Notre Dame has tapped into the transfer portal to bolster its nickel position in the past two offseasons, and they’re banking on their latest acquisition to match the success of the first. After securing Thomas Harper from Oklahoma State for the nickel role last season, the Notre Dame coaching staff set their sights on Jordan Clark from Arizona State for the same position this year. The Irish staff meticulously studied Clark’s performance in the Sun Devil secondary before his campus visit, where they showcased footage of him and Harper side by side to illustrate how he fits into their defensive scheme.
“They made it clear why I’m suited for their defense,” Clark explained. “It wasn’t just a matter of filling a position gap; they wanted to emphasize that it was tailored to me, that I fit the role. That attention to detail, their deep understanding of my game from studying my film, and showing me my fit here, it meant everything to me. Plus, Coach Golden’s NFL experience, the knowledge I can gain from him, it was a no-brainer.”
Clark acknowledges the similarities between his game and Harper’s, seeing the potential for himself to excel in the same role. Despite battling injuries during the 2024 season, including a deep quadriceps contusion early on, Clark never missed a game. “I wasn’t fully healthy for most of the year,” he admitted. “But if you can play, you should play. I was determined to make it work.”
His passion for the game and desire to compete, even through adversity, were driving factors in his decision to join Notre Dame. “I live for this,” Clark declared. “I’ve dreamed of this my whole life, and I’m not going to waste any opportunity to play, especially with my teammates. I’m always going to give it my all, regardless of the circumstances.”
If Clark can make the impact he envisions, he could become a vital piece in Notre Dame’s defense, continuing the tradition of being one of the nation’s elite units.
