Lebanon, IL - The preparation for the season opener is in full swing for the McKendree University Football team, and with that comes preseason recognition for the student-athletes. On Sunday evening, redshirt junior running back Eddie Clark was named to the 2025 D2Football.com Elite 100 Watch List. Clark was named to the "SQUAD" category, which is joined by First Team and Second Team. All three categories will be formally announced at the conclusion of the season. 

Clark is coming off of a 2024 campaign that saw him rush for 1,146 yards on 225 carries, culminating in 5.1 yards per carry and 14 touchdowns.

Those 1,146 yards were good for the second most in a single season by a Bearcat football player. His 223 yards against Missouri S&T during the 2024 season also set a program record. 

Last year, Clark also successfully balanced both halves of the 'student-athlete' moniker, as he was named second team All-GLVC on the field and All-Academic in the classroom. 

Head Coach Jason Rejfek says that Clark has been a "workhorse" for the program, adding "no one deserves this as much as he does". 

As for how Clark has been preparing to back up his 2024 season and his 2025 preseason honors, Rejfek says that he and his staff are "excited to see him continue to grow", adding that "we are looking forward to seeing the season he has". 

Rejfek, Clark, and the Bearcats open up their 2025 season on Thursday, August 28th at Indiana State, with the game set for a 5:00 PM kickoff.