When it came time to picking a college, Chesapeake Panthers senior quarterback Andy Clark knew Morehead State University was just the right place.

Thursday, March 30, 2000

When it came time to picking a college, Chesapeake Panthers senior quarterback Andy Clark knew Morehead State University was just the right place.

"I felt I fit in. I already know some people down there and we’ve run pretty much the same offense the last two years, so it won’t be much difference," said Clark.

The 6-foot, 170-pound Clark completed 61 of 103 passes for 1,013 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season as he helped the Panthers to their first 10-0 regular season since 1961.

The Panthers also qualified for the Division V playoffs and finished 11-1, losing to eventual state champion Amanda-Clearcreek.

Clark talked with several schools such as Marietta, Muskingum, and Heidelberg, and had a solid offer from Tiffin, but he knew Morehead State was first on his list.

"I like watching an exciting offense, and they spread their offense all over the field. That’s pretty attractive," said Clark.

"Running that offense here (at Chesapeake) let us show what we can do and not just hand off. Colleges are looking for quarterbacks who can throw and this offense helped me."

Chesapeake coach Phil Davis, whose sons Brian and Scott play for the Eagles, said Morehead had an excellent recruiting year.

"They got some good receivers and filled a lot of their needs. They wanted two quarterbacks and Andy was one of them. He’ll do a good job for them," said Davis.

Clark said he expects to be redshirted this season and possibly contend for a starting job in two years.

"They have an All-American quarterback, so I expect to get a chance the year after next," said Clark. "Depending on how I develop, I’ll have a chance to start."

At Chesapeake, Clark had a good group of receivers led by Robby Isaacs who signed with Marshall. He’s glad to see Morehead signed some receivers.

"They recruited a lot of receivers out of Cincinnati and you have to have some good receivers to run their offense," said Clark.

A first team all-district and special mention All-Ohio selection, Clark said he wants to become a teacher and coach.

"I had a couple of good mentors in coach Davis and (basketball) coach (Norm) Persin. Teaching and coaching is a good way to make an impact on someone’s life," said Clark.