Clark is still strong with Kansas

Independence (Kan.) Community College cornerback Dave Clark made a verbal commitment to Kansas last April, and he has not looked back since despite still being pursued by other schools.

"I'm 100 percent," Clark stated. "I think I've got my mind set on where I want to be."

Kansas State, Auburn, Oregon and other programs continued to recruit Clark after he made his commitment to the Jayhawks, but the only visit he took was to Kansas.

"I got out there for a game against Duke early on in the year," Clark reported. "I really liked the environment and my future teammates welcomed me there. The coaches are great and it's a great program they've got going on there. I just loved it and everything seemed on point."

At 6-2 and 190 pounds, Clark is a bigger cornerback prospect, but Kansas has had positive, previous experience with cornerbacks of that size. Former Jayhawk Aqib Talib was a 6-1, 205-pounder playing cornerback. He went on to be a first round draft pick last spring and is having an exceptional rookie season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"When I first committed the comparisons were made between me and Aqib because of the size, how physical we both are and how we approach the game," Clark noted. "There is a high expectation for me to come in and start, but I'm just looking to come in and be another key to a great team."

Clark has had a lot of time this fall to consider his future because he did not suit up for Independence this season while nursing a knee injury. Clark's absence was a loss for Independence, but it is a benefit for Kansas who will have another year to utilize his services on the field.

"I sat out this year and redshirted," Clark said. "Everything is fine now, but I'm going to have to work real hard to get back into playing shape. [The winter semester] will help a lot because I am in a good program with one of the best trainers in the nation, so I think everything will be great and I'll be ready to go [next fall]."

Clark will graduate from Independence in December and enroll at Kansas in January with three years of eligibility left.