Film Room: Jayden Clark

Kentucky had a big need in the 2025 high school recruiting cycle — add young depth to the offensive line room. Recruiting coordinator Vince Marrow and offensive line coach Eric Wolford have worked diligently to address one of the biggest needs on the roster. A fifth offensive line prospect was added to the class on Tuesday.

Clayton (Ohio) Northmont offensive lineman Jayden Clark is Kentucky’s 18th high school commitment in this recruiting cycle. The three-star prospect is the eighth Ohio native to join the fold. Clark took an official visit to Cincinnati over the summer and West Virginia was attempting to get the prospect on campus for an official visit this season. Kentucky took a commitment from the offensive line prospect before that could happen.

KSR is now diving into the film to see what the offensive line room at the Joe Craft Football Training Facility is adding. Jayden Clark missed his junior season with a knee injury but has returned as a senior and is playing some good football at tackle. However, a shift inside might be the best move for his long-term football future.

Positional athleticism

We do not have verified measurements available on Jayden Clark, but On3’s database lists the 2025 prospect at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds. Clark’s Hudl lists his size at 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds. The answer is likely somewhere in the middle.

Some added play strength will be needed to fully transition to the next level but Clark shows off good positional athleticism and what appears to be good length on his developing frame.

Jayden Clark does a good job climbing to the second level from the tackle position, shows good movement ability as a puller with athleticism to block smaller defenders in space, mirroring ability in pass sets, and good pad level out of a three-point stance.

There is some more back bending than knee bending at times, but overall, Clark shows some terrific athleticism for the offensive line position along with good length for the position. That gives the prospect a potential high ceiling.

Find a permanent home

Jayden Clark gives Kentucky yet another recruiting win. After losing out on Louisville (Ky.) Male center Isaac “Spike” Sowells Jr. to NC State, Kentucky pivoted to Clark. Is the plan to play the Dayton area native at the position Sowells would’ve filled?

Kentucky has three true tackle prospects in this class with Jermiel Atkins, Bryan Auguste, and Darrin Strey all expected to play outside. Tucker Kattus plays tackle at Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Xavier, but the plan is likely to shift the offensive lineman inside to guard full-time when he arrives on campus. Clark will also likely find a permanent home at Kentucky inside. Could that home be at center?

Play strength must improve, but Clark shows good athleticism that gives him a high pass protection ceiling and the ability to climb to the second level and wall off defenders. Creating movement in a downhill run scheme could be a concern, but the latest commit does have the skill set to potentially play in the pivot and excel in a zone scheme. Adding mass and strength will be critical moving forward. The latest commit will need some time behind the scenes to develop his frame before seeing the field.

Kentucky has seemingly addressed every offensive line position in the 2025 high school cycle.