Clark adds fourth star

Northwestern recruiting target James Clark has received late attention befitting a four-star prospect, so Rivals adding a fourth star to his ranking should come as no surprise.

The wide receiver from New Smyrna Beach (Fla.) picked up his new ranking today from Rivals. He is also rated as the No. 98 prospect in talent-rich Florida and is one of five wideouts who added a fourth star in this latest re-ranking.

Southeast region analyst Kynon Codrington says that Clark earned the coveted star by virtue of his performance during the 2012 season.

"Clark went from a three-star to four-star after putting together a stellar senior season," said Codrington. "At 5-foot-11, he high-points the ball well and wins his share of jump balls. He has track speed and he creates separation on a consistent basis. Even though he sits outside the 250, Clark is one of the better flankers in this class."

College coaches apparently agree. He saw interest in him skyrocket this winter, picking up offers from Texas, Clemson, Florida and Ohio State earlier this month.

Clark is currently deciding among a final five of Northwestern, Clemson, Florida, Nebraska and Ohio State. He took official visits to Northwestern in December, and Nebraska and Clemson over the last two weekends. He rated all three of the visits a 10 on a scale of 1-10.

Ohio State coach Urban Meyer is scheduled to visit Clark today in an effort to get him to visit Columbus this weekend. He has just one official visit left after taking one to Purdue in December. The Boilers, however, are no longer in the picture.

Should Clark choose Northwestern, he would become the second four-star prospect in the Wildcats' Class of 2013, joining quarterback Matt Alviti.

Clark says he will announce his decision on signing day.