Indian River’s Clark commits to University at Albany

PHILADELPHIA — Rayshan Clark’s smile, the one that flashes across the Indian River senior’s face most of the time, told the whole story.

Flanked by his proud parents, Margaret Miller and Richard Clark, friends and teammates, Clark officially committed to play football at the University at Albany during Wednesday’s ceremony at the high school.

Clark, the Times All-North Section 3 MVP for his prowess on the field, acknowledged afterward that the support of the Indian River community made what he did Tuesday possible.

“Everybody has been so welcoming to me and my family,’’ said Clark, who played wingback on offense and linebacker/safety on defense for the Warriors this past season. “It took a lot of hard work to get to this point, and for thank I thank coach (Corey) Marsell and his staff for constantly pushing me to get better.’’

Clark is projected as a safety at Albany, where he will play for longtime coach Bob Ford, who has head the varsity program since its inception in 1973. The Great Danes, who compete in the Northeast Conference as part of the Football Championship Subdivision, finished 8-4 this past season and earned their initial FCS playoff berth.

“Albany felt like family to me, just like here the last two years,’’ Clark said. “Coach Ford is kind of like the Joe Paterno of the FCS schools he’s been around so long.’’

Clark said Albany has told him “to be ready to compete for a position right away. And to hit the weight room.’’

Listed now at 185 pounds, Clark said Albany coaches would like to see him at 215 pounds when he begins preseason drills in August.

Marsell, who deployed Clark all over the field on both offense and defense, described Clark as “a high energy guy with great character and athleticism. But what set him apart was his passion for the game, his ability to lead others and his positive approach. Rayshan never gave up on offense or defense no matter what the circumstances. He was a tremendous role model to the young kids in our program.’’

Offensively, Clark rushed for 601 yards and caught passes for another 353 yards.

But defense is where he stood out. Roaming all over the field, from sideline to sideline, Clark had 45 tackles, four interceptions and four fumble recoveries. He scored an incredible four defensive touchdowns, and had a kickoff return for a score.

Marsell uses the word “dynamic’’ to describe Clark’s play. “Every time he touched the ball or had a chance to make a big play on defense, Rayshan delivered,’’ Marsell said. “But he was also a humble kid who was a totally committed team player.’’

Indian River athletic director Jay Brown relayed a story that perfectly sums up Clark’s impact on Indian River.

“A recruiter called and asked if I had a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old, would I be comfortable leaving them with Rayshan,’’ Brown said. “I said absolutely. He’s a wonderful young man with a good head on his shoulders that cares deeply about the people around him.’’

After injuring his wrist at the end of his junior year, Clark told Marsell he would “work harder than ever and be more dedicated than ever’’ for his senior season.

“He certainly lived up to his promise,’’ Marsell said. “Rayshan was always the first one to practice and the last to leave.’’

Clark is also a fine student, who has taken a rigorous course load at Indian River to prepare him for the dual life of a college student and athlete.

“I think I’ve prepared well for what’s ahead athletically and academically,’’ Clark said. “But I’ll never forget my Warriors Family no matter what happens.’’

Clark would like to study physical therapy as a career.