FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas redshirt junior defensive back Hudson Clark has been announced as a nominee for the prestigious Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on, the organization announced Tuesday. The award is named after former Arkansas walk-on and All-American offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth.
Clark leads Arkansas in pass breakups (8) and fumble recoveries (2) and ranks second on the team in forced fumbles (2) and interceptions (1), and fifth in total tackles with 32. The redshirt junior ties for first in the SEC in fumble recoveries and lands fourth in pass breakups.
In a spectacular performance in Arkansas’ road win over BYU on Oct. 15, Clark turned in a team and career high 11 stops (four solo) with one interception and one fumble recovery, earning him the Jim Thorpe Award Player of the Week along with SEC Defensive Player of the Week. Against Mississippi State on Oct. 8, Clark recorded a career high three pass breakups.
Clark began his career as a walk-on before earning a scholarship in 2020. In three seasons, Clark has 16 career starts, including five starts in 2022.
Former Razorback linebacker Grant Morgan was the school’s first-ever recipient of the Burlsworth Trophy after claiming the award in 2021.
The Burlsworth Trophy, in its 13th year, is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth. Without one D1 scholarship offer, Burlsworth walked on at Arkansas in 1994, eventually becoming a three-year starter on the offensive line and an All-American in 1998. Burlsworth was selected by the Indianapolis Colts with the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days later.
The Burlsworth Trophy award ceremony will honor the three finalists and announce the 2022 winner at 7 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville, Ark.
Clark and the Hogs host No. 23 Liberty for Homecoming Week at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. The game will air on SEC Network. For ticket information, call the Razorback Ticket Center at 479-575-5151 or click here.
