NFL Draft Prospects Who Must Step Up In Week 4

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Kenny Clark (97) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kenny Clark (DT – UCLA) vs. Arizona

How unlucky has the UCLA defense been this year? The Bruins haven’t even begun Pac-12 play, yet three of the school’s top four 2016 draft prospects have already sustained season-ending injuries. With a matchup against the 16th-ranked Arizona Wildcats this weekend, the fourth prospect, Kenny Clark, must step up.

Cornerback Fabian Moreau, defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes and linebacker Myles Jack are all out for the remainder of the season. While it would be easy for UCLA to start having a shootout mentality, there is still hope for the defense. Kenny Clark is still healthy and is a huge factor in the run game. That’s good news for UCLA because Arizona has the seventh-ranked rushing attack in college football. The bad news is Arizona also has a solid aerial attack.

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Clark is not someone who will consistently pressure the quarterback. In his college career he only has one sack. In order for UCLA to slow down Arizona’s passing game, Clark will need to make an impact. Whether he’s getting sacks or simply applying pressure, Clark will need to step up his game when Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon drops back to pass.

Next: Corey Davis