Alabama tight end commit Caden Clark showed some serious commitment this weekend making the 12-hour drive to Tuscaloosa, Ala. from Akron, Ohio for Junior Day.

The trip marked the first time back for the Archbishop Hoban standout since the Champions Cookout last summer, a visit that ultimately yielded a commitment from the 3-star tight end.

“I got to admire it because I know I’m going to be going there,” Clark told BamaOnLine of what was different about the visit this time around. “It’s starting to get real … the whole process, how fast it is. I’m about to be there starting my career in less than a year because I’m probably going to be graduating early.”

Another difference is the coaching staff. However, Clark isn’t concerned about the turnover at Alabama because of who’s at the top.

“Coach (Jeff) Banks has told me don’t worry about anything,” Clark said. “I know some these (coaches) don’t know who we are, but as long as the top stays the same, which is Coach (Nick) Saban — and it always will because he’s not going anywhere — we’re good. That’s really true because he just keeps bringing in guys that are great coaches. I like the coaches he brought in now, they’re all pretty good guys.”

It also helps Alabama that Clark and Banks have formed a strong bond.

“Me and him have a really great relationship,” Clark said. “I really like him.”

The Ohio native spent time with new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

“I really liked the new OC,” Clark said. “Me and him sat down for about fifteen minutes and talked about the offense and he showed me numbers from guys on the Falcons and stuff and what he can do. He said that I’m not going to sit here and tell you what we’re going to do, he showed me film and numbers of what he does do. It was really impressive. He’s a great coach and I hope he’s there when I get there.

The Crimson Tide offense showcased a number of playmakers this past season, including the emergence of Irv Smith Jr. becoming a key piece to the offensive attack. That’s something that caught Clark’s eye throughout the year.

“It’s really awesome to see how easy it is to involve a tight end because you have them to use.”

Clark along with 10 others make up the Tide’s 2020 No. 1-ranked class. The group is already tight-knit.

“We stay in contact on social media and stuff, we’re all pretty cool,” Clark said. “We have a group chat. I got to meet them today because I didn’t really get to meet them last time. They’re cool guys. I’m happy with the group of guys we got.”

Other schools are still coming after the 6-foot-4, 246-pounder, but he’s still set on his decision.

“I’m 100 percent committed,” Clark said.

Clark is rated the No. 9 tight end in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite.

This past season, Clark caught 30 passes for 650 yards and 11 touchdowns as Archbishop Hoban won its fourth straight state championship.