Topic: News: Weightlifter Devin Clark tries out for Washington Redskins

[Chris Ⓐ LeRoux]

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Fresh Face: Devin Clark

Fans might see Washington Redskins rookie tackle Devin Clark shoving teammates during drills and mixing it up at the line of scrimmage. What they have not seen are the many thousands of pounds that helped him get to Redskins Park.

Clark took the typical workout program to a totally different level: He entered Olympic-style weightlifting competitions from his sophomore year of high school through his sophomore year of college. It's something he has enjoyed, but it has also helped his explosiveness and strength on the football field.

"You have to stay strong in order to play well," Clark said.

Clark started weightlifting competitively after a high school coach noticed him squatting one day. "You want to try this?" the coach asked. Clark said yes. He soon learned the snatch and the clean-and-jerk lifts. He won gold, silver and bronze medals at national competitions.

But at 6 feet 4, 306 pounds, Clark devoted much of his time to football. He played at Scottsdale Community College before transferring to New Mexico, where he started 25 games during his two-year career with the Lobos. Even still, he retained a love for lifting.

He led New Mexico's offensive linemen in the bench press (405 pounds), power clean (374) and squat (600). In fact, coaches there sometimes asked him to reduce the weights he lifted during training. Countless reps later, he has landed with the Redskins and is hoping his training regimen will help power him onto the roster.

"I'm just happy for the opportunity [with] this franchise," he said. "I hope I can make it."

And if not?

"I'll probably go back to weightlifting when I'm done," he said.