Bio Blast: Meet four-star Michigan cornerback signee Andre Clarke

Four-star Richmond (Va.) Hermitage cornerback Andre Clarke officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.

Here is everything you need to know about the talented ball hawk.

The Skinny

Height: 6-0
Weight: 165
Industry Ranking: No. 23 safety, No. 229 overall
Interesting Facts: Trained with Michigan cornerback Shamari Earls. Father, Andre Sr., serves as his position coach at Hermitage. Also started at wide receiver as a senior. Ran an 11.28 100-meter as a junior.

Recruitment

Clarke notched an offer from Michigan early in the process and made his official visit in the summer. Michigan took command on that trip and closed with his commitment a few weeks later. He picked Michigan over fellow finalists Kentucky and SMU. Michigan secondary coach LaMar Morgan led the way in his recruitment.

He Said It

“I just felt like it was the best fit for me. I got to go up there and chill with the players and be around the coaches. I could see it was the best fit for me. The official visit was important for me because I got to see who they were as people. That played a big part.”

They Said It

“If you need to play man, he’s that guy that can take certain guys out of the game — whether it’s a big tight end or receiver. I think he can be a stud at corner, safety or nickel. That’s how we use him. That first game of the season (last year), he did a great job against (Michigan commit) Travis Johnson. He can be an eraser against any team’s best athlete. His length and speed (are big strengths). He has big hands. He’s a competitor. He’s cool in the big moment. He gives teams problems on both sides of the ball. You don’t want to be 1-on-1 with him when the ball is in the air on offense or defense.” — Hermitage head coach Timothy Jean-Pierre

Scouting Report

“Rivals continues to list Clarke as a safety, but as I’ve mentioned many times, Michigan is recruiting Clarke as a straight cornerback. I agree with U-M’s evaluation here. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds (Clarke is probably closer to 6-foot-2), he has the height and length that Michigan really desires at the position. The length is really, really impressive Clarke has the tools to really frustrate receivers with that trait. Clarke is also a quality athlete with good speed and versatility. He played wide receiver and also served as his team’s punter.” — The Wolverine’s EJ Holland