When it came to getting “it” on the field, Frank Clark was perhaps at the head of his class. Four years ago, he came to Brady Hoke as a gangly 217-pound position-less prospect. His determination led him to finding a fit on the D-line.
It ended up being a perfect match—so much that when asked about player athletic development, Hoke didn't hesitate to mention and praise Clark, one of the coach's best examples in that area.
Today, the 6’2”, 277-pound senior has evolved into one of the Big Ten’s most-feared quarterback hunters and potential NFL draft pick.
Well, “had evolved” is a more accurate term, as that progress on the field now means nothing. He threw it away.
Hoke announced Monday that Clark is no longer a part of the program, ending the collegiate (and possible pro) career for a guy who never got “it” off the field.
“Frank Clark has been dismissed for violating team rules from the Michigan football program,” Hoke said in a statement issued via e-mail by sports information director Derek Satterfield. “This is a tragic situation. Our student-athletes will be held accountable when their actions fail to meet the standard we have at Michigan. There is a legal process that will occur and we respect that process.”
The “process” was in full gear Monday afternoon, as Clark faced an Erie County judge after spending time in jail. The "process" is just now beginning for the standout defender who allegedly beat his girlfriend this weekend while at the Maui Sands resort in Sandusky, Ohio.
It's understood that the defense as a whole must tighten up during the remaining two games: This Saturday at home versus Maryland and on Nov. 29 at Columbus versus Ohio State.
With 13.5 tackles for loss, third in the Big Ten, and 42 stops in total, third on his team, Clark was the cornerstone of an MVP Wolverines D-line that anchors the nation's No. 7 rushing defense and No. 9 total D.
So it goes without saying that Clark's absence could have a trickle-down effect.
Here's how the Wolverines can avoid that.
D-Line Must Galvanize
Mario Ojemudia is now the guy to slide in for Clark.
Well, it seems that way. He's next in line on the depth chart, so connect the dots. Plus he's been adequate, warranting more playing time.
However, he's no Clark, standing 6'3" and weighing 251 pounds; but he can get at the quarterback in a somewhat similar manner. He had two sacks during Michigan's 10-9 win Nov. 8 at Northwestern, a career-high.
He's started once this year, but he has three seasons of experience and has appeared in 31 games. He's capable of getting the job done. Additionally, he's also among the team's leading tacklers, ninth overall with 24 stops.
Brennen Beyer, a 6'4", 256-pound defensive end, will be the anchor, though. No question there. Next to Clark, he's the best up front.
It's time for Greg Mattison's first line to take charge, starting with Ojemudia and Beyer, then on to Matt Godin, Chris Wormley and Willie Henry before ending with reserves.
UM Needs a Hero
A senior middle linebacker can be the backbone of a defense—and Jake Ryan has the leadership qualities and athletic ability to be such a guide for Team 135, which now more than ever needs a boost from behind the D-line.
Ryan is the go-to guy, the catalyst. He's rangy and can assist on the weak side, the same side at which Clark had great success.
But he'll need help. Luckily he has Joe Bolden (Jr.), Ben Gedeon (So.) and James Ross III (Jr.).
Bolden's had his ups and downs in regards to tackling, but he's wrapped opponents with more strength and authority since commenting about his missed opportunities following a 34-10 loss to Minnesota.
He's an emotional spark plug, who, when paired with Ryan, can help make up for Clark's departure.
Ross III and Gedeon have also proven themselves. As a freshman in 2013, Gedeon earned his stripes on special teams. He's taken more reps at linebacker and is developing into a better pass-rusher and run-stopper.
Final Shot
As the last line of a defense that’s now missing a major component, Team 135’s defensive backs must elevate their level of performance during the final two games.
Throughout the 5-5 skid, the corners and safeties have been unreliable and inconsistent. In 2013, they raked in 17 interceptions, which certainly helps the turnover margin. This year, they have just five picks (No. 13 B1G) for a team that's dead-last in turnovers, giving away 1.30 each Saturday.
Clark wasn't roaming the backfield, but his pressure up front helped mask some mistakes in coverage. Every little bit helps, especially for Michigan, which needs just one victory to become bowl eligible.
Now it's on Jourdan Lewis, a sophomore corner, and Blake Countess, a redshirt junior corner, to stitch together any loose ends before hosting the Terps and traveling to meet the Buckeyes.
Missing one difference-making player on a difference-making defense certainly complicates matters for a team that longs for answers but is short on time.
Follow Bleacher Report’s Michigan Wolverines football writer Adam Biggers on Twitter @AdamBiggers81
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