Freshman offensive lineman Micah Clark came to Rutgers this past January as one of the highest-ranked recruits to join the program in some time. Clark had some struggles adjusting to the college game through the spring, but now appears to be hitting his stride.

“[Micah is] showing the promise that we expected him to show at an early age,” head coach Chris Ash said of Clark. “And he'll be a guy that definitely we hope to be in the two-deep here by the time we're done with training camp.”

Clark has been playing strictly at right tackle throughout camp and talked about what has changed in him since the spring.

“I am really just getting more mature. And also, my weight has been progressing. I am more focused and mature and I am focusing on what I have to do to potentially play here at Rutgers; that is studying film and my playbook.”

Clark has also had a lot of individual help from one of his teammates.

“Zack Heeman has been helping me,” Clark said. “He is a mentor for me. I told him ‘if you ever see me goofing off, then nudge him and tell me to knock it off. Don’t hold anything back.’ That is really the only way I am going to learn.”

Since Clark arrived at Rutgers in January, he has put on a total of 45 pounds.

“I was a little light after wrestling season. I came in here around 250 [pounds] and now I am up to 295.”

The four-star ranking is now a thing of the past for Clark as he admitted that he needed to come in and reestablish himself.

“I knew I came in behind. I had to catch up and learn the playbook,” Clark said. “I had to learn the first steps of becoming a pro. I had to learn the basics and start from the bottom. That meant late-night film sessions, trying to cram in playbook work before bed. I just have to devote myself to loving the game of football.”

That has allowed Clark to inch closer to playing this season.

“It is a possibility, but I need to really know the plays and build that trust in my fellow teammates so they want me on the line with them,” Clark said.

And what if Clark winds up redshirting this season?

“That would be just another year for me to really learn our playbook and really get adjusted to college life. It is whatever is best for the team.”