2021 Early Signing Period: Alijah Clark Signs With Rutgers Football

Alijah Clark had been committed since February of this year so it was merely a formality for him to make it official Wednesday. Signing the 4-star prospect from South Jersey is a big addition to the 2021 recruiting class for Greg Schiano and the coaching staff.

247 Sports Composite Ranking: 4-star; 5th in NJ; 21st CB & 269th nationally

High School Position: WR / CB (6’2”, 180 lbs.)

Projected college position: Cornerback

High School: Camden

Hometown: Camden, NJ

Most notable other offers: Miami, Michigan, NC State, Boston College

Clark is usually the fastest player on the field, but is still willing to fight to get off blocks and make tackles. He tracks the ball well on both sides of the ball and looks like he’s always under control no matter how much traffic is around him. He has quick feet and reacts to the ball quite well after the man he is covering makes a move. He’s a tremendously fluid athlete who remains balanced and can contort his body preventing opposing players from jamming, blocking, or attempting to tackle him. Finding guys who can legitimately play cornerback without worrying about their speed or size is quite difficult, but Clark definitely projects there today with no obvious limitations.

The Rutgers Secondary was a boom or bust unit in 2020. Finally in the last few weeks they have been able to get some production outside of the starters, but there are obvious limitations of many in the two-deep. Position Coach Fran Brown is known as a good recruiter and should be able to stockpile more players who could play as true freshmen in 2021 if they can get some semblance of spring practice and summer camp that was not possible this year. Long-term, this unit should return to producing NFL talent every year but since that has not happened in a few years, expect to play early if you have high upside and know your assignments.

Floor: Dre Boggs

Most likely: Nadir Barnwell

Potential: Khaseem Greene / Bo Melton

Check out his highlights below:

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