UTSA wide receiver De’Corian “JT” Clark suffered a non-contact torn ACL in November 2022. Last summer, the star pass catcher and the coaching staff seemed optimistic he’d be able to suit up at some point during the 2023 season.
Clark didn’t see a down outside of a handful of snaps in Week 6, and his outlook for 2024 is unclear. Head coach Jeff Traylor provided the latest at AAC Media Days.
What’s UTSA WR JT Clark’s Status for 2024?
When asked about Clark’s status for the season opener, Traylor said it’s to be determined, but the WR is in a much better physical and mental place than last year.
Last November, Clark underwent a second surgery on his ACL following setbacks. After the news broke, Traylor said the senior’s recovery timeline was “10 months at a minimum,” which would be this September.
The Roadrunners kick off the season with a home bout against new FBS member Kennesaw State on Aug. 31, which would be on the edge of Clark’s outlook.
Longtime UTSA QB Frank Harris clearly missed his big-bodied weapon, posting his worst statistical season as a full-time starter (64.9% completion rate, 2,506 yards, 18 touchdowns, and eight interceptions), although injuries also played a factor.
Clark is by far the largest WR on the roster, standing 6’3″ and 215 pounds. He proved to be a consistent perimeter threat from 2022-23, generating 50+ receptions, 740+ yards, and 7+ TDs each year.
If he isn’t able to suit up early in the year, the Roadrunners will have to rely on a young receiving corps.
Not only is Harris gone, but so are leading WRs Joshua Cephus (signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a UDFA) and Tykee Ogle-Kellogg (exhausted eligibility). Cephus generated an 89-1,151-10 receiving line, resulting in a first-team All-AAC selection. Ogle-Kellogg was even more efficient on a per-catch basis, taking 33 catches for 575 yards and seven TDs.
Replacing Harris under center is redshirt sophomore Owen McCown, the son of 18-year NFL journeyman Josh McCown. He impressed in his first snaps on a collegiate field, completing 74.1% of his passes for 442 yards, four TDs, and three INTs last season.
McCown will have talented — if inexperienced — help on the outside in 2024. Devin McCuin (42-546-3) and David Amador II (11-102-1, two carries for 43 yards) return after promising true freshmen performances, with McCuin the favorite to enter the season as the new WR1.
UTSA also returns junior Willie McCoy, who, after transferring from the JUCO ranks, took for 18 receptions for 164 yards and two scores.
KEEP READING: 2024 AAC Power Rankings
However, Traylor and Co. recognized they needed more depth, adding to Power Five transfers.
- TCU redshirt sophomore DJ Allen: Former four-star recruit with only two catches for 10 yards in his budding career.
- Texas Tech redshirt senior JJ Sparkman: Has totaled 23 receptions, 245 yards, and three TDs across 32 games in Lubbock.
Additionally, the Roadrunners signed speedy three-star recruit Mekhi Anderson, their only WR in the 2024 class. With Clark’s status still uncertain, UTSA’s success will hinge on how quickly its young QB and WRs can can develop chemistry.
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