Clarett proves he's the real deal

A week doesn't pass that we're not asked.
"What do you think of Maurice Clarett?" the questioner begins.
The interest in the Warren Harding High senior is obvious, for a number of reasons:
U He's an Ohio State recruit.
U He has a state-wide reputation.
U He had a terrific start to the season.
U He's considered one of the top three candidates for Mr. Football.
Anyone who hasn't been able to watch Clarett and his Raider teammates in action this season want to know if "he's for real," as if, the stories they've been told couldn't possibly be true. Well, we've seen Clarett twice, against what would be considered, by most accounts, pretty stern opposition, and he's been absolutely fantastic.
Terrific games: In week 4, Warren Harding defeated Ursuline by 40 points, and Clarett, who stands 6 feet and weighs around 230 pounds, rushed for 213 yards -- he averaged about 121/2 yards per carry -- and scored two touchdowns, the second of which covered 89 yards.
On that play, Clarett ran over a defensive lineman and a linebacker, showing his strength, then out-ran the safeties to the end zone, showing off his speed.
Then on Friday night, the Raiders defeated Boardman by 15 points after leading by 36-0 at halftime.
Clarett, supposedly still nursing an injured groin, rushed for 197 yards and scored five touchdowns against a Boardman team that had allowed less than 15 points per game.
The injury affected Clarett so that while running he couldn't change direction without pain, but he could run straight ahead with little or no discomfort.
And that he did.
Two of Clarett's touchdowns were on pass receptions, when he lined up in a slot position, rather than in the backfield. He also threw for a two-point conversion following the Raiders' first touchdown.
Special teams duty: He also played the entire game, including time on Warren's punt coverage unit. Another touchdown came on a 63-yard run in which he sprinted through a big hole at the line of scrimmage and again out-ran the Boardman linebackers and secondary. What's impressive about Clarett is that he scores on plays that aren't what would be considered tricks. He is simply lined up in the backfield or as a punt returner, as was the case Friday night, as a slot or receiver. The idea is to get the ball in Clarett's hands as many plays as possible and let him work his magic.
Look at it this way: How would you like to be a high school defensive back in one-on-one coverage against a player who can either run over you or run past you.
It's your choice.
Remember, Clarett did all that against Boardman supposedly nursing a pulled muscle.
He had almost 125 yards the week before against Austintown Fitch in one half, helping the Raiders maintain their unbeaten record and preserve their No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll.
Moving on up: More importantly for Warren Harding, Friday's victory over Boardman could boost its position in the OHSAA's computer ratings to as high as third. That means a home game in the first round.
Clarett has been prone to injury in his high school career, and his height isn't that of the classic big time running back. Eddie George, for instance, is 6-3.
But there's no denying Clarett has been big time this season, his final one in a Warren Harding uniform.
Many Ohio State observers predict he'll share time in the Buckeye backfield next year ... if he doesn't start. Lydell Ross and Jonathon Ross and Sammy Maldonado may have something to say about that.
But to answer the original question: Yes, Clarett is the real deal.
XRob Todor is sports editor of The Vindicator. Write him at todor@vindy.com.