This is why people tell you to try different things. Jalen Clardy unlocked the full array of his talent and discovered a new passion when he suddenly had to change positions for Bremen.
The senior all-purpose player added a new wrinkle to his game at quarterback when junior starter Kaeden Pettis wasn’t able to play for the Braves. And the results have been a revelation.
“I love running the ball,” Clardy said of going under center. “I’m not afraid to take a hit. I’ve taken plenty — even had a concussion once. I just love the contact. That’s why they move me around.
“I’m really Mr. Versatile on this team.”
He was Mr. Everything for the host Braves on Friday night, running for 109 yards and two touchdowns while completing 7 of 11 passes for 121 yards and a TD in a 42-7 South Suburban Blue win over Tinley Park in Midlothian.
The win was a long time coming for Clardy, a three-year starter, and Bremen (1-7, 1-4).
The Braves snapped a 17-game losing streak, winning for the first time since beating Hillcrest 34-0 on Oct. 21, 2023 during Clardy’s sophomore season. But he was quick to pass the credit, too.
“As a team, we played together,” Clardy said. “I made the right reads and didn’t just give the ball to the running back every time so he’d take all the hits.
“I’m a big guy myself, so I took a lot of big hits but stayed on my feet. I told my linemen, ‘Just to give me five seconds and I’ll make it work.’ And I did.”
Senior tackle Mark Hudley, who’s one of those offensive linemen for the Braves, praised Clardy’s unselfishness and desire to help the team in any way possible.
“He’s a great leader and showed how well he can support us,” Hudley said. “Out of every single position I’ve seen him play so far — defensive end, safety, linebacker — quarterback is where he seems the most alive.
“He has great instincts. He knew when he had to get out of the pocket and what he had to do to help the team.”
Second-year coach Connor Downs also celebrated his first victory at Bremen. The sense of joy and relief was palpable.
“What he did to step into that role as a quarterback, what he did to command the huddle and what he did for his teammates to respect him was special for him and for us,” Downs said of Clardy.
“We had to overcome. We had some bumps and bruises, guys injured, low numbers overall.”
Clardy is also a three-year starter on the basketball team as a combo guard. As a sophomore two years ago, he scored 38 points in a regional semifinal against Chicago Vocational.
At 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds, Clardy has ideal size, speed and athleticism. He missed the final six games of his junior year with a severe ankle injury.
Clardy learned how to cope with all the losses by using games as an emotional outlet.
“It was hard, but I just took it out on the field when I was playing defense,” he said. “I love hitting. The coaches use me on some plays just so I can block. I love putting guys on their back.
“I can fly down from safety and use my arms and size to my advantage.”
His father, Antonio, played baseball at Simeon. His older brother, Venecchi, was an offensive tackle on some standout teams at Morgan Park.
His mother, Monique, is a special influence.
“She has always been my biggest supporter,” Jalen said of his mom. “She’ll tell me when something’s wrong and always asks what I can do better.
“My dad wanted me to sit out to focus on basketball. Football is my first love. I wish we could have a better season, but when the coach told me I’d be going in at quarterback, I had a big smile.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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