Interview: 2022 Arkansas OL/DL Mark Welch Earns First Power 5 Offer from Kansas
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Watching a dominating offensive lineman getting after it in the trenches is one of many joys football brings to onlookers. When Mark Welch steps onto the field for Camden Fairview High School at right tackle, opposing 5A Arkansas defenders know they are in for a long night while fans in the stands know they are in for a treat. The 6-3, 300-pound, standout was a two-way performer for the Cardinals in 2019 with a bigger role expected on defense this fall. That versatility and athleticism where games are won brought the first of many offers Welch’s way on July 13 with the Kansas Jayhawks recognizing the skill, strength, and upside.
In a revisit to the RNG Lab, Welch covers ground on his offseason workouts and insight on receiving his first D-I offer.
*Click link for April 15 RNG interview with Mark Welch
Interview
Mark, we spoke a couple of months back covering all that you wanted to work on this offseason with your game. If you will update us, how are the offseason workouts coming along?
They are going great. We’ve been practicing for five or six weeks now, everything is going good. We are getting in better shape, and I am feeling great. In the weight room, I’ve been working on my hips and flexibility getting ready for the season.
You have quick hands and feet, what have you been doing to get even faster making all those movement muscle memory responses?
I have been working on getting faster by running hills, working with parachutes, footwork drills on ladders, and speed squats. I am doing a lot of leg workouts to help me get faster. With my hands, we have a dummy that I use or I go in my backyard hitting a tree working on hand pop off.
Defensive tackle will be a big role for you this season. How have you worked on that part of your game this summer?
I have not started on defense too much yet. Defense for me starts next week, I am ready to get into that.
On the offensive line, where will you be playing this season?
At right tackle.
Have you been watching film on college and/or NFL players for either side of the ball this offseason to learn more about the technique aspects to your positions?
Yes, sir. On defense, I have been watching DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys), even though he plays end. It is amazing seeing his get-off. At left tackle, I have been watching La’el Collins (Cowboys). What he is doing is the same concepts at right tackle. I am watching his footwork.
The maxes you had in the weight room were off the charts. What lifts and workouts have you been doing to increase your overall strength this summer?
This offseason I have been doing more reps, even if a little lighter. More reps turn into something greater. I have been going full-speed and working hard.
Have you had a chance to max out?
We have not maxed out yet, but I am in there on a daily basis. On bench, I am reping 235 pounds over five sets of eight on bench.
What has been the practice schedule for Fairview this summer?
We start at 8:00, stretch and then break up in sections; and we are all wearing masks. We work from there until 10 or 10:30. We do weights during practice sometimes too.
Let’s go into the big news from the last week. You picked up your first offer. Congrats.
Thank you.
Which school offered?
Kansas.
What was that moment like for you receiving that first big offer from a Power 5 program?
It was emotional. My coach told me; it was a blessing. My mom was there, she started crying. It was a great moment.
Very cool. Which other schools that you know of are showing interest?
Arkansas
Going forward, are there any schools you may visits?
I don’t know because of the virus. If anything changes, I will take visits.
Mark, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and your teammates success preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Welch family; Mark Welch shot put (2020)