J.J. Clark - UTEP Tackling Progressions

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Clark joined Walden's staff at Austin Peay to coach linebackers in March 2022 after spending three seasons as a defensive coordinator at the NAIA Level. Clark was promoted to defensive coordinator and safeties coach in January 2023 prior to Austin Peay's nine-win campaign. Clark's defense helped the Governors finish 6-0 in United Athletic Conference action and win a '23 UAC Championship.

Clark spent four years in various defensive coaching roles at his alma mater Wheaton College. After starting at Wheaton College in 2015, he was elevated to defensive coordinator starting in the 2017 season. The team finished the 2018 season ranked no. 23 in the D3football.com poll with an 8-2 overall record and 7-2 mark in CCIW play. During the 2018 campaign, the Wheaton defense ranked no. 2 in Division III in first downs defense (124) and fourth-down conversion percentage defense (0.125), no. 3 in scoring defense (9.0 points per game allowed) and third-down conversion percentage defense (0.213) and no. 4 in total defense (218.2 yards per game). LB Eric Stevenson was named a unanimous first team All-American and the CCIW Defensive Player of the Year in 2018 after tallying 74 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, three interceptions, 2.0 sacks and a forced fumble. He was also named All-CCIW first team. In 2017, Wheaton College finished 8-2 (6-2 CCIW), while five defensive players garnered All-CCIW honors.

During the 2013-14 season, Clark was a graduate assistant coach at Akron while completing his master's in sports science and administration. Clark's coaching career begun at Humboldt State, where he coached running backs in 2012.

Prior to his collegiate career, Clark worked as a football operation assistant at the Seattle Seahawks' training camp from 2007-2010.

Clark received his bachelor's degree in history from Wheaton College in 2012 and earned his master's in sports science and administration in 2014.

Clark was a four-year letter winner and three-year starter at tight end and fullback while playing at Wheaton College. The team compiled a 36-10 record during his playing career, while he was honored to the 2011 NCAA Division III Capital One Academic All-American second team honors. Clark and his wife Samantha have two sons, Shepard and Seeker.