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For former University of New Mexico lineman Devin Clark, the circle-of-life path to the NFL leads back through Texas.

Clark, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound right tackle, will play for his native state in the second annual Texas vs. The Nation college all-star game Saturday in El Paso.

Clark, 22, was born in Austin, Texas, but grew up in Mesa, Ariz. He played two stellar seasons at UNM after transferring from Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College.

Clark will play right tackle for the Texas squad in Saturday's game. But he said his future in the NFL might come at either of the guard positions.

"This game is just another chance to play against different guys from across the country to get some exposure," Clark said in a telephone interview with The Tribune after Thursday's practice.

"We're all trying for the same thing: We want to make it to that next level."

Clark said he's been spending the offseason training in Scottsdale with former Olympic gold medal-winning decathlete Dan O'Brien Í you remember the "Dan and Dave" Reebok ad campaign in 1996 Í to work on his footwork and explosiveness in preparation for the NFL combine later this month.

Clark said he's been doing a lot of sprint work with O'Brien and has lost about 10 pounds. Clark works with another trainer on his strength, his best asset as a UNM lineman. Clark, who overcame ankle surgery after the 2006 season, was a first-team All-Mountain West Conference selection as a senior. He allowed just three sacks this season and was a mainstay on UNM's unit.

The NFL draft in April will determine whether all the hard work he put in during his two seasons as a Lobo were enough to earn a job in the pros. Clark said he's unsure of where his NFL stock is right now.

Hence, Saturday's game is a chance for him to improve in the eyes of NFL scouts. Clark's team will be coached by former NFL and Alabama head coach Gene Stallings.

"I think a lot of scouts will be here to look at guys at certain positions," Clark said. "It's a chance to shine."

Former UNM receiver Travis Brown also was scheduled to play in Saturday's game, but instead was a last-minute replacement in the East-West Shrine Game last month.

Clark said his career at UNM Í capped by a 23-0 victory over Nevada in the 2007 New Mexico Bowl Í provided him with plenty of positive memories in his college career.

"I had a blast out there," Clark said. "I'm just thankful for coach (Rocky) Long for giving me a scholarship and a chance to play at UNM. It was the best place for me."