Micah Clark, the leader of Rutgers' 2017 class and all in for the future
Rutgers had a pair of rough outings against Michigan and Ohio State, although four-star offensive lineman commit Micah Clark is confident in the process and plans on helping the Scarlet Knights turn things around in the future. Clark took some time out to tell Scarlet Nation about how he became an unofficial leader for the 2017 class.
“I kind of just fell into the role as a leader,” said Clark. “I like to think me and Johnathan Lewis are two leaders in this class. He’s the quarterback and he’s working hard to build the relationships that are needed. He constantly talks to the wide receivers and running backs and has the commitment to keep everyone connected. On my end, I usually talk to the O-line and D-line and do the same exact thing.”
After two RU shutout losses to Ohio State and Michigan, Clark is staying positive and working hard to keep guys committed, in addition to reaching out to other recruits throughout the state.
“I keep telling guys to not get so caught up in how people are saying Rutgers did this wrong or their comments about losing again,” Clark said with enthusiasm. “Not everything is going to happen in a blink of an eye. As far as non-committed guys, I keep telling them think about being a part of a team that will be recognized as taking RU back to the top and help lead Rutgers in the right direction.”
The St. John Vianney brother duo of Clark and Jamaal Beaty committed to Rutgers back in April. All the while, Clark has been extremely vocal about his support and his commitment to the Scarlet Knights.
“Honestly, I committed to Rutgers because I want to be that guy who reps the state of New Jersey,” Clark stated. “I want to be the first class to start and help build Rutgers to what they truly can be. I want to be part of that stepping stone class and I want to have big time New Jersey recruits see that and come and join us at Rutgers.”
During the recruiting process, the relationship wasn’t always this perfect between Clark and Rutgers. However, that all started to change once Chris Ash took over as head coach. Ash immediately turned all of his recruiting focus to Clark.
“What made me go for Rutgers in the beginning was having Coach Ash come to see me first before any other recruit,” Clark said. “It really just opened my eyes to Rutgers and it showed me how passionate he was about me and the passion he had to turn around this program. The family atmosphere also played a big part. My brother and I would go to practices and Coach [AJ] Blazek and Ash would come up to us to talk to us almost immediately. Once I felt that family connection at Rutgers, I knew I needed to stay and this place is where I should be.”
Between trips to Rutgers, his current football season, and focusing on his education, Clark still manages to find time to try and recruit some others to join him and his brother.
He currently has his eyes set on one big name New Jersey athlete.
“I really want D-Wade [Dalyn Wade-Perry] to join us,” said Clark. “The kid is huge and he’s a force to be reckoned with on the inside. He has the spark and energy on the D-line that we need at Rutgers. I tell him all the time ‘don’t forget where you came from and think about how cool it would be to have your family come watch you anytime you play at home.’”
Clark and his brother have attended every Rutgers home game so far, but they will be missing the next one against Illinois because of a prior obligation. Although Clark did confirm that the two will most likely be at every other home game this year.