'The journey has been a rollercoaster.' Dean Clark sets sight on NFL

 

(Dean Clark (32) shows enthusiasm stopping New Mexico State receiver Josiah Charles during game. Photo: Clark Instagram File)

When you hear about a players journey on the football field, they are different in a lot of cases on how they arrived at a possibility of playing professionally.

Dean Clark former Massillon Tiger is an example of hard work and dedication that pays off, scoring some high marks in his NFL Pro Day just weeks ago.

Typically when a player does not get invited to the NFL Combine they will have a similar test day at their perspective college, that was the case for Clark handling it not only from a physical aspect but also mental.

"The journey has been a rollercoaster," said Clark. "I've learned to push through tough moments, whether it was dealing with injuries, adapting to new coaching styles, or handling the pressures of playing at the collegiate level."

He comes from a high school program where he was a 3-year letter winner playing on both sides of the ball at receiver and defensive back, ultimately playing for a state title, winning 32 games over that period, with numerous post season awards, accumulating 130 tackles in a two year period.

Dean also ran for the track team.

Clark would commit to Kent State University as a defensive back (2019-2022) playing two years having his best year in 2021 where he accumulated 116 tackles after a redshirt year in 2022, but was leading the team in tackles 2020 before season was shortened. 

Then he would go into the transfer portal after coaching changes took place at Kent State landing at Fresno State, "Over time, I've learned that adversity is a part of life and the people who learn how to overcome adversity become better versions of themselves."

Playing at Fresno State with two years of eligibility left, he would be starting in 12 games missing one due to injury. He would be the team's second leading tackler and leading tackler in 6 games in his first year, top 15 in the Mountain West in total tackles with 83 (47 solo). Finishing that year making the CSC Academic All-District, Academic All-Mountain West and Mountain West Scholar Athlete.

Officially planting my flag on Dean Clark Island

So much to love about his game
-Size & Length
-Alignment versatility
-Explosive athlete
-Tackling

Can be a little flat footed at times, but he is going to be a really fun player in the NFL@19Deanclark pic.twitter.com/eluFRkla0F

— JWAC (@JwacReactions) March 29, 2025

His final year Clark would see the field and start 12 games missing playing against Air Force due to injury, would total 63 tackles (34 solo) in a season where he would be captain, Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list, All-Mountain West honorable mention, Shrine Bowl 1000, Reese's Senior Bowl watch list, CSC Academic All-District and Academic All-Mountain West. Claiming some pre-season accumulations also.

That was a pretty good college career for Clark, some would wonder what his motivation was, "I've never really relied on motivation, I'm big on discipline over motivation," said Clark. "Because there are plenty of moments where you might not feel like doing something and that's when motivation fails." 

I asked Dean about the transfer portal and his thoughts on the process being a product of it, "I think the transfer portal is a good thing, it gives both players and staff a new opportunity." he said.

Now comes his Pro Day where 24 representatives from NFL teams and 12 participants would be in attendance at Valley Children's Stadium for their annual Pro Day.

Nervousness was not a factor for Clark, "I would not say I was nervous going into Pro Day, more so just ready to get it done." said Clark. "So knowing the work I put in, it was nice to finally have the day come so I could showcase my abilities." 

And that he did! putting up solid numbers running a 4.49 in the forty, but what stood out the most was his 41.00" vertical jump, and the second highest broad jump (11'0) among cornerbacks at the combine that got some attention according to Cam Worrell radio analyst for the Bulldogs.

Pro Day for the guys 🏈 pic.twitter.com/S4Duhkm2N4

— Fresno State Football (@FresnoStateFB) March 13, 2025

All is done as of now for Clark he is just fielding calls and going through normal protocol before draft day comes April 24-26 from Lambeau Field and Titletown Campus. 

Looking back at such an amazing high school and collegiate career Clark was asked what is something he can pass along to the younger guys on the same trajectory has him, "I'd tell a younger player to stay consistent and fall in love with the process, college is a time of growth not just as a player, but as a person," he said.

Solid words coming from a student-athlete who finished with a bachelor's from Kent State in Business Management and a Masters in Business Administration from Fresno State. 

"My biggest inspiration is my family"

Data source: Fresno State Athletic website, 247 sports, 30 Action News in Fresno, Cam Worrell