Pace High School senior Chris Clark said he never imagined signing a letter of intent on National Signing Day, when he signed with Southeastern University, located in Lakeland on Wednesday.
“I never thought it,” Clark said. “I started playing football when I was a freshman. To be a part of today is a big accomplishment.” Clark started as a Patriots offensive lineman in the past two seasons.
Head Football Coach Mickey Lindsey said Clark worked hard to get to where he is today. “He is very consistent,” Lindsey said. “He kept doing things he had to do in order to be a good football player.” Lindsey believes Clark will be a good fit for Southeastern. “He is just going to be a positive acquisition for the school,” Lindsey said. “He will be a lot of help for them.”
Lindsey used several specific terms to describe Clark’s character, like “aggressiveness,” “tenaciousness,” and “class” just to name a few. Lindsey says Clarks sets a good example for the young incoming players on his football team. “He has a great work ethic. He came in day in and day out and gave his best,” Lindsey said.
Clark said he learned a lot of fundamentals from Lindsey and coaching staff at Pace, including footwork and increasing a player’s strength in the weight room. “Pace High School runs an old-school offense. That’s Coach Lindsey’s signature,” Clark said. “There is a lot of block, not a lot of passing.”
Clark said Southeastern is an ideal fit for his college of choice. “First of all, it’s a Christian college and that’s where I need to be for the next four years. I need to come close with God,” Clark said. “It’s small over there too. I like that kind of environment.”
Clark is one of 52 players to opt to play college football for the Southeastern University Fire, which went 7-3 in their first season of competition in 2014. The Fire competes in the Sun Conference.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Clark opts to play college football for Southeastern University