Photo by Steven St. JohnTribune

Tribune

University of New Mexico offensive lineman Devin Clark (70) blocks a path for Lobos running back Rodney Ferguson in a game against Air Force. Clark, considered one of three NFL prospects on the UNM squad, has allowed two sacks this season.

Photo by Steven St. JohnTribune

Tribune

The Lobos' Devin Clark (left) celebrates a fumble recovery with teammate Michael Tuohy against Air Force. Clark and Tuohy are two of 21 UNM seniors playing their final home game Saturday against UNLV.

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Everything about Devin Clark is big.

He's a big man who dreams big.

He dreams of winning a bowl game.

He dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal.

And he dreams of winning a spot in the NFL draft.

"I feel really lucky to have all the opportunities I've had so far, but I always want to keep pushing myself," he said. "I always want to be better and see if I can take things to the next level."

Clark, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound starting offensive tackle for the Lobos, is on pace to make a lot of his dreams come true.

The University of New Mexico's bowl fate might be murky entering Saturday's showdown with UNLV, but it appears Clark will get a chance to keep playing football.

Clark is one of the Lobos' top NFL prospects, along with standout wide receivers Marcus Smith and Travis Brown.

"I think everyone dreams of playing in the pros, so it's special to hear anyone would even think about you in that way," Brown said. "I know it would be a dream come true for every guy on this team to get that opportunity to play in the NFL. The only way it happens is with a lot of hard work and a lot of luck. And you have to be blessed, because a lot of guys who should be in the NFL aren't there right now."

Even the Lobos' best players can get the cold shoulder on draft day.

Just ask DonTrell Moore, one of the best running backs in school history, who was passed up in the 2005 draft and is still trying to find a consistent job with an NFL team.

Clark was worried his pro football dreams were going to be derailed before his senior year.

He only made it through the first week of spring football before he went down with an injury. Clark had to have ankle surgery to stabilize his joint.

"I was really upset when it happened, because I was worried about how long I would have to sit out," he said. "It hurt, and I knew it could be really bad for me and my future. The doctors kept telling me if I had surgery right away, I'd be fine for next season. I tried to believe them, but it was hard not to be upset."

Clark's injury wasn't especially severe, but it's never easy for heftier linemen to recover from surgery. He had to watch his weight and rehab religiously.

"It was work, but I wasn't going to just sit around," he said. "I knew I needed to really work to get back into playing shape. I wanted to make sure I was back at full strength my senior year."

For the second year in a row, Clark didn't join the Lobos' offensive line workouts until fall camp. He had little time to adapt and learn a new offense before opposing defenses were charging at him.

"It wasn't as hard this year as it was last year," he said. "At least I had a little bit of experience this year and knew what to expect. I had a lot to learn, but I feel like I was able to pick it up faster."

Clark's second love helped fuel his comeback.

He has been passionate about weightlifting for years.

Clark missed offseason competitions while recovering from surgery, but he placed fourth in the superheavyweight division at the National Junior Weightlifting Championships in March 2006.

"I don't know why, but I just love hitting the weight room," he said. "I guess it's because it makes you feel really powerful. You get to really challenge yourself."

If his shot at a pro career stalls, Clark said he will throw more time into weightlifting.

"It takes a lot of work, but I love it and it would be really nice to be able to keep competing," Clark said.

For now, the Lobos are happy to have a healthy Clark in the trenches.

He is an elite pass blocker who takes every sack personally.

"I'm lucky to have a guy like him on the line, because he doesn't want to let anybody get by him," quarterback Donovan Porterie said. "I know he'll fight to protect me and make sure I can do my job. I know I'm in trouble without him."

Standout running back Rodney Ferguson is just as grateful for Clark's effort.

"I don't go anywhere if guys like him don't open up holes for me," Ferguson said. "I get all the credit, but they do the work. They make things happen out there."

The Lobos need Clark and the rest of the seniors to end their regular season with a blaze of energy, decisively pummeling UNLV to impress bowl committees that could easily pass on UNM even if it manages to finish 8-4.

"Whatever ends up happening this year, I'm just glad I am a Lobo," Clark said. "I'll always know I made the right decision coming to school here. It's special playing on this team in front of our fans."