Frank Clark

A three-star linebacker recruit out of high school, Clark narrowed his college choice to Michigan, Michigan State or North Carolina, committing to the Wolverines. He played in 12 games as true freshman, mostly on special teams, recording 10 tackles in 2011. Clark earned four starts at defensive end in 2012 as a sophomore, finishing with 25 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He started all 13 games in 2013 as a junior and recorded 43 tackles, 12.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors. Clark started nine games as a senior before he was dismissed for an off-field incident, finishing the 2014 season with 42 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

in our view

Ted Ginn Sr.'s Glenville program in Cleveland has been a feeder school for Ohio State, but Clark was one of the few studs that the Buckeyes let get away and he ended up at that school up north. He left high school as a 210-pound linebacker and developed into a 270-pound bruiser off the edge, abusing blockers with quickness and power.

strengths

Powerful build with good body thickness - added 60+ pounds the last four seasons, working hard to develop his growth potential...quick first step upfield with sustained momentum to work off blocks and win the edge, taking sharp angles to the pocket...active, quick hands to work through blockers with excellent push-pull technique...sets up his moves and appears to have a rush strategy, making adjustments throughout the game.

attacks the chest of blockers and drives them backwards, locking out with his long arms...closes fast and violent...hyper-active motor with top-shelf hustle to finish through the whistle...relentless in pursuit and closes with violence...improved backfield vision with the discipline and recognition to stay at home, trusting his eyes and holding the edge...has some experience dropping in space with fluid feet and the natural instincts...productive starter with 35.0 tackles for loss in 26 career starts...attended counseling since his dismissal from michigan and has invested time and energy into reconciling the situation.

WEAKNESSES

almost too muscle bound, restricting his movements at times...overaggressive and will over-run plays due to his high-effort style...inconsistent leverage off the edge and prefers to use his natural ability over fundamentals...needs to consistently load more ammo into his punch...suspect anticipation in space and can be late to react - late off the snap too often...needs to better break down on the move to control his momentum and finish.

Worrisome off-field red flags - dismissed from the program after a domestic violence arrest (Nov. 2014) for allegedly striking his girlfriend in a hotel room (case is still pending); arrested (June 2012) and convicted of second-degree felony home invasion after stealing a laptop from a dorm room; pulled over for driving on the wrong side of the center line (March 2014) without proof of insurance or proper plates and had a bench warrant issued after he missed his court date.

clark takes pride in using his hands to work through blocks and he not only uses them, but understands how to use them, which is refreshing to see at the college level. his energetic and anxious style will cause him to play out of control at times, but he has the skill-set to start in the nfl as an edge rusher in a 4-3 or 3-4 defense. but clark's history of immaturity and poor decision-making away from the game are strong concerns and will eliminate him from draft consideration for several teams - he checked into counseling since his dismissal from michigan and has done enough damage control that he could hear his name called on day three of the draft.

--Dane Brugler

Attended Glenville High School (2011) coached by Ted Ginn Sr.

ran 40-yard dash in 4.53 seconds

Key Statistics

recorded 70 tackles and 19 sacks as a senior

caught 12 passes, including three for touchdowns, senior year.

Frank Clark was born June 14, 1993

enrolled in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts, majoring in general studies.