Clifford Dirkes

Earned playing time in the defensive line rotation, appearing in eight games ... Finished with 10 total tackles, including 3.0 for loss, and 1.5 sacks ... Second on the team in tackles by a rookie ... Also had one fumble recovery ... Secured a sack in collegiate debut versus Wilkes (9/13) ... Racked up five tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and recovered a fumble in the win over Juniata (9/27) ... Had a half-sack in the Homecoming victory over William Paterson (10/11) Standout in both football and wrestling at Ocean City High School, where he was also on the track and field team ... Two-time first team all-conference ... Won District and Regional titles in wrestling in 2024 and was district runner-up in both 2023 and 2025 ... Placed second at regionals and eighth at states as a senior ... Posted over 100 career wins ... Two-time first-team Cape Atlantic League and two-time All-South Jersey selection ... Helped lead Red Raiders to district team title in 2024 ... National Honor Society member ... Received Academic Excellence Award and Highest Honors ... Member of Jazz Band, Concert Band, Science Club, and Boy Scouts ... Apex South Wrestling Club member WHY TCNJ? Close to home and I can play two sports Birthday is May 23 ... Son of Kristine Dirkes ... Also on the wrestling team at TCNJ ... Biggest athletic thrill has been placing at states in wrestling ... Plays the trombone ... Hobbies include playing poker and watching sports ... Likes pizza or wings after a game ... Favorite athletes are Michael Jordan, Darren Sproles, and Connor McGregor