The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. TCU safety Bud Clark plans on taking full advantage. Clark recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Clark also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, playing a versatile role in the defensive backfield, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Clark better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Bud Clark: I was at school, actually. I was just getting finished with a little workout. They told me to come up to the coaches’ office. I was like, what’s up? When I saw the box [invite] sitting there, I was like. ‘Whoa!’ Is this real? I couldn’t believe it. I broke down in tears, man.
JM: That sounds like an unforgettable moment for you. It doesn’t sound like you needed much convincing, but what motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Bud Clark: I want to compete with the best of the best. I’ve always followed the Senior Bowl. It’s the Panini Senior Bowl now! I always wanted to be here.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Bud Clark: That I can do anything that you need me to do. I can lock down receivers. I can do everything. That’s my approach, honestly.
JM: We love that versatility. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Bud Clark: I’m a ball hawk. I’m a dynamic defender out there. I can do everything.
🏆 Bud Clark is Second Team All-Big 12‼️#GoFrogs 🐸 #ForTheWorthy pic.twitter.com/Jtx7bMzJo8
— TCU Football (@TCUFootball) December 4, 2025
JM: If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL defensive back, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Bud Clark: I’m a safety, but I like Jalen Ramsey. Scratch that, I love Jalen Ramsey. He plays nickel, too. I love how aggressive he is. He talks a little noise and I do too (laughs). I feel like we have the same stature. We’re both very long.
I actually got to meet Jalen Ramsey before. Ever since then, I’ve always been a Jalen Ramsey guy.
JM: Can you come downhill and play a little nickel like Jalen Ramsey does?
Bud Clark: Yes sir, I most definitely can! I can do anything. Whatever they need me to do, I can do it.
JM: We can’t wait to see it in Mobile. What’s on the pre-game playlist?
Bud Clark: I’m more of a laidback guy. I like Adele, One Night Only [album]. When we get closer to the game, I listen to Whop Beezy. “Don’t Start Me,” that’s my favorite song.
JM: I don’t know that any other playlist in the world goes from Adele to Whop Beezy.
Bud Clark: Oh yeah, Adele is a great woman! She keeps me calm. That’s the calm before the storm.
JM: And after Adele, it’s Whop Beezy?
Bud Clark: Yes sir! (laughs).
JM: That’s hilarious. Are there any players at the next level you’re looking forward to swapping jerseys with?
Bud Clark: Honestly, I want everybody, man. I want to meet everybody at the next level. It would be a blessing to be there.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Bud Clark?
Bud Clark: It means I achieved what I’ve been working toward. I’ve been working to get that Senior Bowl invite. I just want an opportunity. When I saw that invite, I knew I was going to take advantage.
I’m going to make it last. I’m going to make it last because I’m going to put in all of the work.