AT MIAMI: Veteran non-scholarship player who has worked his way into a reserve role at cornerback…talented athlete who could see playing time this season either as a reserve cornerback or on special teams…has demonstrated an impressive work ethic…just beginning to reach his potential as a football player…suited up for every game of the 2001 season after making the team as a non-scholarship player…took a redshirt and was a key contributor on the scout team…was on the travel roster for the 2002 Rose Bowl.
HIGH SCHOOL: Hampton Roads Academy…attended Merchville High School in Virginia Beach his first three years before transferring to Hampton Roads…excellent athlete who excelled in several sports, including football, baseball, basketball, track, cross country and swimming…was a two-way star in football, playing quarterback and cornerback…tallied 30 tackles (17 solos), four interceptions, caused two fumbles and had two fumble recoveries as a cornerback during his senior season…recorded six pass breakups and an interception against Tidewater Christian…passed for 820 yards and rushed for 350 yards at quarterback as a senior…scored five touchdowns as a senior (four rushing, one receiving)…also caught two passes for 140 yards…completed 55 percent of his pass attempts for 14 touchdowns…led Hampton Roads Academy to its first winning season in more than a decade…named team captain as a senior while leading the team to a 6-3 record and the school’s first state playoff appearance in history…earned varsity letters in six sports…hit .417 from the right side and .369 from the left side as a switch hitter in baseball and led the team in stolen bases and runs batted in during his senior season…also played American Legion baseball during the summer following his senior season, leading his team to the Virginia State title…was an Honor Roll student throughout high school…coached by Robert Lusk.
PERSONAL: Born 7/2/81…full name is Jair Benzion Clarke…active in karate, aikido, painting and poetry in his spare time…an accomplished performer in karate, having twice earned state titles along with a Junior Olympic AAU championship…son of Darius and Mary Clarke.
