Clark blowing up
New Smyrna Beach (Fla.) wide receiver James Clark concluded his spring season earlier this week. It was a productive month for the 5-foot-11, 170-pound wide receiver as his offer list exploded.
"I am not even real sure but I have heard 21," Clark said when asked how many offers he now has.
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To the best of his knowledge, Clark has offers from Auburn, Duke, Florida International, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Massachusetts, Memphis, Miami, Mississippi State, Northwestern, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, South Florida, SMU, Vanderbilt, and Wake Forest.
The Sunshine State product says that the attention isn't shocking to him, but nonetheless he is appreciative of the interest.
"If you work hard, I believe they will find you," Clark said of colleges dropping by New Smyrna Beach this spring. "I am just taking everything in. I am grateful for everything that I have."
At this stage of the process, Clark admits he hasn't given much thought to what schools stand out to him.
"Not really sure yet," Clark said. "I really want to narrow it down a little bit later. But first I have to do some research and learn more about my options."
When it comes time for Clark to find his future home, he is looking for an opportunity that is well-balanced both on and off the field.
"I want a school where I can get a good balance of education and have an opportunity to play football," Clark said.
Asked if the promise of early playing time would be a factor, Clark was quick to point out that he believes such an opportunity comes from hard work and effort.
"I believe you have to earn it," Clark said of early playing time. "Nothing is going to be handed to you in life."
A decision isn't likely to come from Clark any time in the immediate future.
"Probably later on," Clark said of his decision timeline. "Maybe after the football season."
Clark indicated that he will likely use a number of official visits before reaching a final decision.
As a junior, Clark scored 10 touchdowns in a variety of ways including rushing, receiving, and as a kick returner. At the wide receiver position, he had 28 receptions for 576 yards.
In addition to football, Clark is also a standout on the track, participating in the 100 and 200 meters. His personal best times in those events is 10.4 seconds in the 100 meters and 21.51 seconds in the 200 meters.