Bucks swoop in and snag Clark
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Few coaches in the history of college football have closed a recruiting class stronger than Urban Meyer has during his career and the surprise commitment James Clark goes a long way in proving that as the Buckeyes beat out the heavily favored Gators for the signature of the 4-star wide receiver out of New Smyrna Beach (Fla.).
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder shocked many when he opted to take an official visit to Columbus (Ohio) in late January rather than a planned trip to Gainesville (Fla.) but many recruiting experts brushed it off as just a chance to see another campus. Meyer and his staff however did enough to wow the big time receiver and earn a commitment over Florida and Clemson, his two other finalists.
"I just felt there was a greater opportunity for me than just the school that is two hours away," Clark said after announcing for Ohio State. "It just felt like the perfect fit and I fell in love with it and I knew that was the place for me."
Clark came onto the Ohio State radar rather late in the process but it is safe to say that few prospects across the nation are not aware of who Meyer is, especially a player in the state of Florida. Couple that with Ohio State's 12-0 season in 2012 and it gave the Buckeyes a lot of credibility when they got on board late.
In 2012 Clark caught 49 passes for 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns and is known as a speedster on the field. The Buckeyes have been looking to upgrade the speed of the team and Clark will fit right in with players like Dontre Wilson, Corey Smith and Jalin Marshall just to name a couple of offensive weapons.
"Coach Meyer is a Florida guy so he is trying to get all the speed he can," Clark added. "He let me know I have to get ready for the season and learn the offense because they are expecting me to play."
Clark made his decision known at his high school in front of his friends, family and teammates and we will have more on this breaking news including the impact of Clark's decision for the Ohio State offensive makeup. Keep it here at BuckeyeGrove.com.
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