A few months ago, Trae Clark (Class of 2012, Colerain HS, Ohio) had limited offers and wasn’t receiving much action.
Fast-forward to the end of May, and the 6-foot-4, 320-pound defensive tackle is receiving continuous visits, as well as drawing tons of interest from some very impressive schools.
In fact, Clark may see his stock rising more than most players in his area.
One of his coaches, Coach Casey Meyers, is also very impressed with how Clark carries himself.
“He’s an impressive young man. It’s not often you see a kid that is as big as Trae is with the agility and strength he possesses.”
“His recruitment has really heated up, and Trae has really put in the work to be a great player.”
Trae considers his hand work and quick feet to be very vital to his game right now, along with something else that got him chuckling a little.
“I also take up space pretty good,” he said with laughs.
Meyers also considers his size to be very valuable for his high school squad:
“Without a doubt, Trae is going to be a force in the middle next year,” he said assured. “He forces double-teams and really keeps linemen off our linebackers.”
That will also be something very important for a college.
While many schools have hopped on his bus recently, Kentucky was one of the first teams to express interest in the defensive stud, and it could pay off for UK. Clark seems to be very interested in what Kentucky has to offer.
“I really like Kentucky. When I came to visit, I got the feeling it was a nice academic institution, and a place where you can study and get tutored very easily when needed,” Clark explained. “Football-wise, I love everything they have to offer.”
It is very unusual for any collegiate athlete to mention much about academics, but it is obvious a strong education is a focal point for his decision and future tenure in college.
When asked about what he was really looking for in a college, Clark did in fact mention some positive academic standards that would be a necessity for his future college”
“I want to get a quality education,” he began. “As far as football goes, I wouldn’t mind a hard playing, competitive conference, and a team that makes me feel at home.”
Several teams are vying for Clark’s services, and while he has no list yet, he does have some favorites in mind early.
South Florida, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Pittsburgh are five teams that he really likes as favorites right now, but in no order.
However, he did say, “USF and Arkansas are definitely both in the lead right now.”
UConn, Michigan, Syracuse, Marshall, Michigan State, and the latest to offer him, North Carolina State, are also interested in Clark, but they have tons of ground to make up at this point.
Fortunately for Kentucky, they seem to be right on the outside looking in. Steve Brown is really staying in touch with Clark and making him a top priority.
“Kentucky is recruiting me pretty well. Coach (Steve) Brown talks to me a lot, and he has made some visits to school to see me, too.”
Clark also notes that he is building a “good relationship” with Coach Brown and it is a positive impact on him.
A busy summer looks to be ahead of Clark, as he wants to take some visits and attend some camps before making his decision.
“I want to make my decision before my first game next season,” he noted.
Clark plans to visit Arkansas, USF, Pittsburgh, and Indiana this summer; however, he does know he needs to work on some things before he can be a truly-great player at the next level.
“I get winded too easily. I have to get in better shape so I can reach my full potential,” he said.
He has all summer to polish his skills and get in shape, but while the quarterback-hungry tackle is working on that, he will also have to decide on his college decision.
For now, it looks like a firm two-horse race between the Hogs and the Bulls.
UK and the rest of the schools will have to work to catch up with what Arkansas and South Florida have to offer at this point.
It’s going to be exciting to watch Clark’s recruitment pan out.
Also be sure to keep up with his Colerain team on the gridirion, as they look to compete for yet another state championship in the Cincinnati, Ohio area.
Follow Garrett Tucker on Twitter [URL=”https://twitter.com/GTuckersports”]@GTuckersports[/URL] for more info on Kentucky recruiting.
