Germany: Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns re-sign QB Jadrian Clark
The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, German Football League runners up in 2019, have re-signed Jadrian Clark (Weber State) as their quarterback for the 2020 season.
The 25 year old Clark, 6’3″, 225 lb from Lakeland, Florida, guided the Unicorns to the German Bowl in 2018, throwing for 4,009 yards and a league-best 51 touchdowns. He spent the 2018 season with the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions, guiding them to the GFL semifinals, throwing for 3,627 yards and 45 touchdowns. He first played in Germany the year before when he helped the Kirchdorf Wildcats win the GFL2 title, and then led them to promotion to the German Football League. He threw for 3,206 yards and 46 touchdowns in 12 regular season games with a 63.3% completion average.
A three year starter for the Weber State Wildcats (NCAA Div. I, FCS), Clark finished his career as one of the top quarterbacks in the school’s history. He ended his career third in Weber State history in career total offense with 6,568 yards. He also finished his career ranked fourth in career passing with 5,810 yards. He threw for 40 career touchdowns and rushed for 758 yards and five more touchdowns. The 758 rushing yards is the second most by a WSU quarterback. In 2016, he led the Wildcats into the FCS playoffs.
Unicorns head coach Jordan Neuman is definitely pleased to have been able to re-sign his starting quarterback:
“Having stability at the QB position is key and to get Jadrian back is a great thing for our program. Jadrian fits perfectly into our system and he had a great season last year. Things did not end up the way we wanted but I’m really excited about the opportunity for Jadrian to return and build off what we accomplished last year.”
American Football International spoke with Jadrian about returning to Europe, the game’s development in Europe and plenty more.
AFI: You have re-signed with the Unicorns for your fourth season in Europe. What convinced you to return?
Clark: The culture in Schwäbisch Hall is something that is hard to explain until you’ve experienced it first-hand. Everyone is committed to winning and puts the team first. I am excited to be back with the Unicorns and build upon our success from last year.
AFI: How much has the game evolved or changed since you first arrived in Europe?
Clark: Football in Europe continues to become more professional every year. With the continued influx of talented players and coaches throughout the league, next season will be extremely competitive.
AFI: You helped the Unicorns reach the German Bowl for the sixth straight year. What can you work on as a team to win back the title?
Clark: We have been working hard to become bigger, faster, and stronger athletes. Schematically, we are focused on highlighting the best parts of our attack from last year, while also taking strides forward and evolving. The fans are going to love watching the new and improved 2020 Unicorns team.
AFI: You were by far the most efficient passer in the league this past year. What are you looking to improve on for 2020 in terms of your passing game?
Clark: I really want to improve at extending plays within the pocket. Although he’s not typically thought of as mobile, one of the best examples of this is Tom Brady. He does an excellent job of evading pass-rushers, stepping up, and then firing strikes down field.
AFI: You learned a new offense again in 2019. Will the fact you have a year under your belt makes things easier, especially early in the season?
Clark: One of our biggest advantages in Schwäbisch Hall is our continuity. It’s a great feeling to know that I’ll have my entire O-Line and receiving core back from last year. We have developed chemistry, and all feel comfortable playing together. I expect my second season with this amazing coaching staff to be even better.
AFI: On a personal note, what foods have you grown to enjoy in Germany?
Clark: My favorite German meal would have to be Schnitzel mit Bratkartoffeln. It’s a fried pork chop plus a side of potatoes cooked with onions and bacon.
AFI: Have you had a chance to travel throughout Europe?
Clark: One of the biggest reasons I decided to play in Germany was the ability it gave me to see the world. Since arriving in April of 2017, I’ve visited 18 of the European countries. I’ve been very fortunate to have seen so many historical and flat out cool places.
AFI: Anything else you would like to add?
Clark: The game of football has molded me into the person I am today and taken me very far. I am extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way.
