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The Longhorns' new Edges coach is drawing praise

On3 imageby:Ian Boyd•02/26/25•

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LaAllan Clark by Mick Walker
LaAllan Clark (Mick Walker/Lettermen Row)

Texas’ new assistant coach LaAllan Clark comes with a high approval rating from departing Ohio State defensive end, JT Tuimoloau:

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Clark was a grad assistant who worked under the legendary Larry Johnson for the last two years after serving as a D-line coach at Southern University. Johnson was the sole D-line coach for the Buckeyes so Clark was clearly pretty involved in developing Ohio State’s players. At 73 years old, Johnson’s future with Ohio State is unclear. He may return for another season under new defensive coordinator Matt Patricia or he may choose to retire.

Clark’s charges Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer were an outstanding bookend duo for Ohio State in 2024. Tuimoloau had 61 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks for the National Champions. Sawyer had 59 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and nine sacks as well as seven pass-break ups and an interception.

They were true four-down ends in the Ohio State defense, not outside linebacker hybrids like the Texas crew. Both were around 6-foot-4, 270 pounds and could anchor and set the edge or play interior gaps on normal downs but still get wide and rush the passer on 3rd downs. Think of either as a more explosive version of Barryn Sorrell, they’ll both likely be drafted this coming April.

Here’s Clark posing with the members of his new room at Texas:

Clark is on the far left followed by Ethan Burke, Colin Simmons, Lance Jackson, Zina Umeozulu, Smith Orogbo, and finally Colton Vasek.

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You wonder how long he’ll be just a positional assistant at Texas given his impressive GA apprenticeship and accomplishments to date. However, his path to a promotion is currently blocked by the defensive coordinator, Pete Kwiatkowski who coaches the Edges. After a few years with Johnson and then Kwiatkowski he’ll likely be another prized young assistant for someone.

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