Razorbacks' Hudson Clark May Have New Title to Accept Now

With return for fifth season, DB rightfully has earned likely designation of team's old man

Author:
Andy Hodges
Updated:
Jan 20, 2024 10:30 AM EST
Original:
Jan 20, 2024

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas defensive back Hudson Clark has probably been on campus here longer than a lot of professors. Certainly a lot of instructors. He does provide much-needed potential for senior leadership if he wants to get the Razorbacks back to winning.

Much like Grant Morgan and some others on a 9-4 team in 2021, he's seen the difference between winning and losing Razorbacks teams. He knows leadership qualities generate both wins and losses.

He's one of several players coming back for that bonus year of eligibility from the whole pandemic that led to a 3-7 year in 2020. As trying on everyone as 2023's dysfunctional year ended up being, it was probably especially difficult for Clark. At least fans would hope so.

Just like Sam Pittman, all of the talk about culture is one thing. What they really need is a bunch of players and coaches who won't tolerate losing. Once folks accept losing in any way, it tends to be contagious, impossible to shake and fairly infectious.

Clark burst onto the scene in 2020 as a freshman, often appearing to be the guy Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corrall intended on his passes. Clark had three interceptions that day in a surprising Razorbacks' win that likely was, in hindsight, the defining moment of that season. It lasted through an Outback Bowl win over Penn State on New Year's Day to start 2021.

Razorbacks safety Hudson Clark against Western Carolina — Nelson Chenault / USA TODAY Sports

Now it's up to Clark to help get everybody else on the same track. Fans want him to lead the team back into that 2021 frame of mind where no one was comfortable with a loss. It won't be easy. As challenging as that schedule was, this one may be even more daunting. Nobody ever said it was going to be easy.