Clark Emerges as a Force on the Defensive Line

Anticipation is high for the 2021 football season as Georgia State returns 22 starters from last year's record-setting team and LendingTree Bowl champions.

Head coach Shawn Elliott's squad welcomes back all 11 starters from an offensive unit that averaged a school-record 33.3 points per game, nine starters from a GSU defense that ranked No. 7 in FBS with a program-record 35 sacks, and their placekicker and punter.

Each week leading up to the 2021 season opener on Sept. 4 vs. Army at Center Parc Stadium, GeorgiaStateSports.com will feature one of the 22 returning starters.

JEFFERY CLARK
DE, R-Sophomore, Powder Springs, Ga.

During practice leading up to the 2020 season, when head coach Shawn Elliott was asked to name some younger players who might emerge, he frequently mentioned Jeffery Clark. And the defensive end from Powder Springs, Ga. and McEachern High School did not disappoint.

Earning a starting berth as a redshirt freshman alongside veteran defensive linemen Hardrick Willis and Dontae Wilson, Clark made his debut against nationally-ranked Louisiana and responded with 1.5 tackles loss, including a shared sack. He had another big game in Georgia State's defensive effort at Appalachian State, collecting a season-high seven tackles with a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. He had another tackle for loss in the LendingTree Bowl win over WKU, helping the defense allow a season-low 284 total yards.

Clark finished with six tackles for loss on the season, including 3.5 of the Panthers' school-record 35 sacks. He also helped the GSU defense hold opponents to 136.6 rushing yards per game, the second-lowest mark in program history, including a school record 3.86 yards per carry.

With a season of experience under his belt and another year in the weight room, Clark looks to take another step forward along in 2021. He is one of the Panthers' 22 returning starters, including nine on defense.

Get your season tickets now by visiting GeorgiaStateSports.com/TIX or calling 404-413-4160.

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