Class 4A football: Douglass strong on defense with D.J. Ward, Deondre Clark

“I never would have thought we'd have another player come in that's such a high-level talent,” Clark said. “But then he's very humble. You would never think that he's the type of player he is.”

When Ward arrived, he saw something very familiar in Clark.

“It was weird at first. It was like seeing a mirror image,” Ward said. “He's laid back just like I am. He plays just like me. It was like looking at yourself.”

So, instead of having one of the best defensive ends in the state, Douglass has two — arguably the best defensive line tandem in the state in years.

They both stand 6-foot-3. Ward weighs 245 pounds, and Clark is only about 10 pounds lighter. Coach Willis Alexander, who has examined them closely this preseason, sees only slight differences in their playing styles.

Ward is slightly more explosive off the line, while Clark has a little more power. But the differences are hardly visible.

And the two have become good friends already, especially during practices, where they help each other and push each other to get better.

“We're always side-by-side, and if there's something I don't know, he helps me out to keep me up to speed,” Ward said. “And with general D-end stuff, I try to help him, tell him tips I've learned here and there, tell him what to look for.”