COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Fresno State senior safety Dean Clark has been named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday.
Clark tied for the team-high with eight tackles in Fresno State's 31-24 win over UNLV last Saturday. Clark did more than just record stops in the win, he was responsible for two of the Bulldogs' four turnovers gained in the win as he had an interception and a fumble recovery.
The first-year Bulldog as a transfer out of Kent State grabbed his first interception as a Bulldog early in the third quarter, setting up the offense at the UNLV 41-yard line. The offense cashed Clark's turnover in for three points. On UNLV's next possession, it was Clark who flipped the script again, picking up a fumble that was forced out by defensive end Isaiah Johnson. That turnover would soon turn to points as well, putting Fresno State ahead 31-17 to close out the third quarter.
UNLV had not committed more than two turnovers in a game to any opponent this season, but Clark as an individual had two in the win.
Clark earns his first Mountain West player of the week nod. He is the third Bulldog to bring home Defensive Player of the Week honors by the conference, joining linebacker Levelle Bailey and cornerback Carlton Johnson.
Fresno State has had four different players earn MW weekly honors in 2023 in Clark, Bailey, Johnson and Mikey Keene (Offensive). So far, it is the most Bulldogs to earn the weekly honors in a single season since 2021.
Clark and the Bulldogs stay at home another week to host Boise State in a battle for the Milk Can at Valley Children's Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.