Chicago and he was a big name back then.

Carroll: In your two-year stint with Oakland, the team has gone just 9-23. Do you anticipate marked improvement this year?

Clark: Absolutely, I anticipate a much better record. However, I will not make any predictions.

Carroll: Lastly, how excited are you to get the '06 season rolling?

Clark: Extremely excited. I am like a kid in a candy store when I get to line up and make plays. Given the personnel we have this year, I am excited about taking this team to the next level.

Once again, Danny, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions. I wish you the best next season and hope your training camp jumps off to a great start.

Want to be in this Friday's article? Visit RaidersLive.com for a chance to enter Anthony Carroll's Friday Mailbag - Get more on the Oakland Raiders at Realfootball365.com

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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