Fresno State defensive back Dean Clark is among the more underrated safeties in the 2025 NFL Draft. Clark plans on posting some eye-popping numbers during his Pro Day. The former Kent State transfer was productive in two seasons at Fresno State, posting 146 tackles, four interceptions, and nine pass breakups.
Clark recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Clark discussed transferring from Kent State to Fresno State, playing multiple roles on defense, wearing the green dot, being a leader, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Kent State to Fresno State?
Dean Clark: It was a great decision. I made a tough decision at that time to enter the portal. My coaching staff had left Kent State and there was a great opportunity for me to come to Fresno State and play, and help that program win games.
I loved my time at Fresno State. I loved our coaching staff and my teammates. I’m happy I made that decision.
JM: You recorded four interceptions and nine pass breakups over the past two seasons. Talk to me about developing your ball skills and making plays at the catch point.
Dean Clark: That was something I placed a lot of emphasis on once I got to Fresno State. I spoke with my defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach and we all agreed I wanted to get my hands on the ball more frequently.
I wanted to make more plays by disrupting the ball. That’s what we did. I was very happy with my production.
JM: Your versatility really pops on tape. You come downhill and play man coverage. You play in the box. You've also played on the back end in zone coverage. It's so important in today's game.
Dean Clark: I’ve always taken a lot of pride in learning the entire defense. I enjoy being that piece that can move around and play where needed. I played in three different defenses at Kent State. At Fresno State, I finally got some continuity from a defensive system standpoint.
I played a lot of different positions. Being versatile and making yourself available to the coaching staff is very important. I knew what my job was at each spot. It helped me be a contributor and make game-changing plays. It’s something I pride myself on.
JM: Correct me if I’m wrong, but you wore the green dot and called the defense. It really shows that you understood every role on the defense.
Dean Clark: Yeah, I wore the green dot. I had the honor of being our glue guy and communicating the defense. I was getting the calls in and communicating with our defense, getting guys aligned and set so we could play defense at a high level.
JM: Is there a safety in today's game you'd compare yourself to? Anyone you enjoy studying and learning from?
Dean Clark: I wouldn’t say there’s one specific player. I enjoy watching a lot of different guys. Kyle Hamilton’s tape is a lot of fun. Kerby Joseph had great tape from this past season. I really like how Minkah Fitzpatrick plays the game. There’s so many guys across the league I enjoy watching tape on. Seeing how they play and picking up things from their game, that’s a process I really enjoy. It’s all about finding different ways to get better.
JM: I'm looking forward to your Pro Day [3/13]. I know you're going to post some crazy testing numbers! You're athletic on tape. Any numbers you've hit in training you can share?
Dean Clark: I don’t want to give out any spoilers (laughs). If they’re unfamiliar, I think everyone who shows up will be very impressed. I’m excited to go out there and prove that I’m a top athlete in this draft class. I’m looking forward to it.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been a lot of fun. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Dean Clark?
Dean Clark: I have a worker’s mentality. I’m a lunch-pail type of guy. I’m going to show up every single day ready to work as hard as I can. I’m going to bring that same mentality to the next level. I never get too high or too low on myself. It’s all about consistency.
I always focus on taking things one day at a time. I make plays. I’m going to make myself and our organization better.
