Hall of Fame
Cleveland Clark was a standout cornerback and strong safety, earning NAIA honorable mention All-American honors in 1985. He’s one of just 16 All-Americans in Lakeland football history.
A four-time All-Illini-Badger Football Conference honoree, Clark graduated No. 2 in career interceptions (18), and his nine interceptions in 1985 is tied for the most in a single season and among the nation’s best as he led several defensive-minded teams. He also has the two longest punt returns in school history, the longest being 109 yards off a missed field goal as he was regularly among the nation's best punt returners.
As a junior, he was named to the NAIA District 14 All-District Team, was Illini-Badger Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year and the team’s MVP.
Clark, a three-time team captain, helped lead the Muskies to two straight IBFC championships in 1985 and 1986. The 1986 team finished 9-1 overall and was ranked 13th in the nation at one point playing for then-head coach Monte Cater, who was part of the 2023 College Football Hall of Fame Class.
Â
