RENTON, Wash. -- Seattle Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark went into this offseason knowing he wanted to get leaner.

He returned at around 260 pounds, 15 to 20 pounds less than last year. And he reached his goals without giving up the sugary treats he loves.

"I didn’t give up nothing," Clark said. "I drink soda. I know I shouldn’t. But I drink a lot of soda. I eat a lot of Sour Patch Kids. But it’s all part of my diet to help me get here. I don’t think it’s going anywhere any time soon."

As a rookie, Clark played 33.5 percent of the Seahawks' defensive snaps and was used both as an interior and edge pass-rusher. He finished with three sacks and showed flashes of being a disruptive player, particularly in the second half of the season.

Clark's role is likely to change in Year 2. With Bruce Irvin now in Oakland, Clark is in prime position to get more snaps at right defensive end when the Seahawks are in their sub packages. At that spot, the lighter weight should allow him to get around opposing left tackles and use his quickness.

"While in games, I felt myself getting tired after a couple of plays," Clark said. "I’m like, ‘Wow, this is not me.’ And I take it back to my junior, senior year in college when I was 260, 265, when I can play eight straight plays and feel great. I just took it back there, and that’s where I really wanted to be physically."

Earlier this offseason, Pete Carroll mentioned Clark specifically when discussing guys who had impressive offseasons.

"Here's a guy that came back to us with a little bit different makeup. Stronger, he looks faster than ever," Carroll said. "Lost a few pounds. Came in a little bit leaner than when he had come in a year ago. He feels great. He just feels physically on it. We talked today about how much further down the road he is now in understanding what's expected of him and all that. He's having a blast playing with these guys, and again, there's so many guys that are just off to a great start this offseason. Frank's one of those guys."

Two players -- Michael Bennett and Cliff Avril -- accounted for 19 of the team's 37 sacks (51.4 percent) last season. And there were certainly times when the team's need for another contributor was glaring.

The Seahawks brought veteran Chris Clemons back and believe that rookie Quinton Jefferson can help them out as well. But Clark is the most likely option to bolster the pass rush.

During an interview with 710 ESPN Seattle, Bennett predicted seven sacks for Clark in his second season.

"It’s pretty high," Clark said. "But the more I’m on the field, the more I’m going to make something shake."