BY CHAD DARE
Commercial-News
DANVILLE —
Being the main running back for the Danville Vikings has always been a dream for Eddie Clark.
But in his first three seasons at Danville, the opportunities to run the ball were limited.
Clark found himself playing quarterback on the freshman team in his first year. Than the next year, he became a starting safety for the varsity squad and last year, he shared running back duties with Mario Crosby and Justin March.
“These have been the three greatest years of my life,’’ Clark said. “I just love getting the chance to play football and I really love running the ball.’’
With the graduation of Crosby and several other key members of last year’s offensive unit, changes needed to be made.
March, who ran for 626 yards and 19 touchdowns, has moved to a super-back position (fullback/tight end hybrid) and Clark is the primary running back.
“We’ve got some little wrinkles that we will use with those guys, but Eddie is a guy that we are counting on in the offensive backfield,’’ Danville football coach B.J. Luke said. “He averaged over 9 yards a carry a year ago and he had more than 10 yards a carry last week.
“He has good speed, good vision and he runs hard. He is not an easy guy to tackle.’’
Urbana learned that last week as Clark ran for 167 yards on 16 carries and he had three touchdown runs to go along with three two-point conversations as well.
“I just like how violent he is as a runner, besides being fast,’’ Luke said. “For a high school run back, he’s got the whole package.’’
Both Luke and March point out that Clark’s strengths are his vision and his determined running style.
“He’s got incredible vision to see where the hole is going to open up,’’ March said. “And he is always running hard, that’s what makes him a really good running back.’’
So, where did Clark pick up that ability to read the football field?
“I’ve always had a sight for holes,’’ he said. “When I see one, I can just shoot right into it and get upfield. That is how I was taught to run since I was a kid.
“Being patient and not rushing it were the things I was taught when I played for the Meade Park Cowboys. There isn’t always going to be a big crease. But if you wait, you can hit a little crease and if you hit it well enough, you can get through it.’’
And, what about the fact that Clark very rarely falls backward when getting tackled?
“You have to keep your feet moving,’’ he said. “I want to go forward — I’m not going to go backwards.’’
Becoming the main running back carries a couple of things that Clark acknowledges are not among his strengths.
“I’ve never really wanted to be the center of attention,’’ he said. “This is something that has come with being the running back.’’
And?
“There a little more pressure on me, but not too much that I can’t handle,’’ he said. “As long as I work hard and trust in my linemen, everything will go smooth.’’
Clark has also had to take on a leadership role this season.
“He knew he was going to have to step up and he’s doing it,’’ March said. “He’s taking on a bigger role in the offense.
“He is doing it both on and off the field. He knows that he has to bring it harder and harder. I’ve seen him even more determined than he has been in the past.’’
Clark, who is in the top quarter of his class, also takes time to talk with youth football players.
“I’ve given speeches to the Carver Park Bears about what it takes to get to where I’m at today,’’ he said. “My goal is to go to college and play football. I want set a good example for the young kids in Danville.’’
Clark and the Danville Vikings are back in action tonight with a 7 p.m. contest with the Mattoon Green Wave at Ned Whitesell Field.
