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The University of Mississippi Athletics
The Brain
9/25/2006 | Football
Athletics Media Relations
Football, tradition, and an excellent business school are what led senior defensive back, Charles Clark, to Ole Miss four years ago. Turning down various scholarships for football, track and academics to schools such as Brown, Duke, Tulsa, Northern Arizona, and Vanderbilt, Clarks says the family atmosphere and small community brought him to Oxford.
"I really didn't want to be in a big city. Trouble just seems to find you."
Trouble is what Clark has been giving opposing offenses during his tenure with the Rebels.
Starting three of his four years at Ole Miss, Clark has been one of the top tacklers for the Rebels with 40 in the 2005 season and a team high 76 in 2004, when he was ranked among the top five defensive backs in the SEC. In 2005, he was selected to the second team All-SEC West preseason team by Phipps Football Magazines, and tied for third in the league for fumble recoveries with three.
Clark, consistently one of the top playmakers on defense for the Rebels, contributed to the Rebels' resurgence on defense last year. He helped the unit finish 14th in the nation in pass defense, 27th in total defense, and 31st in scoring defense.
Often called the quarterback of the secondary and more notably, "The Brain," Clark has also excelled in the classroom, making him a coaches' dream.
Defensive backs coach, Chris Rippon, has worked with Clark since he was hired at Ole Miss last season. When asked about Clark's work ethic on and off the field, Rippon said "Charles is a conceptual learner. He understands the big picture as far as what we're trying to do and what the defense is trying to do."
Clark understands the big picture in life as well. A Banking and Finance major, Clark said he has his mother, Angela, to thank for his interest in banking.
"I never understood when my mom wrote a check, how they would take that check," Clark said "I want to know how the bank system works."
His impressive academic profile also includes a spot on the U.M.A.A. honor roll in the fall of 2003, spring of 2004 and fall of 2004.
Clark's knowledge carries onto the football field, as he is an adamant student of the game. As the leader of the secondary, Clark emphasizes the importance of studying not only his position, but the others on defense as well.
"It's important to know what everyone else is doing, as well as breaking down the different offensive formations and plays of our opponents," Clark said.
Rippon notes that this type of knowledge does not come around often.
"Charles can see what everybody is supposed to do, and he understands why we're trying to do it."
What does the future hold for Clark after his time at Ole Miss?
"Obviously I want to go as far in football as I can. If that does not work out, I am interested in working with the Federal Reserve Bank."
As for a future in coaching, Clark said he has thought about it several times, and it is a possibility. "I can see myself coaching."
Regardless of where life takes Clark, Coach Rippon knows that this athlete has a good head on his shoulders.
"There are three things you want from any player you're involved with. One is that he is committed to his family, two that he is going to make a commitment to the classroom and his education, and third that he is committed to the football team and to being the best team player he can be. Charles covers all of those areas."
Whether he ends up in the NFL, the work force, or in coaching, with his work ethic, Clark is sure to make an impact and let his presence be known as he has done here at Ole Miss.
