FOOTBALL: Davis-Clark Mixes Speed and Grit

When junior Kendell Davis-Clark (who has also gone by simply Kendell Davis) dislocated his jaw before the Pittsburgh game last season, he didn’t miss a stride. After popping it back into place the cornerback returned to practice, displaying the kind of toughness new head coach Mark Dantonio desires of his players.

Davis-Clark, a standout track athlete in high school, had many suitors—including Ohio State and Tennessee—before enrolling at Michigan State. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder looks to take his toughness and speed and step into a starting role at cornerback—one of the toughest positions to play—as the Spartans work to replace two starters.

Strengths

1. Quickness:
   In high school, Davis-Clark ran a blistering 4.4 in the 40-yard dash. His training as a track athlete should produce dividends as he prepares for an opportunity to step into a starting role at a position that values pure speed.
2. Strong spring:
   One big advantage Davis-Clark has going into the season is his attitude. Dantonio has singled him out for his quality work throughout the spring. “Kendell Davis-Clark has probably been our most consistent corner this spring . . . Kendell has a nose for the football and when he arrives, he’ll hit you,” Dantonio said.

Questions

1. What about his size?
   Davis-Clark might find himself with some match-up problems in the Big Ten. The coaching staff will either have to make sure there is safety help if teams decide to pick on him, or they’ll have to trust that the speedy athlete can make big plays to overcome any size difference.
2. Is he ready?
   Not only will he have to show he can step into a vitally important position on the field, but Davis-Clark will also have to prove he can stay healthy. While his health issues (quad injury) have not been as serious as other players, the Spartans can ill-afford to loose anyone on defense.

Projection

Expect Davis-Clark to land one of the two open corner positions. With a defensive scheme emphasizing blitzing, the cornerback position will often be left on an island. However, with a focus on hip technique and footwork—vital skills for the position—the naturally speedy Davis-Clark could become a Big Ten standout.

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