Kent State's Da'Realyst Clark Named to Jet Award Midseason Watchlist
10/20/2025 2:09:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio – Kent State junior wide receiver Da'Realyst Clark has been named to the prestigious Jet Award Midseason Watchlist, announced Monday by the Jet Award Foundation. The honor recognizes Clark as one of the nation's top 18 return specialists in college football.
Clark, a dynamic playmaker for the Golden Flashes, has been electric in the return game. Clark ranks third nationally in kickoff return average and has recorded two kickoff return touchdowns, which is first in the nation.
A SEASON OF ELECTRIFYING RETURNS
Through seven games in 2025, Clark has amassed impressive numbers:
- 12 kickoff returns for 387 yards (32.3 yards per return)
- 2 kickoff return touchdowns
- 100-yard long return (game-winner vs. Merrimack)
Clark's season has been highlighted by two unforgettable moments. In Kent State's season opener against Merrimack, Clark delivered a walk-off 100-yard kickoff return touchdown that sealed the victory for the Golden Flashes. Against UMass on October 11, Clark set the tone immediately by taking the opening kickoff 91 yards to the house, giving Kent State instant momentum.
THE JET AWARD LEGACY
Named in honor of Heisman Trophy winner and College Football Hall of Famer Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers, the Jet Award celebrates its 15th year of recognizing college football's most outstanding return specialist. The award will be presented at the Jet Award Gala on April 2, 2026.
"These return specialists have the rare ability to flip the field and change the momentum of a game in a single play," said Johnny Rodgers, 1972 Heisman Trophy Winner and Co-Founder of the Jet Award. "The 2025 midseason watchlist highlights the best of the best — athletes who bring electricity every time they touch the ball."
Clark joins an elite group of 18 return specialists from across the nation on the watchlist, including last year's winner Kaden Wetjen of Iowa. The winner of the 2025 Jet Award will be selected by a distinguished panel including media members from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), former Jet Award winners, and co-founders Johnny Rodgers and William Reed.
As Kent State continues its 2025 campaign, Clark will look to build on his exceptional season and bring the Jet Award home to Northeast Ohio. Golden Flashes fans can follow Clark's pursuit of the prestigious honor throughout the remainder of the season.
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