DB Jordan Clark went all the way to the National Championship this season -thanks to his new team, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While the Irish fell 23-34 to the Ohio State Buckeyes, playing in the Championship was still a chance he would’ve missed had he not transferred to Notre Dame this offseason from Arizona State. According to his father, ESPN analyst Ryan Clark, Jordan almost didn’t change schools.
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Clark appeared on Monday’s edition of The Dan Patrick Show to talk about the NFL Divisional round. Before that, though, Patrick asked him what it was like to have a child in Jordan’s current position. Ryan said he was “wrecked” with nervousness. Then, he detailed how Jordan wound up in South Bend. Turns out, Ryan played a big role in Jordan’s transfer.
“He wanted to stay at ASU. He felt like that’s where his loyalty should be… as parents, we thought it was best for him to leave and we had those conversations. When he kind of finally acquiesced to what we wanted and started to take trips, when he chose Notre Dame, I was elated. It was my dream school.”
Clark admitted both he and his wife, Yonka, began having second thoughts about their insistence Jordan explore other schools as the Sun Devils rattled off victories. However, they believe things have ultimately worked out for the best.
“As the season goes along, Arizona State’s playing extremely well. You’re like ‘holy hell, did we make a mistake? Did we push him into something that’s not going to be positive for him?’ For him to be in this moment… I think it [has] just been an amazing year and an amazing opportunity for him to show who he is… as a parent, there’s nothing better.”
Jordan Clark takes it away
The fourth interception of his career, his first as a part of the Irish ☘️#GoIrish☘️ | @Jclark21_ pic.twitter.com/Sm2jcFWU8D
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 10, 2024
Jordan spent five seasons with the Arizona State Sun Devils, experiencing numerous changes including going through the COVID-19 pandemic. He stuck it out even during the time of the transfer of his close friend and current Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, and the arrival of new head coach Kenny Dillingham. As his dad pointed out, he might have never left.
As a graduate student, he recorded impressive statistics: 139 total tackles, 17 passes defended, three interceptions, and a pick-six during his tenure as a Sun Devil. His final season showcased his skills and significantly enhanced his resume, making him an attractive prospect for college coaches nationwide as he sought to utilize his last year of eligibility. And he landed in Notre Dame.
There, he totaled 33 (25 solo) tackles, five passes defended, and two interceptions en route to the Championship Game. On Monday, he recorded three tackles, but no sacks or interceptions.
