‘I feel their energy, speed’ – Dan Quinn sends special text to Clark

The Dallas Cowboys’ depth issue at linebacker is starting to clear up, and in a big way. Jabril Cox’s improvement is joined by what appears to be an impending Year 2 leap for his old LSU colleague Damone Clark, and there’s also the inclusion of rookie third-round pick DeMarvion Overshown, all of whom had an impact in the preseason opener.

With the Jacksonville Jaguars already in the rearview mirror and the Seattle Seahawks on the horizon for this Saturday, defensive coordinator Dan Quinn took a minute to express his appreciation for a linebackers’ room led by Leighton Vander Esch.

Quinn lavished praise on everyone, notably Clark and Overshown, who are both doing well in their first NFL training camp.

“In a lot of ways, I’ve been really proud of Damone Clark,” Quinn remarked as training camp ended in Oxnard. “He didn’t have to go through a training camp last year.” To see the two of them together — I emailed them last week that I could feel their enthusiasm and speed on the field during the game. That, I think, is another cool thing.”

Clark, a former fifth-round pick in 2022, suffered spinal fusion surgery prior to his respective NFL draft and was not cleared to play football until midway.

In the aftermath of Anthony Barr’s injury, he’d step in and help save the day at the position, but with a complete offseason and training camp under his belt, he appears to be back to his LSU form — if not better.

“I’m thankful and grateful that I got the opportunity to play last year,” Clark recently stated. “They let me go out there [in 2022] without an offseason and with the freedom to make mistakes.” Now it’s time to learn from my mistakes from last year and go strike some people.”

After a great debut against the Jaguars, Overshown is focused on striking the ground running as a rookie.

“Going out there week by week and flying all over the field — trying to beat everybody to the ball,” Overshown explained. “I take delight in being associated with the ball. That’s what I’m looking forward to all year: being that man.”

Against the Jaguars, the duo combined for 11 total tackles, with a nearly even split.

To say the least, the Cowboys’ linebacker position is coming together nicely, with at least four very competent young players with high ceilings pushing for playing time in Quinn’s scheme of destruction and disruption. But, for Clark and Overshown in particular, it’s about contributing at the start of their respective careers.

“They’re not in the same class, but they’re both learning some things in this camp together because Damone won’t be there [in 2022],” Quinn explained. “Those players in pads are ready to go.” In the spring, I’ve noticed some hesitancy when they are unsure. As a coach, I know the hesitation is gone when I watch the pace come out now.

“… We’ll see more of that as time goes on.”

Outside of Leighton Vander Esch’s new contract, the Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker position had a lot of issues this offseason, but they’ve been answered swiftly.