Diamond in the Rough: Ja’Darius Clark

Ja’Darius Clark is 6’2 174lbs 4 star junior defensive back from Alexandria High School in Alexandria, Louisiana. Clarks runs a 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, has a shuttle time of 4.3, and can bench 225. Clark already has offers from LSU, Tulane, and ULL.

When did you become introduced to the game of football?

I first started to play football when I was nine years old. I started playing organized football in the little league division.

What are somethings that football has taught you?

With my teammates I found a brotherhood and how to be a part of one. Growing up I really didn’t have people that were close to me like that but now I found a brotherhood. Football has taught me how to depend on other people and also being dependable to others as well.

What is your style of play?

I have swagger in my style of play, I am very gritty and scrappy football player, and I am very furious.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

I really look up to Kam Chancellor and Grant Delpit. Kam Chancellor is like one of the big dogs in the NFL and he makes big time plays. Grant Delpit makes big time plays also even at the college level. I want to work my way up to be like them at the next level.

What is your most memorable game?

When I ran it back 95 yards against West Monroe on a kick return my sophomore year.

Are there any other hobbies you enjoy besides football?

I enjoy playing baseball its very fun. I play centerfield and I pitch for the Alexandria baseball team.

What made you decide to play defensive back?

Coming in as a freshman I wanted to play wide receiver, but I saw that they had different studs at wide receiver so it made me want to try something new and to see if I could work my way up. I eventually end up playing cornerback and then I worked my way up to safety, which helped me.

What are your strengths on the field?

I mean everything I do is a strength for me.

What have you been focusing on trying to get better at?

I have been working on my footwork, if I want to play college ball then I have to get better footwork. My feet are very well right now but that is for high school and I want my footwork to be great for college.

What are your goals for your senior year?

For my team I want to make it to the dome because we haven’t been there in a very long time and personally I just want to work hard at everything I could possibly do.