Clark has been part of two-win Tigers teams the past two years. Ozark is 4-17 over that span, 2-9 last year with Clark emerging as a standout wide receiver and 2-8 two years ago with Clark beginning to show potential as a promising cornerback.
“We need to win, that's all I've got,” Clark said when asked about his expectations for this year. “It's not about me anymore. It's not about the yards or the stats anymore. I'll be honest, the last couple of years it was about me. But I've realized the team is bigger than me.
“What drives me is winning. That’s all I think about,” he added. “We haven't been winning and it makes me mad because we work so hard. I don't want our senior year to be a bust. We have high expectations. We're training hard to meet those expectations and exceed them."
Clark is coming off a breakout junior season that saw him earn an All-COC First-Team selection as a punter. He averaged 38.3 yards on 41 punts.
His All-COC selection could have easily had him categorized as an Athlete.
Clark kicked a game-winning 29-yard field goal with :28 left to beat Waynesville at Districts.
He turned in one of the most prolific seasons ever for an Ozark wide receiver, collecting 57 receptions for 682 yards and four touchdowns.
In addition, he rushed 21 times for 88 yards.
Clark isn’t terribly consumed by his numbers.
“I didn't think I would be where I am. I'm proud of myself for that,” he said. “But I don't think about (stats) that much. They don't stay with me.”
Clark is focused on his contributions also including leadership qualtiies.
“One thing me and coach (Jeremy) Cordell talked about was me being a leader. I've worked on that and I think I've gotten better,” he said. “I'm a leader, but not a vocal leader. I don't like to yell. But if I need to I will. I will try to make plays that will make for energy on the sideline. Then, (defensive players) will come out with energy, be hyped up and ready to go.”
Unlike some of his senior teammates, Clark wasn’t busy over the off-season attending college camps or showcases. He’s pondering whether he wants to continue his career at the next level.
“It's a decision that hasn't been made, yet,” Clark said. “I’ve been playing football the last 2,000 days of my life. There is potential there. But I'm not going to say yes. I don't want people to think I’m going to play if I'm not going to do it.
“Whenever the season is over, it will be time to move on and I will accept that,” he add... Click here to read full article
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