Clark will be looked up to in Oakland

By Anthony Carroll  |   Monday, June 19, 2006  |  Comments( 7 )

Oakland Raiders
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"I'm excited about having a coach. I'm even more excited having a former Raiders player as coach."

Oakland Raiders linebacker, Danny Clark, was elated after hearing the news of Art Shell's hiring. As the last organization to acquire a field general to roam their sidelines, the Oakland Raiders and their veteran middle linebacker had become overly accustomed to the feeling of being "coachless."

For the remaining pool of linebackers in Oakland, however, "coachless" should not be a communal feeling heading into 2006.

On the field, Danny Clark will serve as a coach to a mixed bag of 20-something year-old linebackers all looking to make their presence felt early in their careers.

Clark, a seventh-round selection (245th overall) from Illinois, is set to lead a pack of young linebackers--all of which were ranked higher than Clark in their own respective draft classes. Morrison, who led all Raiders in tackles last year with 116, was a mid third-rounder in 2005, while Thomas Howard from UTEP was chosen early in the second round this year. Additionally, USC's former safety, Darnell Bing, came via the fourth round in '06.

For the Silver and Black, having Clark in the driver's seat is the ideal situation.

Last season, Morrison--alongside Clark--exceeded all of Oakland's expectations. With 91 solo tackles and 25 assists, the San Diego State alum topped the Raiders' defensive chart. Playing on the exterior of Clark's middle linebacker spot, the pair of linebackers stockpiled 229 total tackles. Aside from the duo, the next best tackler to play the linebacker position was Tim Johnson with just 17; just under Johnson was underachieving hybrid linebacker, Tyler Brayton, with 16 takedowns.

On his career, No. 55 has posted 421 tackles, five sacks, and 13 pass deflections in 93 games. Away from the Bay Area, Clark played in 61 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where his best season came in a 2002 91-tackle effort. Since joining Oakland in 2004, the six-year veteran has started in all but one game, posting two seasons over the 100-tackle echelon.

The 2006 version of the Oakland Raiders' roster is set to include the 2005 dynamic duo plus a rookie yet to be named. Prior to any training camp-fiascos, that man will likely be second-round pick, Thomas Howard.

With Clark and Morrison neighboring, Howard's blazing speed and raw talent could quickly develop the 22-year-old into an NFL standout. As a second-year standout himself, Kirk Morrison will be very vocal in easing the rookie into a starting, professional-ranked role. On the other side, Clark, a 29-year-old, will teach Howard the strapping work ethic that helped a seventh-rounder rise to a team-leading role.

Along with Howard, 21-year-old Darnell Bing will also be close behind No. 55's shoulders. Bing, who entered this year's draft as a junior, will attempt his rookie campaign at the linebacker slot--down from a safety position previously played on the collegiate level.

Clark, who just turned 29 in May, is far from the aged, weathered version of a team leader--one who is more vocal in the locker room than on the field.

For the 23 and 24 year-olds taking notes behind him, they'll learn how to make some noise on the field, too.

Anthony Carroll can be contacted at acarroll@realfootball365.com

Get more on Danny Clark at Realfootball365.com
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About Anthony Carroll

Anthony Carroll began writing for RealFootball365.com on Sept. 26, 2005, making him one of the longest tenured contributors to the “365” team. As a senior writer, Anthony has taken on the task of delivering original content to the silver and black faithful year round, despite having to deal...
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