East County Athlete of the Week: Drew Clark

Drew Clark is a rising senior kicker on the Lakewood Ranch High football team. Clark is rated a five-star kicker (No. 29 in the 2022 class) and a 4.5-star punter (No. 41) by Kohl's Kicking. Clark was named the top kicker at the Kornblue Kicking camp held July 11 at Florida International University. Clark also plays for the school's boys soccer team. 

When did you start playing football?

It started at the beginning of quarantine (March 2020). I played soccer all my life. I was out kicking at my school with some friends just for fun, and we met this YouTuber named Destroying (former UCF kicker Donald De La Haye). I kicked against him. A few of the football coaches saw it and they convinced me to try out for the team. That's how it all started. 

What was the transition to football like?

The soccer background helped me. There were a few changes I had to make to my form but I worked my tail off. It came together quickly. 

What is the appeal to you?

I love the football team, both my teammates and coaches. It has been great meeting new people. I like the competition a lot too, especially going to all these summer camps and going against great kickers. The kicker community is close. I have been busy but it has been fun meeting everyone. 

Did you think you could be a five-star kicker when you started?

Not at all. I'm still shocked about it. It is crazy to think that I just started this a year ago and I have now come this far. It's thanks to all the coaches who have worked with me. I'm also thankful for my family support in doing all this. They have always been there for me and supported me and I'm grateful for that. 

What is your favorite memory?

My favorite memory is probably my first game. I was still getting used to the football, but I made my first kick and I also recorded my first-ever tackle. The returner ran me over a little but I was able to hang onto his legs. That was a fun moment. 

What is your practice routine?

We have football workouts every morning from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. I split that time up. I do conditioning and lifting with the team and then I go work on my kicks with a few coaches. That way I work on my strength while also working on my form. I work on both kicks and punts, whatever I am feeling that week. 

What is your favorite food?

My mother's (Jennifer Clark) chicken pot pie. 

What is your favorite movie?

I watch a lot of movies. This is a tough question. I'll say 'Footloose.' I like those old, classic movies. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I would want to be able to breathe underwater. I like being around the water. It would be cool to go anywhere under there and see everything. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Just to work as hard as I can. That will get results. It's not on anyone else to do anything. It's all on you. 

Finish this sentence: "Drew Clark is …"

… A student-athlete. I love school. I love working hard at it. I also love my teammates and coaches. It's both of those things that define me.