South Carolina commitment cracks recruiting rankings top 100
South Carolina football signee Malik Clark has been on the recruiting industry’s radar for a while. However, thanks to a strong senior season at Rock Hill High School, the Palmetto State native has seen his stock rise in recent months.
On Thursday, when On3 released its updated player rankings, Clark moved up again. Outside of the top 300 (but still a 4-star prospect) prior to the update, the explosive wide receiver now ranks No. 101 nationally, No. 2 in South Carolina, and No. 16 among all receiver prospects.
Because other outlets also like Clark as a player, he now sits at No. 88 nationally in On3’s industry ranking, a composite of the four major recruiting rankings from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. He is a consensus 4-star prospect and is now inside the top 180 national players according to each outlet.
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When watching Clark’s film (check out GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark and Kevin Miller break it down here), the rankings jump makes a ton of sense.
The most notable trait on Clark’s film (for clarity: that’s Malik Clark, not Chris Clark) is that he is really fast. A track athlete in high school, Clark clocked some sub-4.4 laser times last spring. That speed translates to the gridiron as he easily gets behind opposing defenses. He also accelerates well, allowing him to reach top speed quickly. However, Clark’s speed isn’t only about straight-line sprinting. He moves comfortably and displays elite quickness that allows him to break opposing cornerbacks’ ankles as he runs crisp routes or looks for yards after the catch.
Listed at 6’2″ and 180 pounds on South Carolina’s preliminary roster for 2025, Clark brings needed size to the USC receiver room. Before the 2025 signing class enrolled, only 6’5″ Nyck Harbor was taller than 6’1″ at wide receiver.
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The Football City, USA product is a good catcher of the football, an overlooked necessity at his position. Though he makes all the routine plays, Clark has shown the ability to make spectacular catches, as well.
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Like fellow 2025 signee Donovan Darden, 247Sports also bumped up Clark quite a bit. With their recent rankings update, the outlet now considers him the No. 108 player in America.
Clark enrolled at the University of South Carolina this January. He will go through spring practice with the Gamecocks. USC likely will need at least one young wideout to play in 2025, and he might be the one.
Joining Clark in the class are five other freshman receivers. Jayden Sellers, Brian Rowe, Jordan Gidron, and Lex Cyrus also have enrolled already. Donovan Murph will enroll this summer.
