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There's no place like home. Or so the saying goes. Anthony Clark must have felt the same way, because on Tuesday he announced he has committed to his hometown Akron Zips, and will sign with them on National Signing Day, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
"Being from here and having my family here is exciting. We are going to do something," Clark told ABJ on his opportunity to sign with the Zips. "This is really a dream come true."
Clark is a 3-Star defensive end out of Akron's Buchtel High School, where he has started the past two seasons as a offensive guard and a defensive end. At 6-4, 250 pounds, Clark is considered the 53rd best strong-side defensive end prospect in the 2014 class.
Getting a commitment from Clark is somewhat of a coup for Zips' head coach Terry Bowden. Akron has struggled for years, and just completed its first season with more than one win since 2009. The Zips haven't had a winning season since 2005. Still, Clark, who was one of Akron's top targets, chose to join Bowden's program over offers from Pittsburgh, Ohio, rival Kent State and West Virginia, where many expected him to sign with.
Clark told the ABJ that his family, and getting a chance to make an impact were reasons behind his decision. "My grandma Nana [Constance Clark] is an Akron graduate and she means the world to me. She is the reason why I am staying home. Her, my father, [three] sisters, [two] brothers and mother are very important to me. ... For a long time Akron really didn't look at local talent, but coach [Terry] Bowden is turning this program around and we are ready to make some noise now," Clark added.
The addition of Clark is a huge boon to a Zips' recruiting class that was struggling to compete with the rest of the MAC. He instantly becomes the highest rated recruit in Akron's class, according to 247Sports composite ranking system. He's also the third confirmed commit from the city of Akron.
Clark get's to make his commitment official tomorrow, on National Signing Day, when players can begin signing their National Letters of Intent.
