Daryll Clark facts for kids

Daryll Lawrence Clark, born on February 5, 1986, is a former American football player. He was a talented quarterback known for his college career with the Penn State Nittany Lions. After college, he played professionally in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and other leagues. Clark set many passing records during his time at Penn State. He was recruited from Ursuline High School and The Kiski School.

Daryll Clark's College Football Journey

Starting as a Backup Quarterback

Daryll Clark began his college career at Penn State in 2006. As a first-year player, he appeared in five games. He completed 14 passes for 116 yards. He also ran for 48 yards and scored three touchdowns. His first college game was against Notre Dame.

In 2007, Clark got more playing time. He was still a backup quarterback. He completed 6 passes for 131 yards. He also ran for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Clark played a big role in the 2007 Alamo Bowl. He entered the game when Penn State was behind. He helped spark the offense with his running skills. This game also showed Penn State's new "spread offense" style of play.

Becoming a Starting Quarterback

For the 2008 season, Clark became the main starting quarterback. This was after a big competition before the season. His coach chose him because of his past game experience. Clark's ability to move quickly helped Penn State's new offense. His strong play made him one of the "Most Indispensable Players" by Sporting News.

Before the 2009 season, his teammates chose him as a team captain. This showed how much they respected him.

Setting New Records

By the end of his college career, Clark had set many new records for Penn State quarterbacks. He passed Todd Blackledge for career touchdown passes, with a total of 43. Clark also set a new record for most passing yards in a single season, with 3,003 yards. He also had the most touchdown passes in a single season, with 24.

As a starting quarterback, Daryll Clark had an impressive record. He won 22 games and only lost 4. His losses were twice to Iowa, once to Ohio State, and once to USC in the 2009 Rose Bowl.

Awards and Achievements

Daryll Clark received many awards during his college career. He was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week twice in 2008. This was for his great games against Wisconsin and Michigan State. He was also considered for the Maxwell and Davey O'Brien awards. These awards go to the best college football player and best quarterback. At the end of 2008, he was chosen for the first-team All-Big Ten.

In 2009, Clark was again named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week twice. This was after wins against Akron and Michigan. He was also named first-team All-Big Ten again.

Clark shared the 2009 Chicago Tribune Silver Football award. This award is given to the Most Valuable Player in the Big Ten Conference. It was the first time two players shared this award. He was also named the ECAC Player of the Year.

Daryll Clark's Professional Career

After college, Daryll Clark was not chosen in the 2010 NFL draft. However, several NFL teams were interested in him. He signed a contract with the Washington Redskins but did not stay with the team.

On July 23, 2010, Clark signed with the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. He played one season with them but did not attempt any passes. He was released by the Stampeders in May 2011.

Clark then played for the Omaha Nighthawks in the UFL in 2011. Later that year, he signed with the Chicago Rush in the AFL. In 2016, he played for the Myrtle Beach Freedom in American Indoor Football. In 2017, Clark signed with the Cape Fear Heroes, where he played for a couple of seasons.

Life Off the Field

Daryll Clark studied telecommunications at Penn State. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2008.