Stanquan Clark

NFL Draft Profile: Stanquan Clark

Position: Inside Linebacker | School: Louisville | Class: Junior

Height: 6'3" | Weight: 235 lbs | Archetype: Hybrid (Run Stopper / Blitz Specialist)

College Career Summary

Stanquan Clark’s trajectory at Louisville was that of a meteor before a devastating injury interrupted his 2025 campaign. A highly touted four-star recruit from Miami Central, Clark made an immediate impact as a true freshman on special teams before exploding as a sophomore in 2024. That season, he finished second on the team with 76 tackles and earned All-ACC Honorable Mention honors. He was widely considered the "glue" of the Cardinals' defense heading into 2025.

His junior year was off to a blistering start before he suffered a severe lower-leg injury in Week 2 against James Madison. Though initially feared to be season-ending, Clark showcased immense Mental Toughness by returning for the late-season stretch, including a high-stakes performance against Clemson. When healthy, Clark is a physical force who blends elite size with the downhill aggression typical of South Florida linebackers.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 28

• Total Tackles: 102 (19 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 10.0 (1.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 2.0

• Interceptions: 2 (both in 2024)

• Forced Fumbles: 3

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. E. Kentucky	4 Tkl	B	Controlled the middle; played fast in a blowout win.
vs. James Madison	6 Tkl	B+	Dominant until the injury; was on track for double-digit stops.
vs. Clemson	7 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	A-	Mental Toughness. Inspirational return from surgery.
@ SMU	3 Tkl	C+	Looked a step slow; still regaining lateral Agility.
Boca Raton Bowl	1 Tkl	C	Worst Game. Clearly playing at less than 100% health.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Prototypical Build: At 6'3" and 235 lbs, Clark possesses the "old school" frame that NFL scouts look for in a MIKE linebacker while maintaining "new school" athleticism.

• Downhill Striker: He is a violent Run Stopper. When he identifies a gap, his Acceleration is elite, often meeting running backs before they can cross the line of scrimmage.

• Special Teams Background: His early career work on special teams highlights his High Motor and willingness to sacrifice for the team.

• Ball Production: Rare hands for a linebacker; his two interceptions in 2024 showed safety-like ball skills in underneath zones.

Weaknesses

• Medical Concerns: The 2025 lower-leg surgery is a red flag. Scouts will closely monitor his Durability and whether he has lost his 4.5-level Speed.

• Over-Aggression: He occasionally "shoots his gun" too early, biting on play-action or misreading pullers, which leaves the middle of the field vacated.

• Shedding Blocks: While physical, he can get "sticky" against larger ACC offensive linemen. He needs to refine his hand Technique to disengage more cleanly at the next level.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE in a 4-3 or a Thumper in a 3-4 that utilizes his blitzing ability.

NFL Comparison: Damone Clark (Cowboys) / Quay Walker

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 18/20 | Physical Tools: 19/20 | Attributes: 16/20 | Athleticism: 17/20 | IQ: 16/20

Final Grade: 86/100

Stanquan Clark is a high-ceiling prospect whose draft stock is currently volatile due to his 2025 injury. Before the leg surgery, he was trending toward a top-50 selection. He plays with a ferocious Competitor spirit and has the physical tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker. However, his limited tape in 2025 and the obvious drop in lateral quickness upon his return will force teams to rely heavily on his 2024 sophomore film. If he tests well at the Combine and proves his leg is 100%, a team will jump on his "Alpha" traits early.

Draft Projection: 3rd - 4th Round