re: Damone Clark Apology Thread

I will definitely own up to it but won't apologize. He was terrible the first few games of the year. Always out of position and missing tackles. Don't know if it was the scheme or learning the defense but whatever it was he is now one of the best LB's in the country and glad to say it. The guy is everywhere tackling and covering. Also a testament to what kind of DC Jones can be. I would keep him if I were the next HC unless they have a dynamite HC already to bring. Jones has earned the position and will be hired quickly if he is let go.

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How would you morons that wanted the guy benched, and blamed our early season defensive struggles solely on him, like your crow served? Step in here and own your idiocy.

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or he improved snd as he improved so did our defensive unit? Is that an option?

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Do I need to bump those threads? There were dozens.

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He was horrible the first few games, why does one have to apologize for stating the obvious?

Can we give O some credit for picking a good 18?

Dammit son Damone lived up to that 18!

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players are a reflection of the calls made by the coaches

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There is a lot of truth in that statement. And I didn't find that Clark did that bad even then. I have been high on the guy from day one.

I’m here. Tastes great, because I wanted to be wrong.

You do realize that he was hot garbage last year right? Clearly it had more to do with our faux DC than Clark's on ability. Nevertheless, he has shown great heart and growth this season. Baker should also be commended.

Great player and a great leader on the defense. He never gives up on a play, which is why he leads the SEC in tackles. Doesn’t matter where the ball is on the field - he’s running full speed to make a play. There was one last night where aTm ran a bubble screen and Clark made the tackle at the sideline. That’s pretty crazy when you think about it.

There was another play in the 4th quarter where aTm threw it deep over the middle of the field. Three DB’s were tackling the WR near the goal line and Clark was still sprinting down the field from 20+ yards away. There was no way he could make a play - either the DB’s make the tackle or it’s a TD. In this case it was a TD, as I recall. But he still didn’t give up on the play.

Throughout the year tRant has chastised him for making tackles on those types of plays, insinuating that he was out of position and that’s why they gained so many yards in the first place. In reality, he has saved a ton of potential touchdowns when others have missed tackles or been blocked out of position. Not saying he’s been perfect, but that’s a huge part of the perception among fans.

With his athleticism and that kind of effort, he has a bright future ahead.

---but all of the initial criticism was warranted. He got better and that's all we ever really wanted. Do you think we want our guys to suck it up?

Definitely money last night especially late in the game.