as a clown 在句子里做noun modifier 还是做verb modifier?

Apolloemma

ManhattanP 260里面的话，
I will jump up like a clown(=in a clownish manner)
I will jump up as a clown(= in a clown suit!)

我知道like a clown　在句子做verb modifer， 修饰的是I +will jump up，表示一种方式，是方式状语
但是我不确定是 as a clown 在这个句子做什么成分？ 是noun modifier? 还是verb modifier?
我倾向理解as a clown 是介宾短语做noun modifer, 修饰的是I. 但是 as a clown 又离名词 I 太远了。 做状语的话，我有一些理解不了，似乎as做介词，引导的介宾短语都是做noun modifier的。 比如，Manhattan在前面的举得例子：

Function as: As your leader, I am in charge.
Equation as : I think of you as my friend.
Stage as:      As a child, I thought I could fly.