2017 Louisiana 4-Star LB Josh Clark Talks Ole Miss Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Monday, June 13, 2016, was a big night for 30-plus Division-I teams. Louisiana four-star linebacker Josh Clarke was set to commit at 6:00 p.m. local time. The anticipation was building, even delayed by about an hour by Clarke. In the end, Ole Miss added another key piece to their 2017 recruiting landing the Riverdale High School standout.
Clarke jumped on recruiting boards across the country after he came up with 149 tackles, 18 sacks, six forced fumbles, six interceptions, and three touchdowns during his junior season. Clarke lined up primarily at outside linebacker but also played as a rush defensive end on key passing downs. His frame, listed at 6’3”, 220 pounds, and speed, 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash, could make him a next level player at any of the three linebacker positions depending on how his body keeps filling out.
The teams hoping to lure Clarke out of the New Orleans area included Florida, Texas, Arizona State, Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss, Georgia, Arkansas State, Cincinnati, Louisville, Louisiana-Lafayette, Missouri, Tulane, Iowa State, Texas-San Antonio, Idaho, Indiana, Tennessee, Colorado, and Oklahoma, just to name a few.
Josh broke a lot of hearts when he posted his statement on Twitter:
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Clarke just after his commitment to Ole Miss to get the behind the scenes story on his decision to pledge to the Rebels.
Interview
Josh, first, congratulations on your commitment to Ole Miss.
“Thank you.”
What influenced you to commit to Ole Miss today?
“A lot of reasons, but mainly coming in with a chance to start as a freshman. I don’t have that same opportunity with other schools. The fans – they love me. They treat me like I have been there already playing for Ole Miss.”
When did you decide you were going to commit to Ole Miss?
“About two weeks ago.”
When did you tell the coaching staff?
“I told Coach (Maurice) Harris (recruiting coordinator) yesterday.”
How did Coach Harris respond to the good news?
“He was surprised but he had a feeling I was coming there.”
Were you nervous when you were on the phone with Coach Harris about to commit to Mississippi?
“I was a little nervous but I felt relief. Committing took a lot of stress off me.”
Do you still plan to take your other four official visits during your senior season other than one to Ole Miss?
“Yeah, I’m still taking my visits.”
Do you know which schools yet?
“No, I don’t know which schools yet.”
Were there any other schools recruiting you that made this decision tough?
“There were a few, but I’m going to keep them quiet for now.”
Understood. Are you going to start recruiting other players to join you at Ole Miss?
“Yes sir.”
Do you have any players on your short list already?
“Probably Todd Harris and Trace Willis. I have a few other guys in mind.”
How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?
“Right now, I don’t know, but I’m going to think of something.”
Are you going to any camps coming up?
“I’m going to a LSU camp and Ole Miss camp next month.”
Josh, again, congratulations on your commitment to Ole Miss today and good luck at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Ole Miss 2017 Verbal Commitment List (6)
LB Josh Clarke, 6-3, 220, Riverdale HS, New Orleans, LA
DE Bryan Jones, 6-5, 240, Madison Prep, Baton Rouge, LA
DE Markel Winters, Jones County J.C., Ellisville, MS
OL Ben Brown, 6-4, 285, St. Aloysius HS, Vicksburg, MS
QB Alex Faniel, 6-5, 225, Glen Allen HS, Glen Allen, VA
ATH/WR D.D. Bowie, 6-1, 200, Morton HS, Morton, MS
Photo credit: Clarke family; Josh Clarke at Ole Miss