Tulsa World: Up close: Matt Clapp

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Up close: Matt Clapp

By GUERIN EMIG AND JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writers
Published: 10/2/2008 2:09 AM
Last Modified: 10/2/2008 3:16 AM

NORMAN — The first thing you notice about Matt Clapp is his hair, the long dark strands spilling out from the back of his Oklahoma football helmet.

Then the game starts, and you forget about Clapp's locks. You're too busy trying to keep up with where he is and what he's doing.

Opening kickoff, Clapp's busting downfield to make the tackle, as he did twice in OU's 55-14 victory at Washington Sept. 13. He's tackling punt returners as well, sometimes with such zeal that he accidentally takes out a teammate, as he did Jermaine Gresham last Saturday against TCU.

Clapp sacrifices his 234 pounds even more on OU's offense, leading DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown as an I-formation fullback, or blocking linebackers while flanked just off the offensive line as an extra tight end.

Payback comes the rare occasion Clapp touches the ball. It has happened five times over the Sooners' four games this year, Clapp even reaching the end zone on a 2-yard tipped-ball reception against Cincinnati Sept. 6.

What about that touchdown?

It was a great feeling. Great atmosphere at our place, and getting a touchdown at home is the greatest feeling in the world, beside making a pancake block for one of our guys.

So you don't mind playing fullback?

It's not the most glamorous position, but it is a key to the Oklahoma offense. Having a fullback gives our coaching staff the ability to do just a little bit more with our offense, to be able to mix it up and keep the defense on their toes.

How frustrating have the last two years been?

It was two years ago I had a high ankle sprain. Then last year I came out pretty strong after a good summer and good two-a-days, and Coach (Kevin) Wilson decided to redshirt me. It was pretty tough. After going through that and working hard in the summer and into camp, I wanted to start. It was kind of disappointing. But in the end, it turned out really, really well for me. Now I've got this year and next year to improve.

Have you shown teammates around your old stomping grounds the last two years at the Fiesta Bowl?

When we get time off after practice and stuff, we go out. Shuttle buses take us around. I'll show them where are the good places to eat and things like that. I'll point to the direction I live at, but not show 'em my house.

You get a hard time over losing those two bowls?

Actually, quite a few people give me hard time about those games. But, you know, I pretty much expect that from everybody going back home.

MATT CLAPP FACTS

Position: Fullback

Class: Junior

Height: 6-3

Weight: 234

Hometown: Phoenix

By GUERIN EMIG AND JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writers

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tulsaGuy, (10/2/2008 11:19:22 AM)

Love the Sooners... but Matt, cut the hair. At best it looks like your pretentious like Steven Segal, at worst it looks like a mullet.

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