Linebacker commit Josh Clarke anxious to make impact in Oxford

Josh Clarke is ready for a new start, and he believes he can help Ole Miss' defense have one, as well.

The three-star outside linebacker sees the opportunity to make an impact as a true freshman in Oxford, and he's ready to get to winning after back-to-back 1-9 seasons to finish his high school career.

The Jefferson (Riverdale), Louisiana, native chose the Rebels over other offers from Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Colorado among several others in mid-June.

[Related: Ole Miss defensive coordinator Hot Board]

"It is so frustrating to see the defense struggle week in and week out, because it is the same thing week in and week out," Clarke said. "The defense really has no vocal leadership, and that will change before next season."

Clarke and Wake Forest linebacker commit Jeffery Burley discussed Ole Miss' loss to Mississippi State on Twitter, with Burley commenting as though he's considering a flip to the Rebels.

"I'm coming from back-to-back 1-9 seasons, I can promise you that I will not settle to take losses like these going forward," Clarke said. "My heart is big, and if I am giving you my all, I expect the same in return, this defense is going to turn into a bunch of savages, regardless of who comes in as defensive coordinator."

Clarke said that he "won't be afraid of a soul" when he gets onto campus and that he's eager to make an impact on this defense as soon as the opportunity presents itself.