R250 TE Clark picks Michigan

Chris Clark had it all set up. The Rivals250 tight end from Avon (Conn.) Avon Old Farms was going to take visits to Ohio State, Michigan State, Michigan and North Carolina before committing on July 10. It turns out Clark couldn't wait any longer.

"The big reason I committed now is I want to start recruiting for the class," said the 6-foot-6, 253-pound Clark. "I think a lot can happen in recruiting in the next two or three weeks before I was scheduled to announce. I didn't want to miss out on that. If some kids see that I'm going there and see what Michigan is building they'll want to go there. My mom and dad thought that today was a great day to do it. I couldn't feel more comfortable with this school."

Clark explained that this choice wasn't just about football.

"I just think the relationships I have with the coaches, coach Hoke and coach Nussmeier," he said. "They're two incredible guys that I really like. I just think this sets me up for after my football career. The networking at Michigan and the people you meet. It's a really good opportunity. I want to be sure that, once my football career ends, I'll have great connections and I'll be ready for the next chapter in my life. With a Michigan degree you can do a lot."

Clark feels that the Michigan coaches will help maximize his talent.

"I feel as comfortable as you could possibly feel with the coaches," said Clark. "I think they have a great plan for me in the offense. Coach Nussmeier has a great track record with tight ends and now that he's at Michigan he has a good idea of what he wants to do with the tight ends. He has so many plans for in the offense for me and how he can use my strengths. I feel like I'm coming into a great situation and the recruiting class is going to continue to get better. I just think this is the perfect fit."

This commitment to the Wolverines is Clarks second commitment and he has been the target of a lot of scrutiny since he decommitted from North Carolina but Clark has a message for those who think he will not be signing with Michigan.

"I'm done," he said emphatically. "If they ask you can tell them to call me and I'll tell them what I just told you."

Clark was named as one of the top overall offensive performers at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.