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Ladarian Clardy, 4-star 2025 DB from Florida, announces SEC commitment
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Ladarian Clardy is in the midst of his final season of high school football. The 2025 defensive back from Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia — the same program Emmitt Smith starred at before a Hall of Fame college and professional career — has his sights set on breaking through in the collegiate ranks.
On Saturday, Clardy announced his college committment. He’ll be heading to Ole Miss, becoming Lane Kiffin’s 17th commitment in the 2025 recruiting cycle and the highest pledge for the Rebels in the class.
BREAKING: Four-Star Safety Ladarian Clardy has Committed to Ole Miss, he tells me for @on3recruits
The 6’0 180 S from Pensacola, FL chose the Rebels over LSU & Florida State
“It’s time I take over the Sip🦈”https://t.co/KkDeGNt4w4 pic.twitter.com/vNXJKKsKcv
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) September 21, 2024
Clardy is a Top 20 safety nationally, ranked by 247Sports’ composite as the No. 17 player at his position. He is also the No. 33 player in the state of Florida.
Just a few years ago, tragedy struck Clardy’s family as his older brother, Ladarius, was murdered in a drive-by shooting in Pensacola in July 2021. Ladarius Clardy was a quarterback with the Kennesaw State football team.
Now, the younger Clardy, who has been playing in his older brother’s memory, is headed to play for one of the elite programs in the SEC.
Below, you can take a look at Clardy’s highlights from Hudl:
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
