On Tuesday night, UCF’s football program received some sad news when offensive line coach Shawn Clark was admitted to the hospital following a medical crisis. Although the specifics of what transpired have not been disclosed, the good news is that he is currently receiving the care he requires, and his condition is stable. Known for his work with offensive lines, Clark has already had a significant impact on the Knights in his first season, contributing to the team’s improvement from the beginning.

Scott Frost, the head coach, has publicly appreciated Clark’s efforts, stating that, “The offensive line has really improved… Coach Clark does a great job with those guys in there. They’re working together and doing a good job. So I’m really pleased with the progress.” This year, UCF has greatly benefited from Clark’s experience from his time at Appalachian State and other programs. Coworkers and staff are providing their full support during this tough time.

Following the UCF offensive line coach’s hospitalization due to a medical emergency, Shawn Clark’s former coworker and rival, Missouri head coach Eliah Drinkwitz, took to X to offer prayers for Clark and his family. Drinkwitz said it all: “We are praying for Shawn, his wife and kids. Shawn is a fighter and we are in his corner!” The brief but impactful message instantly stood out in the college football community, reminding both players and fans that friendship, respect, and common struggles form a bond that extends beyond the game.

UCF Athletics confirmed the support, stating that Clark is now stable and receiving the necessary care, and that the entire football program is backing him. They wrote, “Last night, UCF offensive line coach Shawn Clark experienced a medical emergency. He is currently in stable condition and receiving appropriate care. Coach Frost and our football and administration staffs are fully supporting Coach Clark and his loved ones during this time and our thoughts and prayers are with Shawn and his family. Updates will be shared as appropriate.” This outpouring of support from rivals like Drinkwitz and the UCF family shows how highly respected Clark is.

He joined the UCF staff under Scott Frost as the offensive line coach after Gus Malzahn left, after five seasons as head coach at Appalachian State, where he achieved a respectable 40-24 record. Clark had several successful seasons during his time at App State, including a 10-4 campaign in 2021, despite a tough final season in which the team finished with a 5-6. The school said, “The expectation for App State football is to annually compete for a conference championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.”

Shawn Clark is a leader on and off the Field

Shawn Clark’s college football career has been truly incredible. He has established a solid reputation as a coach following an outstanding playing career at Appalachian State, where he was a two-time All-American. He was App State’s head coach for five seasons, and during that time, he guided the team to several big wins.  “I’m thrilled to join UCF as the new offensive line coach and have the chance to work with such talented student-athletes and coaches,” Clark said on his arrival at UCF.

Clark’s ability to help players develop both on and off the field is what really makes him unique. His offensive lines have been consistently among the best in the country, helping quarterbacks break records and protecting them from sacks. Indeed, all five starters on the 2019 line received All-Sun Belt Conference recognition while he was at App State, and the team’s rushing offense finished 14th in the nation in 2018.

The respect and admiration Clark receives from coaches all over, as well as from players, is what really makes him stand out. Eliah Drinkwitz, the head coach of Missouri, who was once his rival but is now a friend, expressed the sentiment in a post that shows how much the football community values Clark’s character and leadership. He is renowned for being a mentor and role model beyond just being a coach. His capacity to transform obstacles into chances and create relationships that go beyond rivalry makes him one of the sport’s most respected and admired personalities today.