Second-year Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark stepped up into a leadership role for the defense during the team’s first preseason game versus the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Despite falling short, the game gave Clark the opportunity to handle green dot responsibilities – a job he hasn’t had since his days at LSU.
With Leighton Vander Esch and Malik Hooker not playing in the 28-23 loss, it was up to the former Tiger to make the defensive calls.
“It brought me back to my LSU days,” Clark said after the game, via DallasCowboys.com. “Everybody is looking at you for the call. I was confident. I gotta take a look at the film, correct some things, but that’s part of football.”
The broadcasters said Clark’s name often as he racked up five tackles, including four solo tackles. His production level came as no surprise to the former fifth-round selection.
“I’m used to doing that,” Clark said. “For me, it wasn’t nothing new. It was just me going out there and playing within the scheme, not just going out there and just doing my own stuff. Trusting the call and flying to the ball. That’s something I know I put on tape all the time, running to the ball.”
Clark flies around in first preseason game versus Jaguars
Clark led the SEC and finished second in the country with 135 tackles in his senior season at LSU. However, he realized the following March that he would need spinal fusion surgery to repair a herniated disk. The injury caused him to fall down draft boards but allowed the Cowboys to get what they believe was an absolute steal in the fifth round.
Last season, Clark played in just 10 games for Dallas but made a significant impact all the same. After overcoming a preseason injury, he finished the year with 47 tackles, including three tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.
The young linebacker’s development has been a very welcome sight for the Cowboys’ linebackers’ room. Dallas signed Vander Esch to a two-year deal this offseason, but as he continues aging, Clark will be waiting in the wings for when it’s his time to step up.
“It’s just practice that’s heading into the season,” Clark said. “It doesn’t matter how long it is, I’m just happy to go out there and get the reps because I need the reps to get better.”
The Cowboys get back to work this week in Oxnard before heading to Seattle for their second preseason game on Saturday.
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