'11 OH OL Donovan Clark (Michigan State Verbal)

[Mopper]

That's a good thing. It may be a two school race between UC and OSU. Hopefully the coaching staff can close it out. I think Tennessee could be a wild card. I think USC is less likely with all the sanctions but you never know because of Monte Kiffin.

it coming down to UC and OSU is my bet as well. USC offered him before the sanctions came down and now that they lost the scholarships they are going to be really focused on getting the best 15 guys they can

 

[Little Danny]

I think Clark would make a huge mistake by going to OSU. I am not trying to imply the athletes at OSU are better than at UC, but what is true is that OSU has a number of young offensive linemen who were rated much higher than Clark who will be starting and in the two deep depth chart for the next few years. At best, Clark would not be playing in his first couple years at OSU and possibly not until his senior year. AT UC, he will likely crack the two deep after a year, if not starting.

 

[Thegreatone]

OSU is very selective with who they offer. I wont be shocked if he doesnt get an offer.

 

[JasonS]

I wonder what his position would be here? Would he be a guard or would we play him at DT? I suppose he could even play tackle but we've already landed two guys who are of the left tackle mold. I've heard he is big and athletic but needs some work.

I am assuming, if he went to USC, he would be switching to the defensive side of the ball (hence my comment about Monte Kiffin). At UC he may need to play DL if he wants to see the field early in his career.

 

[psax889906]

I think Clark would make a huge mistake by going to OSU. I am not trying to imply the athletes at OSU are better than at UC, but what is true is that OSU has a number of young offensive linemen who were rated much higher than Clark who will be starting and in the two deep depth chart for the next few years. At best, Clark would not be playing in his first couple years at OSU and possibly not until his senior year. AT UC, he will likely crack the two deep after a year, if not starting.

See Connor Smith... though there is the school of thought that believes he was going to end up a relative bust no matter where he went... US Army All-American out of high school and he's struggled his entire career (I think he's a redshirt senior this coming year) to crack the two-deep at OSU...

 

[Little Danny]

Would've been nice to see Connor Smith playing on the OL for the two time defending Big East champs. What more could he have asked for, he could have been reunited with high school coach, former teammates and could have made a short trek up the road to go home.

 

[psax889906]

Would've been nice to see Connor Smith playing on the OL for the two time defending Big East champs. What more could he have asked for, he could have been reunited with high school coach, former teammates and could have made a short trek up the road to go home.

That family bleeds Scarlet and Grey though... I don't blame him, necessarily, just don't think it was the smartest move football wise... but, I'm not going to be the one to say he can't go to his dream school, where his father played football, on a full scholarship... his younger brother is there now as well... went as a preferred walk on I believe... don't know if he's earned a scholarship or not...

 

[oldtimer1979]

FYI - Didn't see Clark at MSU camp yesterday. Talk was he was going to camp there, but never seen him.

 

[JasonS]

Finneytown lineman Donavon Clark visiting Tennessee on Wednesday.
MikeDyer (Twitter)

 

[JasonS]

MikeDyer Finneytown OL Donavon Clark to take official visits to UC, Tennessee and Michigan State in Sept.
about 1 hour ago From Twitter

 

[psax889906]

MikeDyer Finneytown OL Donavon Clark to take official visits to UC, Tennessee and Michigan State in Sept.
about 1 hour ago From Twitter

I guess that means OSU has backed off...

 

[Thegreatone]

Can you back off when you dont offer someone?

 

[psax889906]

Can you back off when you dont offer someone?

Let me clarify:

I assume that means that OSU's interest or lack there of in Clark is more concrete now and he will not be receiving an offer, though nothing is ever certain... in that, Clark realizes this and stops wasting his time chasing after OSU... it's a two fold thing, especially with programs like OSU... they don't have to recruit players, players recruit themselves to Columbus and accept being a second, third or fourth option in turn for getting a chance to wear the ever enticing scarlet and grey.

Regardless, this is only a good thing... UC doesn't need another OL but if Clark were to commit they would certainly take him.

 

[psax889906]

Clark has scheduled officials:

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/preps/2010/08/11/clark-schedules-official-visits/

Tennessee, Michigan St. and UC.

 

[JMac84]

You sound like you want to wear scarlet and gray, haha.

 

[psax889906]

You sound like you want to wear scarlet and gray, haha.

It sounds enticing, doesn't it?... especially if you're a high school recruit... hopefully in a few more years the same will be said for the red and black of UC...

 

[Thegreatone]

I am pleased we are scheduled last of all the schools and he is visiting for the OU game.

 

[psax889906]

I am pleased we are scheduled last of all the schools and he is visiting for the OU game.

Not to place TOO MUCH emphasis on that game but a victory could be so big for the program in so many ways.

 

[Racinejake]

Not to place TOO MUCH emphasis on that game but a victory could be so big for the program in so many ways.

Agreed. I think there will be a lot of recruits who decide to take their official visit to UC that day because it's such a big game. A packed house at PBS and a win (or at least a very competitive game) I think will go a long way.

 

[JasonS]

Finneytown senior OL Donavon Clark to announce college decision at 3:15 p.m. Wednesday at the school

MikeDyer (twitter)