Rock Hill Wide Receiver Malik Clark Chooses USC Over Florida State
Rock Hill, SC – Malik Clark, a four-star wide receiver from Rock Hill High School, has committed to the University of South Carolina (USC), making the announcement official this week. Although Clark previously pledged to play for Florida State over the summer, reasons revolving around family support and the allure of playing close to home ultimately led him to don the garnet and black.
Reasons for Commitment
Clark expressed that being closer to home was a significant factor in his decision. “Just to be closer to home and closer to my mom,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of having his family support him during his college football career. At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Clark is known for his diverse skill set and impressive speed, which ranked him as the No. 125 player in the country according to 247Sports’ national rankings.
A Versatile Player
His head coach, Randy Birch, highlighted Clark’s speed, claiming he could be one of the fastest players in South Carolina. “Running past people and taking the top off the defense” is how Clark described one of his key abilities. Birch noted that Clark also has an “explosive” style of play and can excel in jump ball situations. His physical capabilities are complemented by a solid presence in the weight room, making him a competitive receiver who is always willing to block.
Over the last two seasons, Clark has been a standout player at Rock Hill High School, accumulating impressive statistics despite facing challenges such as quarterback changes and injuries. In his junior year, he recorded 800 receiving yards, followed by 976 yards and 10 touchdowns on 68 catches during his senior year. His ability to attract defensive attention has opened opportunities for his teammates, demonstrating his value on and off the field.
Leadership Skills
Clark also took on a leadership role for his team, earning praise from Coach Birch. “Malik has meant everything,” Birch noted, stating that Clark helped set the tone for offseason training. His commitment to motivate his teammates showcases his dedication and work ethic.
Joining the Gamecocks
As he prepares to join the Gamecocks, Clark will be entering a competitive receiver lineup that includes several returning players and incoming freshmen, including two other four-star recruits. He will receive coaching from Mike Furrey, a former NFL receiver who has proven effective in developing young talents. Clark expressed confidence in Furrey’s coaching abilities, saying, “He’s a great leader. I feel like he gives me a great opportunity to develop and become an even better receiver.”
Looking Ahead
Although Clark will not compete in the Shrine Bowl, he is expected to participate in USC’s Citrus Bowl practices. His decision to join the Gamecocks comes at a promising time, as the team is coming off a strong 9-3 season under head coach Shane Beamer. Clark was able to witness several games this past season, including the impressive matchup against Texas A&M and a nail-biting win against Missouri.
Clark concluded with optimism about the future of the program, stating, “It’s really exciting to see a team you’re going to be a part of on such a great track. I feel like it’s nothing but up from where they are right now.”
