It is a decision he has been wrestling with for weeks. And now that the calendar officially reads 2017, Steven Clarke is entering crunch time and might just have to pull the trigger. We’re talking of course about the dilemma of whether or not he should put snow tires on his car.
“It’s definitely a tough one because I have a Dodge Charger and I don’t want to hit black ice or some type of patch where I will be sliding all over the place,” said Clarke. “I’ll test it out that first week and see how it goes.”
Yes, the defensive back has received his first taste of real winter-like conditions and there is more snow in the forecast for Greater Vancouver.
However, he has plenty more to be excited about as he counts down the days to spring. Clarke is fresh off signing a new contract with the Lions and recently got an excellent update on his rehab from a torn ACL suffered last August. Excuse us for saying it, but the results might make him trade his civilian clothes for his super hero garb. Apologies to Geroy Simon.
“Dr. McCormick says everything looks good and I am right on pace to be where I need to be for the season,” proclaimed the Vanderbilt product. “I am excited about that and happy to get back out there. I am not fully running yet, but I will be good to go.”
Agreeing to a new deal with the club was the perfect icing on the cake after spending the second half of the season on injured reserve. Once he does get back to full speed, Clarke can look forward to finishing the job he and the club started in 2016 in what he now considers his true football home.
“I have loved everything about BC since the first day I got here. I’ve gotten to know the area itself, I love the coaches, I love the organization from top to bottom, I love it all together.”
Clarke had 13 defensive tackles and a sack in his four appearances in 2016 before suffering the injury in a 37-9 home loss to Calgary on August 19th. Along with losing control of first in the West, the Lions lost a second valuable piece to their secondary after TJ Lee went down with a torn Achilles in Saskatchewan the previous month.
After losing Ronnie Yell in Toronto on August 31st, the Lions had to rely on youngsters such as Anthony Gaitor, Chandler Fenner and Keynan Parker in regular roles. They managed to finish 12-6 before bowing out to the Stampeders in the Western Final. Clarke admits it was tough being on the outside looking in as his teammates were chasing their Grey Cup dreams.
“Throughout my entire football career, from little league through high school to now, I had never suffered a serious injury where I had to sit out,” said Clarke.
“It was very hard for me, just watching the guys having so much fun out there. I had to find a good balance because I didn’t want to get into that state where I was depressed. It was really tough, but I am just glad to be back to where I need to be.”
Count defensive coordinator Mark Washington among those most happy to have Clarke in the fold and on track for a full recovery.
“I’m happy to have Steven back because he’s going to be a key cog in our defence,” added Washington. “I’ve seen him working, seen him in his rehab and he’s looking good. He has a tremendous work ethic which is going to help him in his recovery. He’s smart, he’s tough, he’s not afraid to get physical and he has tremendous speed. Those are attributes you want in a DB.”
Part of getting back there was seeking the advice of a few veteran teammates who had dealt with similar adversity, most notable Solomon Elimimian who returned from his setback in style, winning the 2016 CFL Most Outstanding Player Award.
“Solly and I had multiple conversations. He told me the injury was only going to make me stronger and going to make me work that much harder to come back,” recalled Clarke.
“I talked to Manny Arceneaux as well. He also tore his ACL and told me how great he was when he came back after working so hard. Ryan Phillips told me it was just a setback for a major comeback. So I do look toward the leaders on our club because those guys have been around a long time and unfortunately suffered major injuries.”
“For him to pull from the experience of other people is a wise thing to do,” said Washington. “He just wants to know what he has to expect and he’s willing to pay the price. These are things that bode well and it’s going to carry him a long way.”
With training camp just over four months away, Clarke can now put the contract talk behind him and focus on the final phase of getting himself ready for practice and game action. Now that he is a full-fledged resident of the lower mainland, Richmond to be exact, he also wants to focus on the best outdoor activities this region has to offer.
“This year is the first time I will be around for the spring so I am going to try and get some fishing done, “ said an excited Clarke. “I love fishing and I have always heard that it is one of the best things to do in BC. “People are telling me to try going around Victoria. In the springtime fish migrate up here so I am going to test it out.”
Clarke also knows Kamloops is a decent fishing spot and could likely provide some fun team bonding once training camp gets under way. He also knows 2017 is all about business and catching another prized trophy.
“We have had that bitter taste in our mouth the entire offseason, so we are going to be looking forward to getting back at it and just chomping away, added Clarke.
“We fell short on a couple games last year that we knew we were supposed to win. This year we are going to take those necessary steps that will lunge us forward to the Grey Cup. We have everything in place to do so.”
You can feel the enthusiasm in his voice. Excuse him if the new snow tires do a little screeching.
Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com