Report: NFL-bound LSU linebacker undergoes surgery, could miss rookie season

James Fletcher IIIby:James Fletcher III•03/24/22•

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Former LSU linebacker Damone Clark, who declared for the 2022 NFL Draft, is undergoing spinal fusion surgery on Thursday, according NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The procedure comes after an MRI at the NFL Combine revealed a herniated disk and could hold him out for his rookie season, although the report expects Clark to make a full recovery.

Damone Clark played played four seasons at LSU before entering the draft and discovering the need for surgery. He played in 50 games for the Tigers and played a key role in the 2019 national championship run. Clark set a career-high in tackles during the 2021 season with 135, bringing his career total to 249 with 10 sacks.

The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native opted to stay home at LSU with offers from Miami, Texas and others. He joined the Tigers as a four-star recruit and the No. 374 ranked player in the 2018 recruiting class.

Damone Clark receives high praise

On Saturday of the NFL Combine, the best defensive lineman and linebackers from the college football world showed their stuff at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. As always, some improved their draft stock, and some saw their value take a hit.

Afterwards, NFL.com Chad Reuter took a gander at the winners and losers from Saturday’s iteration. He chose several players he believes affected their stock the most for the 2022 NFL Draft on that day of the event. Damon Clark ranked among the players who saw their stock rise the most, also building on an impressive Senior Bowl performance.

“He proved quick enough to cover ground in space and was reliable converting interceptions at the end of each rep,” wrote Reuter. “Clark showed everything a team could want from a leader in the middle of the defense.”

The impressive performances in the preparation process are now hampered by the surgery and risk of losing a year, but Clark remains a candidate to be selected with a vision toward the future or could become one of the most coveted undrafted free agents if no one chooses to take that gamble.