On Aug. 21, Sacramento State defensive tackle Christian Clark was named Preseason All-American Honorable Mention for his outstanding performance last season.

Clark has represented Sac State for two seasons. Clark started all 12 games for Sac State last season, and he hopes to make his presence felt again in the 2009 season.

In 2008, he recorded five sacks, 42 tackles – nine of which were for a loss of yardage. And that was only Clark’s sophomore season.

He was more than surprised when he found out that he had been named honorable mention as a preseason All-American. Clark learned of the honorable mention from a fan.

“I was at a scrimmage and a fan came up to me and said congratulations. I was so surprised that I had to ask them what they were congratulating me for. A little time after that, one of my coaches told me what the fan was talking about and what I was being honored for,” Clark said.

These types of awards and accolades are becoming second nature to Clark. He has also been named to the preseason All-Big Sky team.

Clark and the rest of the Sac State Hornets will head to Las Vegas to take on UNLV on Saturday. Sac State will need a stellar performance from Clark in order to assure a victory over the rebels.

Head coach Marshall Sperbeck is excited about what his defense brings to the table this season, especially Clark.

“The defensive line will have all its starters back for this season. Christian (Clark) is ready to have an outstanding season,” Sperbeck said.

Junior defensive lineman Marque Willis feels the defense walks with a swagger, thanks in part to Clark’s play.

“On the (defensive line) it is all about attitude. We do not have to change much as far as our defensive schemes go because the talent on this team can fill the shoes of those who have graduated,” Willis said.

Clark was humbled by the recognition.

“The award motivates me to continue to do a good job on the defensive line,” Clark said.

He looks forward to the upcoming season to prove on the field that all the preseason hype is warranted.

“The award really surprised me, but excited me at the same time. It let me know that there are people outside of Sac State that take notice of what I am doing, and respect the way in which I played last season,” Clark said.

Britney Rossman can be reached at [email protected]