Cowboys' Damone Clark Reveals Who’s Helping 'Year 2 Jump'

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damone Clark is making plays, winning a starting job and giving credit.

Similar to Dallas Cowboys receiver Jalen Tolbert, linebacker Damone Clark has also made big improvements this offseason after a rough rookie year in 2022.

"Damone's really had an outstanding camp," Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said after last week's preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. "We talk all the time about the guys from Year 1 to Year 2 making the jump. He's made the jump. You could see that coming at the end of last year."

The Cowboys unfortunately lost once again on Saturday to the Seattle Seahawks, but Clark played fairly well in his limited number of snaps, as he logged four tackles. The 2022 rookie - drafted so low out of LSU because of a spinal fusion surgery - credits another Cowboys linebacker for helping him throughout the Year 2 leap.

"I'm learning something new every day. Having a guy like Leighton (Vander Esch) and (using) some of the older guys to just pick their brains to see what they see,” Clark said.

Vander Esch has been a prominent member of the Cowboys organization since they drafted him with the 19th overall pick in 2018. Vander Esch earned Pro Bowl honors his rookie season and has been one of the Cowboys' defensive leaders on-and-off the field ever since.

Clark explained that when the offense is out on the field, he gravitates toward Vander Esch for advice.

"I find Leighton and stand by him," Clark said. "I get the calls from him because he has the earpiece. I'm standing and looking at the backfield set, other sets, splits and things like that. Just picking Leighton's brain, we just communicate on the sideline."

As the Cowboys head into their final preseason game this Saturday against the Las Vegas Raiders, it's very likely that Clark will continue to go to Vander Esch for advice because he certainly utilizes it. … and then go to the ball-carrier when it’s time.

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