Kymani Clarke Turning Opportunity into Touchdowns for Arizona

By Alyssa Buruato | Rattlers Media

With 13 touchdowns through the season's first stretch, running back Kymani Clarke has become one of the most reliable offensive weapons for the Arizona Rattlers.

Clarke leads the team in touchdowns scored with 10 rushing and three receiving touchdowns. Whether he's powering through defenders on the ground or making plays out of the backfield, the first-year Rattler has consistently found ways to impact the scoreboard.

For Clarke, the success comes from staying committed to the process and maximizing every opportunity that comes his way.

"Honestly, I'd say what's been working for me so well is just trusting the process and going to practice every day, going over my plays, going through the techniques and stuff like that," Clarke said this week as the Rattlers come out of bye week to take on Fishers Freight.

"Right now, I've been sharing reps, so it's more of a mental thing for me," he said. "Whenever I do get an opportunity − when I go in − I just execute."

The preparation – the process − starts long before game day.

Clarke credits recovery, film study, and weekly training sessions for helping him stay ready when his number is called.

"First, preparation starts with sleep throughout the week," he said. "Then recovery. I always get in the hot tub and cold tub. When we go over film, I like to study hard and watch the different defenses, techniques and schemes teams run. Then the workouts with Coach Moe (Strength and Conditioning Coach Maurice Brown), every chance we get in there, I give it my all."

While Clarke has shown versatility as both a runner and receiver, his roots as a running back remain at the center of his game.

"I take pride in running the most because as a running back, I love to run the ball," Clarke said. "Making defenders miss in open space and stuff like that. But I also like receiver because it shows my versatility, catching the ball out of the backfield and showing I can score touchdowns that way too. But, running back comes first."

Prior to joining the Rattlers, Clarke developed his game through the college ranks, playing at Virginia St. and Jackson St., where he built a reputation as a dynamic playmaker capable of contributing in multiple ways. That experience helped prepare him for the transition to the Indoor Football League and the fast-paced style of play that comes with it.

Adjusting to a new system and new teammates could have taken time, but Clarke said the chemistry inside Arizona's locker room helped make the process easier.

"I had to get used to the system, but I picked up on it real fast," Clarke said. "The chemistry and the team bonding have been there, so that's also what's been helping me on the field. Meeting new guys, being cool with them off the field, going to little events together, and just hanging around them has made me play better with them."

As Arizona's leading scorer, Clarke embraces the responsibility that comes with being a player the offense can rely on in key moments.

"Every game, I come in with the mindset that I have to score," Clarke said. "No matter if it's three or four drives, five or six drives, once I get the opportunity, I have to help the team get in the end zone."

While Clarke's focus remains on helping Arizona compete for a title, he continues to let his performance do most of the talking. With 13 touchdowns already this season and a mindset rooted in preparation and seizing opportunities, the Rattlers' leading scorer remains committed to helping Arizona finish what it started and make a championship run.