Kentucky offensive lineman Jayden Clark with UK recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow. (X Photo)
High school football recruiting consultant/analyst Dave Berk knows talent in Ohio after first working for Scout.com and then starting his own business in 2016. That’s why when he saw Jayden Clark play in 2022 when he was a sophomore offensive lineman, he really liked what he saw and knew he could be a Division I player.
“He showed the ability to move laterally with good bend at the knees. He had solid tools early, but missed his junior season with an injury. He has come back stronger this season,” Berk said.
The 6-4, 305-pound offensive lineman from Northmont (Ohio) High School verbally committed to Kentucky last week. He chose the Wildcats over West Virginia, Cincinnati and others after UK won at Ole Miss.
Berk was not surprised with Clark’s choice considering he had made several visits to UK.
“(Recruiting coordinator) Vince (Marrow) continues to do a great job of connecting with young people and selling the UK brand of playing in the SEC for a head coach who has stability in his job,” Berk said.
Clark missed his junior season after tearing a knee ligament at a recruiting event that caused some schools to back off. Kentucky stayed connected with the three-star prospect, who has a 3.8 grade-point average, and it paid off.
“He plays in a great high school conference that produces talent every year. He will come in well balanced as a run blocker and in pass pro. He has been challenged but I feel his best football has yet to be played,” Berk said.
