Clark growing as a player and leader

Long-time Ohio State commit Danny Clark was out and back at it again this weekend in Columbus, making two separate appearances at Rivals Camp Series events and throwing the rock around with teammates and fellow top recruits. The 6-foot-4, 236-pound quarterback has been working hard this offseason and brought that to the Rivals Quarterback Challenge.

“It’s pretty chilly out there, but we’re hoping to get it done and get some good quality reps in. It’s good to compete against other guys who are good players, so I’m excited to throw around with some of these other good guys and come away with something,” Clark said. “I want to bring something back to Akron that I don’t know before and to try and improve my game a little bit and have a good time.”

Clark was the leader and quarterback of last year’s Akron Hoban Knights state champion team, alongside fellow Ohio State commit and running back Todd Sibley, Indiana signee and wide receiver Jonah Morris, and many other top players. He’s hoping his personal improvements, as well as those of his teammates, will lead to another successful season.

“Our expectations are perfection. That’s what we’re striving for every single day – to be the best, be the fastest, be the strongest, and score the most points. The biggest thing right now is instilling the ‘nose to the grindstone’ mentality to the younger guys and everybody else on the team,” Clark said. “Last year is done and over, so we’ve got to focus on what’s here and now. We’re doing a good job of it and we just need to keep working.”

He’s matured not just as a player however, but as a leader on and off the field.

“My pep talks have definitely gotten a little better over the years,” Clark joked. “When you’re a senior, you mature into the role of a leader. I think I’ve been pretty mature throughout the whole varsity process, but you have new things you can talk about. You can compare yourself to guys because you’ve had different life experiences and you can set a good example. That’s all I try to do. All my guys work hard and we love each other and we’re a big family.”

Clark has made sure to maintain his role as a leader not just among his teammates now in high school, but among future teammates as well. He’s been instrumental in building Ohio State’s excellent 2017 recruiting class.

“It’s been a blast building the 2017 class,” Clark said. “A lot of great players and great kids have come over to the scarlet and gray and just to see it grow is something special. It’s really cool.”

Clark always keeps an eye turned toward the future and has maintained regular contact with all of Ohio State’s offensive coaches, including quarterbacks coach Tim Beck, on what he needs to be doing to be on track to excel at Ohio State. Clark is prepared to come in and compete on day one.

“Right now, I’m focusing every day on getting better with my team, but after that it’s whatever coach thinks is best for me. I’m going to come in prepared to do what I need to do, but there’s going to an older veteran in Joey Burrow there ahead of me, along with a couple other guys,” Clark said. “Joey is a great quarterback and a great guy too. I’ll go there and compete and do what they want me to do.”

Throughout his entire process and preparation to enter the college ranks, Clark has been supported by legions of Ohio State fans, something he’s very thankful to the Buckeye faithful for. He wants them to know he’s returning that in kind with hard work and knows his expectations.

“I’m working hard in the weight room and getting faster on the track. I’ve been having a blast throughout this whole recruiting process and I just want to thank everybody for how kind and supportive they’ve been,” Clark said.