Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to Saturday, 4-star rated (according to 247Sports) DT prospect Khairi Clark had quite the recruiting list to choose from. With schools on that list such as the Alabama Crimson Tide, Florida State Seminoles and the LSU Tigers–among a host of others, it was still predicted that the Hollywood, Fl native would want to stick as close to home as possible.
Another prediction that was made was that the 6-2, 325-pounder may actually choose to align himself with Al Golden and the Miami Hurricanes, getting ‘Canes fans all kinds of amped up as the program continues to try and rebuild its legacy.
Well, those hopes were all but thrown away on Saturday, as Clark announced that he would indeed be staying in the state of Florida, just not as a Hurricane.
The Chaminade-Madonna Prep recruit made his verbal commitment official to Will Muschamp and the Florida Gators. Clark’s last visit to Gainesville was back on April 5, the weekend of the Gators’ spring game. So it appears that visit, coupled with consistent contact with primary recruiters Travaris Robinson and Brad Lawing, made a lasting impression on the powerful defensive force.
This is certainly a disappointment for the Hurricane faithful. If you are someone who pays dire attention to recruiting rankings and news, the prospects of Clark landing in Coral Gables were said to be all but done. Before Saturday’s announcement, a lot expected a commitment to the ‘Canes to come literally at any moment.
As far as the Gators go, they’re getting one of the more disruptive defensive line pieces in the country. Even at his size, he possesses the athleticism to eventually become an elite SEC defender. His initial explosion off of the snap is something that, as it progresses, will become a dangerous tool for Muschamp to play with. Clark’s conditioning is something that most scouts look at as a point that needs improvement, however–as I always say–a college strength and conditioning program can do wonders for someone like Clark.
But, for Golden and the Hurricanes, it’s now on to the next one.
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Jack is the ACC College Football Writer for Rant Sports. Follow Jack on Twitter @JackJ14RS
