“It was rough mentally and physically with injuries. I not only lost strength but also weight in general,” the Ohio offensive lineman said. “I tried to stay optimistic and remind myself that God had a bigger purpose and plan for me. Post surgery I weighed 239 (pounds) and could not lift a lot (of weight). Now I am at 305 and putting up really good numbers in the weight room because of the consistent work I did.”
While other schools backed off because of his knee injury, Kentucky did not.
“I trusted God that it would be alright. Kentucky stayed with me,” Clark said. “Coach (Vince) Marrow was at the school to see me whenever possible. He’s a great guy.”
Clark considers himself an aggressive run blocker in part because of his wrestling background. He also says he has quick feet needed in pass protection.
“I like to think I am quick enough to beat my guy no matter how fast they might be and use my leverage to my advantage,” he said. “The more physical the game, the more I like it. There were some other options on the table for me but Kentucky just always seemed like the best option.”
Clark knows UK commit Cedric Works, a four-star edge rusher who was his teammate in Ohio before he transferred to Frederick Douglass in Lexington for his senior season.
“He is an amazing athlete and also a good friend,” Clark said about the 6-5, 230-pound Works. “We went one-on-one a lot and were constantly battling. It’s good to see him have the opportunity he does and he’ll be a great teammate at Kentucky.
“He makes plays that matter at the right time. Once he gets to college his strength will go up. He’s already a heck of an athlete.”
