This Monday, Chargers' strong safety Clinton Hart agreed to terms on a new five-year contract that will keep him in lightning bolts through the 2012 season. ?We are very happy to have Clinton as a part of our future,? Chargers' General Manager A.J. Smith said. ?He was a first-year starter last year and was a major part of our team?s success. We believe his best football is ahead of him.? After spending three seasons as a key reserve and special teams' player with the Chargers, Hart became a full-time starter for the first time in 2007. He started all 16 regular-season games and all three playoff games at strong safety. During the regular season, Hart was the club?s third-leading tackler with 109 stops, trailing only Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm. He also finished second on the team with five interceptions and tied for second with four tackles for loss. Hart was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2008 season. The six-year veteran took the road less traveled to the NFL through the Arena Football League after not playing college football. For him, Monday was the culmination of years of sacrifice. ?It?s a day that I?ve been waiting for,? Hart said. ?I?ve put in a lot of work. I feel blessed, and I?m happy to be part of the Chargers for a few more years so we can make that run at a World Championship.? Hart originally joined the Chargers in September, 2004 after he was claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. In five NFL seasons, he has played in 78 regular season games and started 31.