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DE, 6'6, 264, 4.75, 360 BP
Daytona Beach, FL
Nickname: Big Cat
Birthday: 2-23-81
High School: Mainland
HS Mascot: Buccaneers
HS Coach: John Moranto
HS Position: DE
HS Number: 44
Official Visits: Alabama
Second Choice: Florida
Host During Alabama Visit: Carlos Stennis
Committed: 1-13-99
Academic Status: Not Qualfied
Stats
HS Junior Season
Tackles
HS Senior Season
Tackles
Career
Tackles
Honors
- Three-time All-County
- Three-time All-Area
- Pigskin Preps -- South's 14th Best DE
SBR Scouting Report
Exceptional size and athleticism. Very raw prospect whose best football may be ahead of him. Played defensive end in high school and should get his first look at end in college as well. Has the frame to get heavier and move inside or make the conversion to the offensive line. Projects as a defensive end.
[Observation: senior game film.]
Stories
Dabo Did It!
Gerard Clark knew that Alabama had tradition. But he didn't know how much.
"I knew about Bear Bryant and everything," Clark says. "But I didn't know that they had won 12 national championships."
But Dabo Swinney made sure that he found out.
"Coach Swinney's the one that got me interested in Alabama," Clark says. "He told me things about the tradition that amazed me."
The tradition has slipped some the past few years. But that's what sold Clark on the Tide.
"They need some big-time players that can come in and help them turn it around," Clark says. "Coach Swinney says that they've had two great recruiting classes in a row and that we're the group that can put them over the top. I'm looking forward to being a part of that."
The Big Cat Makes Big Sack!
With 9 seconds left, Mainland was clinging to a four-point lead. But Palm Bay was threatening at the Bucs 19 yardline.
"We knew they were going to throw into the end zone," Gerard Clark says. "The only thing on my mind was a sack."
Clark |
Clark used a speed rush to explode past the blocker.
"The tight end never touched me," Clark says. "I had a clear shot at the quarterback."
And when he cocked to throw, 'Big Cat' sunk his claws into him.
"He never had a chance. I put him down pretty hard."
By the time the quarterback managed to struggle to his feet the game was over.
The win advanced Mainland into the quarterfinals of the playoffs.
Q&A
TI: Some people considered you one of the best defensive linemen in Florida. Did FSU and Florida recruit you?
GC: The deal with Florida State was that they were limited on scholarships. They invited me up to one of their games, but other than that I didn't talk much to them. Florida recruited me almost all the way through, but I pretty much knew that I was going to Alabama.
TI: Did you just want to leave Florida?
GC: It wasn't necessarily that. Alabama's got a great tradition just like Florida and FSU. But I think that there's a better opportunity to go in and play at Alabama. They're trying to get back to where they are used to being and I think I can help them do it.
TI: Are you going to play defensive end?
GC: Yeah, probably end. I could play tackle some too.
TI: What are your strengths?
GC: My ability to rush the passer. I want to get a little faster and stronger, but I get off the ball really quick.
TI: There's been some talk that you could be an outstanding offensive tackle. Would you be opposed to playing offense?
GC: I've never played offense, but if they need me to do it, then I'll do it. I want to do whatever I can to help the team. But I think my future will be on defense. My speed and quickness puts a lot pressure on offensive linemen and quarterbacks.
TI: What do you feel about the direction of Alabama's program?
GC: I feel it's headed in the right direction. A lot of the team was young last year and we had one of the best recruiting classes this year. Alabama's a team of the future.
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