PHOTO PROVIDED: Lycoming running back Quasim Benson (1) runs after tight end Brendan Clark (88) during a football game last season.
Against Cortland last September, Brendan Clark’s attitude about the rest of the season changed in an instant.
Lycoming’s starting tight end, Zach Green, suffered an injury early in this Week 2 game, forcing the then-sophomore to face the eventual national champions.
“And before you know it, I’m playing the whole game against Cortland.” Clark recalled as he spoke about his season at Landmark Media Day last Thursday. “I was definitely thrown into the fire.”
It was a daunting situation, but Clark did what he could and even made the first catch of his Lyco career with a ten-yard pass, which secured the team the coveted first down in the second quarter in the next game.
He would remain in the starting lineup for the rest of the season. Although it was an adjustment, especially with the added pressure that comes with being the son of head coach Mike Clark, he found his stride and confidence with each tough opponent and each Warriors win.
“It’s a strange role because I’m in a unique position – my dad is the head coach. I think that plays a role. You want to impress him and, more importantly, you have to play well on the field.” said Clark. “Gaining my first experience and playing against good teams like Cortland, Susquehanna and Brockport gave me confidence.”
The Loyalsock graduate eventually made a name for himself within the Landmark Conference, earning honorable mention on the All-Conference team, an award that boosted his confidence in his abilities.
But that’s not his main focus as he enters his second season as a starter.
“I want to learn, I want to win games, that is the ultimate goal,” said Clark. “In terms of confidence, I have set high goals for myself individually, but my team goals are even higher.”
This attitude is reflected in his role on the field.
Clark sees himself more as a tight end who receives and blocks passes, with a 60/40 split. The junior runs the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds, stands 6’5″ and weighs about 230 pounds. With his sure hands and remarkable combination of frame and speed, he can be a nightmare for opponents at this level.
“For my size, I am a good runner and can catch the ball,” said Clark. “Not as fast as most cornerbacks, but I’m bigger than most cornerbacks. Not as big as most linebackers, but I’m faster than most linebackers.”
However, Clark was used more often as an additional blocker in the running game and was only used occasionally as a receiver. He finished the season with eight passes caught for 50 yards and one touchdown.
However, it is nothing that bothers him.
With the considerable talent of Quasim Benson and Terrence Oliver in the backfield and similar talent in the outfield, he recognizes his role on the team. Whatever the team asks of him, he is willing to do it. And in this case, he hopes to become the best blocking tight end he can be.
“I can say that I would like to see the ball more often. What football player on offense doesn’t want to see the ball more often? But I think what I need and want to improve on the most is blocking.” said Clark, who is trying to get the split closer to 50/50. “If I can block down the field, in open space, then we have some guys who can definitely make a difference there. I’d rather knock someone down than score a touchdown.”
Clark joins a large group of returning offensive players confident they can build on last season. He’s looking to add more wins and dethrone reigning Landmark champion Susquehanna. He’s excited to get going in September — one year after his first start against Cortland.
“I am confident,” said Clark. “I’m ready to go.”
