Bernard "Tiger" Clark, a 1985 graduate of A.P. Leto Comprehensive High School in Tampa, Fla., played middle linebacker while at the University of Miami from 1985-1989. He caught his big break in the 1987 National Championship Game when he replaced a suspended George Mira, Jr., where he had an outstanding game and was voted Orange Bowl MVP. He was drafted in the 3rd round in the 1990 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. After playing three seasons in the National Football League (from 1990-1991 playing for the Bengals and the Seattle Seahawks) and two with the Orlando Predators in the Arena Football League, Clark began his coaching career with James Madison coaching defensive ends from 1998-99. He then moved coach special teams and linebackers for 3 years (2000–2003) at Liberty University.