While the Syracuse basketball team is falling apart, Syracuse football is adding to its roster. On Tuesday, Alijah Clark announced he is transferring to the Orange. The defensive back comes to SU from Rutgers where he played one season and appeared in seven games.
Clark is listed at 6-foot-1, 195 lbs. and was raised in Camden, NJ. He attended the same high school as current Syracuse defensive back Duce Chestnut. One can only assume their connection was a major reason why Clark chose SU. You can also assume their chemistry will lead to good things on the field.
Coming out of school, he was the No. 5 player in the state of New Jersey, two spots better than Chestnut. Clark was also the No. 277 overall recruit and No. 22 at his position. Clark picked Rutgers, his home state school, but was also recruited by Syracuse, Boston College Maryland, Miami, Michigan, NC State, West Virginia and others.
During his true freshman campaign, Clark played seven games, totaling six tackles and snagging an interception. He played against Syracuse back in September, but did not log any statistics.
Clark is a long, athletic, rangy defensive back. He’s not the biggest or strongest of guys, but he does have length, which allows him to be versatile. Dino Babers and company will probably elect to play him on the outside as a boundary corner. However, Clark has the speed to line up in the slot as well. He could even push the limits to play safety because he’s fast enough and uber physical.
So, what is the lesson here? Clark is extremely versatile and can fill whatever role Syracuse needs him to. DB1 Garrett Williams is returning to SU, while the Orange will also have key players like Chestnut and Ja’Had Carter. Despite a full defensive back room, Clark has the talent to crack the rotation early in his Syracuse career.
The Orange have developed numerous defensive backs into NFL-caliber talent over the past few years. Clark saw that, saw his high school teammate, and said ‘where do I sign?’ Smart move.
