Miami DT CJ Clark excited about potential of new linemen pulling together as dominant group: “We know what we want – to win”

Go ahead and call it Transfer Portal Defensive Line U if you want, with all seven Miami Hurricanes juniors and seniors on the DL roster coming via the portal (five in this most recent cycle, with Akheem Mesidor and Anthony Campbell prior additions).

The truth is you can call it whatever you want, because all these guys are focused on is results.

“It’s been gelling pretty well,” DT CJ Clark says. “We all know what we want, that’s to win. We’ve been bonding really, getting to know all the new guys, the guys that were previously here, we’re all connecting. Everyone is on the same page, excited.”

Clark, who arrived from NC State, joins Michigan State’s Simeon Barrow as the most likely starters on the interior, although others like Marley Cook, Ahmad Moten, Josh Horton and perhaps even true freshman Justin Scott hope to have a say.

“I just do my part and whenever that time comes when I’m in, I’m going to do my job,” Clark said. “It’s all going to work out. I’m glad to be here, excited for the year.”

Clark has exciting potential for Miami. He played in a three-man front for the Wolfpack and part of the reason he liked the situation at Miami was being able to showcase himself in Lance Guidry’s four-man front. He had 22 tackles, four for losses with a sack last season, and in 2022 he had 18 tackles and three sacks. Clark also started the first three games of 2021 before a season-ending injury (had eight tackles, 3 QB pressures), and he redshirted in 2019 and started two games in 2020 (against Miami and the bowl game, and ended year with 24 tackles and 3 QB pressures). Per Pro Football Focus he graded out at 61.0 percent this year (59.6 run defense, 60.4 pass rush, 50.6 tackle grade). He’s noted by PFF with 13 QB pressures this year and 16 in 2022.

“I want to be able to penetrate, make tackles for losses,” Clark said. “My goal is to make plays and help the team out in any way. I want to play ball and be physical.”

As for why he chose the Canes out of the portal?

“I saw the competitive spirit they had,” he said. “When they played against us (20-6 NC State win last year), the way the O line played and carried itself, it was a very intense game, I enjoyed that.”

As a sixth-year player, Clark says he’s focused on offering younger players advice, and he’s seeking consistency in his own game.

“It’s all about small things like learning the scheme,” he said. “It’s going to be a great year.”

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