The Recruiting Guy

Clarksville junior lineman a 'physical freak'

Clarksville Michael Powell

The June 16 Arkansas camp was loaded with talent from several states, but it wasn’t enough to overshadow Clarksville junior lineman Michael Powell, who possesses nice size and athleticism.

Clarksville coach Khris Buckner, who quarterbacked the Panthers to the state semifinals in 1995 as a senior, previously coached in Nebraska and Kansas before being hired in 2016 to head the program.

He said Powell was able to impress at the Razorback Night Camp despite not having time to prepare.

“He’s a physical freak,” Buckner said. “He came off three weeks of summer school without training at that camp. He trimmed up some and is 6-4, 305, and can pull for us on reverses and counters. Very raw, but when he locks on to D-lineman, he usually drives them 15 yards downfield. He plays high on defense at times, and we are continuing to work on technique with him and use his hands properly.”

Powell is drawing interest from Arkansas, Memphis and Mississippi State, but Buckner expects more to get involved.

“I do believe he will be a late bloomer because of him being so raw,” Buckner said.

In the first two games of the season, Powell has recorded 6 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Buckner coached former Cleveland Browns running back Luke Lundy at Auburn High school in Nebraska.

“He’s the most God-given talented kid I’ve coached, and I had a couple D1 guys in Nebraska, and one played for the Browns,” Buckner said.

Powell, who wears a size 16 shoe, is a joy to be around.

“Attitude has been awesome for us and his teachers,” Buckner said.