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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Daryll Clark – Quarterback – Penn State
by Jody Jamieson
26/1/2010
Daryll Clark
Quarterback
Penn State
6-1, 229
Born 5th February 1986
Senior
Strengths: Clark is thickly built which makes him sturdy in the pocket and tough for tacklers to bring down. Added to that is his ability to feel pressure well and either side step up step up away from it but at the same time he’ll hang in there and try and take all the available time to make the throw. His arm is strong enough to make a complete range of throws and he is pretty accurate with good timing on short-to-intermediate throws whilst also putting good zip on passes like deep outs, driving the ball well. He’s an excellent leader who takes control of the huddle, will make plays with his arm and his feet as a pretty mobile type and he has shown steady improvement.
Weaknesses: Whilst Clark has a thick frame he is slightly shorter than ideal. His footwork can fall apart at times and when it does his accuracy and timing can go with it. Whilst his arm is good he sometimes lacks touch and could also put more air under the ball on deeper throws to allow his receivers a chance to adjust. His biggest problem is his mechanics which require an overall in the pros. He releases the ball from too low a point and his overall delivery is way too long. He would suffer many a battered ball in the pros if allowed to continue with that style. Whilst mobile and a willing runner, ball security is an issue. His decision making is questionable at times, will throw into traffic and fails to see the whole field.
Where I think he’ll be drafted: Clark is a good development project for the right team, a 6th or 7th rounder in my opinion.
Where I think he should be drafted: I think the last two rounds is about right for him. I could see a team like Steelers or Panthers liking a lot of his intangibles and been prepared to put the work into adjusting his technique but if teams like a guy and want to make sure they get him they can reach a little and Clark is the type who should be able to get his stock to rise a little as the scouts run the rule over him.
Summary: Clark is an interesting prospect who has been at the heart of Penn State’s ability to make the spread offense work for them as they changed from a more traditional offense in 2008. He has gone on to help the Nittany Lions enjoy two straight 11-2 seasons and he ended his career by helping the Lions win the Capital One Bowl over LSU. Clark doesn’t look like a traditional QB in that he looks more like a power back than a triggerman but he has capable skills and what is important for him is that he gets the right coaching to help correct his technical flaws. Finding a comparison is tricky but maybe the looking at someone like David Garrard in terms of having clear talent but needing time and the right situation to develop it. Clark could be the type who hangs around a roster three or four years and then all of a sudden breaks through if an opportunity presents itself but I do believe he needs the right situation and that would come from a team with a consistent coaching staff and ability to develop a guy in terms of rebuilding his throwing style.
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