Tom Clarkson regularly makes an impact wherever he goes.
Sort of easy to do when you’re 6’6” and 275 pounds.
The standout football player for Mission Secondary School, who will be entering Grade 12 in September, has made another mark for himself after being offered a full-ride scholarship to play with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels next year.
“I’ve always hoped and thought about [getting a scholarship], but I couldn’t believe it when I got it,” said the amiable athlete, who is following closely in his father Larry’s footsteps.
Larry Clarkson is a former B.C. Lion, and played for the San Francisco 49ers in the late 1980s. He did his college ball at the division one University of Montana.
Clarkson’s UNLV offer makes him the first MSS football player to attend a division one NCAA school.
The former Mission Niners player has been with the Roadrunners since 2009, and was quickly recognized for his strong performance on the field at the left tackle position on the offensive line.
He earned outstanding offensive lineman at MSS last year, and was also an all-star in the AA Mainland Conference.
As with many things in life, Clarkson said the support of his parents, and especially his three coaches — Jim Pearce, Kevin Watrin and Danny Jakobs — have enabled him to excel.