When he finally broke through with his first career sack last month, something clicked for Kenny Clark.

“The mentality changes,” said UCLA’s junior nose tackle. “You just start seeing things different. You start realizing weaknesses.”

Undoubtedly the most valuable player on the Bruins’ defense — and arguably the best one on either side of the ball — Clark has taken his game to another level just as his team has entered its Pac-12 schedule. He is second on the team with five tackles for loss, 4.5 of which have come in his last four games.

Pass rush was a focus for him entering the season, and his ability to pressure the pocket has clearly improved — in part due to his own skills, and the fact that UCLA’s coaching staff has been more willing to put him farther back from the line of scrimmage.

Clark said he now feels more explosive, and has a better understanding on how to read opposing offenses. The potential first-round draft pick isn’t likely to slow down either. Colorado, which visits the Rose Bowl at noon Saturday, lost left tackle Sam Kronshage and offensive guard Jonathan Huckins to injuries last weekend. Both are questionable.

“I think I’m really improving each game,” Clark said. “Especially just being able to be consistent. That’s my main focus, just being consistent. Putting things on tape (to show) that I am getting better.”

The San Bernardino native’s increased production has coincided with the team losing starters in defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (ACL), cornerback Fabian Moreau (foot), and linebacker Myles Jack (knee), but defensive line coach Angus McClure believes Clark’s improvement would have happened regardless of those injuries.

“He’s got such a great learning attitude,” McClure said. “He comes into every meeting wanting to learn and he always comes out of meetings having learned something new. He just keeps progressing and getting better and better. It’s certainly a treat to coach him every day.”