Daniel Clark has spent his high school football career trying to find his role in the Bradley Central program.
Coach Damon Floyd has made it pretty clear what that will be in 2014: leader.
The athletic, 6-foot-2, 180-pound wide receiver and defensive back will slide into that role for a young Bears squad. Clark did have 38 catches for 513 yards and a touchdown in 2013, adding 69 tackles (5.5 for loss) and an interception from the secondary.
He started his Bears career as a quarterback and had to play an emergency role as a freshman when then-junior Bryce Copeland was injured during a playoff game against Cookeville. Now he will be one of the primary targets for sophomore quarterback Cole Copeland, Bryce's brother.
Clark said recently that although quarterback used to be his favorite position, receiver is now. He credits offensive coordinator and receivers coach Keith Freeman with making the transition easier.
"I like to line up one-on-one, know where you're going, look at the defense and know if you're going to be open or not," Clark said. "Coach Freeman can put you where you'll be open and you can make plays happen. The transition from quarterback to receiver was tough as first because I didn't know what I was doing, but the coaching staff has helped me.
"I hope to be able to do big things this year - make things happen and set others up to make things happen."
Floyd said it wasn't the easiest of transitions.
"He didn't want to at first, but we're definitely glad he did," Floyd said. "For us to be successful, he's going to have to step up and be a leader for us."
To prepare for being a leader, Clark has started arriving at practice early in what he calls "the right mindset."
"You have to think about the season as a whole," he said. "We are kind of young, so we have to keep our heads on straight and listen to what Coach says.
"We still think we can win the district. Cole is growing up and stepping into that role. He's ready to go, and the offensive line is ready to go, too."
- Gene Henley
BRADLEY CENTRAL BEARS
Head coach: Damon Floyd (42-43 here and overall)
Last year: 5-6; lost 42-21 to Maryville in the 6A playoffs' first round
Returning starters (O/D/K): 4/4/0
2014 Schedule
(all games at 7:30 Eastern unless noted)
Aug. 22 - Polk County
Aug. 29 - at Riverdale, 8
Sept. 12 - Hixson
Sept. 19 - at Walker Valley*
Sept. 26 - at Signal Mountain
Oct. 3 - Ooltewah*
Oct. 10 - Cleveland*
Oct. 17 - at McMinn County*
Oct. 24 - at Soddy-Daisy*
Oct. 31 - East Hamilton*
- District 5-AAA game
Control panel: The Bears will have to look to WR/DB Daniel Clark (6-2, 180, Sr.) to be a big producer, as he is the leading returning receiver in yards gained. Junior WR/DB Tyler Carpenter (6-1, 180, Jr.) had two receiving touchdowns last year and will be asked to play a much larger role this season. Dakota Burgess (6-2, 320, Sr.) returns to anchor both the offensive and defensive lines.
New producers: Cole Copeland (6-3, 175, So.) takes over the quarterback position for the Bears, who feel really good about his potential. Trevon Ware (6-0, 175, Jr.) has a ton of ability and moves into a full-time position at cornerback, although he could play some receiver as well. Christian Hamilton (6-0, 180, Sr.) is a speedster who "has grown up a lot," Floyd said.
By the numbers
7 - Touchdowns scored in 2013 by players returning this year. According to stats provided to the Times Free Press, the Bears scored 38 times last year - 31 by 2014 graduates.
86 - Yards rushing in 2013 by leading returning rusher and now starting quarterback Cole Copeland.
35 - Freshmen on the Bradley roster. Floyd has spoken about the potential of his 2018 class.