Cowboys' UDFA training camp star DB gets first start of NFL career

The Dallas Cowboys' wounded secondary enters Week 8 against the Denver Broncos at Mile High down several starting defensive backs. From Trevon Diggs to Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, the team is short-handed.

Add in the absence of key backup safety Juanyeh Thomas, and the Cowboys' depth at safety is incredibly light.

As a result, a standout undrafted free agent is getting his first career NFL start. The backup safety for Dallas will be veteran Corey Ballentine.

MORE: Cowboys make last-minute roster change, rule out defensive starter for Week 8

Training camp standout Alijah Clark, who made a name for himself in Oxnard, California, after signing with the team as an UDFA out of Syracuse following the 2025 NFL draft, is getting the call as one of only two healthy safeties on the roster.

Syracuse Orange defensive back Alijah Clark in action against the Stanford Cardinal | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

Clark was the team's highest-paid UDFA and was working with the first-team defense during OTAs. Clark earned a $25,000 bonus and a $234,000 guaranteed salary when he signed with the team.

Throughout his college career, Clark, who ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, recorded 189 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, two interceptions, nine passes defensed, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.

MORE: Trevon Diggs offseason release would save Dallas Cowboys over $50M in cap space

Clark was one of the team's final roster cuts at the end of the preseason, despite a stellar outing in the preseason finale.

Now, he will be seeing game action for the fourth time this season, but it will be the most memorable because it's his first start in his professional career.

Syracuse Orange defensive back Alijah Clark reacts to a play against the Western Michigan Broncos | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

3 bold predictions for Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos in Week 8

3 keys to victory for Dallas Cowboys in Week 8 matchup vs. Broncos

3 best Dallas Cowboys player prop bets for Week 8 vs Denver Broncos

Dallas Cowboys have historic streak on the line vs Broncos in Week 8

Cowboys vs Broncos announcer pairing & referee assignment for NFL Week 8

Meet Brenley Herrera: Viral Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader rookie