The Chargers take the field to kick off Rookie Mini Camp.
The Bolts bolstered their o-line by selecting two offensive linemen in the 2016 NFL Draft. One of them was seventh round pick Donavon Clark. The guard from Michigan State took to the field on Friday for Rookie Mini Camp and was overall pleased with how the day went.
"It was great," Clark said. "It was good just putting on that helmet again and running out there with all the guys. It was a great start to rookie minicamp so the goal is to keep pushing forward. As an offensive line, we can't really be individuals because if one guy misses his block, the play could be over. (So) far, the communication has been great. (Offensive Line) Coach (Jeff) Davidson is a heck of a coach so it makes me do better."
At 6-4, 315-pounds, Clark was a two-year starter for the Spartans notching 27 consecutive starts to finish out his career. Although his primary position is playing right guard, Clark is a jack-of-all-trades on the line. Out of his 33 collegiate starts, he spent nine at right tackle and six at left tackle in addition to his 18 at right guard. While the feat is difficult, Clark admits his ability to adapt to different positions and sides of the line sets him apart.
"It shows my knowledge and understanding of the game is pretty high up there. It just helps that you can know different positions because it can better help you do your job if you can understand (that's) how someone else does his job."
Knowing Clark is well-versed in versatility is huge considering the Chargers saw no shortage of players switching sides and positions, sometimes in-game last season. Luckily for the Bolts, switching comes easy to Clark thanks to his experience.
"Over time at State I just got used to it to the point where I could (switch) at the drop of a hat," he added. "My coach would ask me to move (to one spot) on a series and (another spot) on the next series. Moving around just became second nature to me in the end."
As a seventh round pick, Clark knows he has his work cut out for him to make an impression. With that said, he's attacking minicamp and the remainder of the offseason with a fierce tenacity and chip on his shoulder that comes along with being selected in the final round of the Draft.
"I'm out here now after the whole draft process (of worrying) where I could possibly land, whether I would be drafted or undrafted. Now, it really doesn't matter because at the same time, we're all still fighting for a job to win a 53-man spot. I'm just doing everything in my power to get better every day."
