Dec. 28--UCLA defensive lineman Kenny Clark will declare for the NFL draft and will forgo his senior season at UCLA, Clark announced Monday on Twitter.
The loss of Clark, though not a major surprise, deals another blow to a UCLA run defense that was shredded by Nebraska in Saturday's Foster Farms Bowl. Clark had 75 tackles this season, 11 tackles for loss and six sacks, all second on the team
Clark, who is 6 feet 3 and 310 pounds, said last week that he received a second-round grade in his NFL draft evaluation. ESPN analyst Todd McShay said Clark was easily the best player on the Bruins' defense this season after the injury to linebacker Myles Jack.
"I've heard some people say first round, and it wouldn't shock me," McShay said. "I think worst case is probably going to be second round for him. But at the end of the day I think he's just a really good all-around football player."
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On Twitter, Clark thanked UCLA fans for the past three years and added, "I am ready to take the next step forward."
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