2017 QB Danny Clark Decommits from Ohio State after nearly Four Years

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A change in offensive style of play at Ohio State seemingly led to a parting of ways on Tuesday with the announced decommitment of quarterback Danny Clark.

The decommitment may come as a surprise to most OSU fans, but then again the writing may have been on the wall for some time. Clark committed to the Buckeyes in 2013 and has been a vocal supporter of the program ever since, even getting an OSU tattoo. The rift may have started on June 11 when four-star Bishop Gorman dual-threat quarterback Tate Martell committed to the Buckeyes. If OSU is committed to running a spread attack going forward, Clark’s pro-style play does not fit the scheme when a quarterback who can run is needed.

Clark posted his decommitment on Twitter writing, “Out of respect for coaches on OSU staff, I will not be answering any questions on this topic. Ever…” The post was followed by a statement:

 

Clark is the starting quarterback for Archbishop Hoban after transferring from Massillon High School. Hoban is off to a 4-1 start this season after posting a 14-1 record a year ago winning an Ohio state title with Clark leading the way.

The 6-4, 223 pound, quarterback has a reported offer from Illinois with interest from Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan State and Toledo. Colleges in need of a pro-style quarterback are sure to start looking Clark’s way after his decommitment opening up his options going forward.

The Buckeyes class now has 17 verbal commitments and is still rated the No. 1 overall haul in the nation by Rivals.

Ohio State Buckeyes 2017 Verbal Commitment List (17)

SS Isaiah Pryor, 6-2, 190, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL

SS Brendon White, 6-2, 190, Olentangy Liberty, Powell, OH

CB Shaun Wade, 6-2, 180, Trinity Academy, Jacksonville, FL

CB Amir Riep, 5-11, 185, Colerain HS, Cincinnati, OH

CB Marcus Williamson, 5-10, 180, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL

LB Antjuan Simmons, 6-1, 200, Pioneer HS, Ann Arbor, MI

DE Chase Young, 6-5, 225, DeMatha Catholic, Hyattsville, MD

DT Jerron Cage, 6-2, 279, Winton Woods, Cincinnati, OH

DT Haskell Garrett, 6-1, 286, Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV

OG Wyatt Davis, 6-5, 310, St. John Bosco, Bellflower, CA

OG Jake Moretti, 6-5, 280, Pomona HS, Arvada, CO

OT Josh Myers, 6-5, 280, Miamisburg HS, Miamisburg, OH

RB J.K. Dobbins, 5-10, 195, La Grange HS, La Grange, TX

QB Tate Martell, 5-10.5, 203, Bishop Gorman, Las Vegas, NV

WR Trevon Grimes, 6-3, 202, St. Thomas Aquinas, Fort Lauderdale, FL

WR Tyjon Lindsey, 5-9, 161, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, NV

K Blake Haubeil, 6-3, 200, Canisius HS, Buffalo, NY

 

Decommitted

RB Todd Sibley, 5-10, 210, Archbishop Hoban, Akron, OH

QB Danny Clark, 6-2, 225, Archbishop Hoban, Akron, OH

 

Photo credit: cleveland.com;  Danny Clark celebrates a state tile win.