by New Illinois broad recipient Hudson Clement wanted an opportunity to thrive at the highest level.
Clement’s decision to switch from West Virginia to Illinois next to his brother, defensive back Murphy Clement, offers so much – and much more.
Clement told WCIA on Friday that his first nerves related to moving to the midwest from Virginia were discouraging, but he had a lot of support to see it.
“There is always a bit unknown, but I have faith in my capacities, trust in who I am,” said Hudson Clement. “I felt that it was the right choice for me. I spoke to my family, spoke with Murph and everyone and had the feeling that it was the right choice for me at the time. I hope it works, and I am happy that I am happy to go to work here.
Recruiting by broad recipient coach Justin Stepp In addition to offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr., Hudson Clement was placed dead to visiting Illinois after his visit to Champaign.
“When I came here on my visit, nothing felt forced,” said Hudson Clement. “It felt like at home. That’s really what I wanted. I didn’t want to go somewhere where it felt like they were trying to sell me something in a certain way. I wanted to go somewhere where it felt like I was fit and it felt home.
The Clement brothers will probably go against each other in practice, but their relationship is more a love than a rivalry between brothers and sisters.
“That’s my brother, but he is also my best friend,” said Hudson Clement. “I love him to death. Lord Him here, the first week here you are a bit nervous to meet all the new guys. But you have your brother there with you, so it makes it a little easier.”
When discussing the brothers in Friday’s media session, the coach of Illinois Bret Bielema was clearly stimulated by the idea of having wiped Morgantown and not just one, but also a second clements, to convince him to go with him in Champaign .
“We went to West Virginia and perhaps got their best player,” said Bielema. “And really, because I came in Hudson, I saw his little brother. I am like:” Well, you are also a pretty damn good player, right? Let’s let two for one. “
The proposition was music for the ears of Hudson Clement. And shortly after hearing the field of Bielema, Hudson Clement was shown a lighter side of the Illini coach.
#Illini Transfer Hudson Clement at the first meeting Bret Bielema at his office
“He is a great guy. He wore slides and played music in the background. ‘
“He is chill and down to earth but a straight shooter. And he knows ball. “
The transfer of West Virginia said Bret was … pic.twitter.com/da0qvb1gm4
– Carson Gourdie (@GourdierePort) February 14, 2025
“He’s great, guy,” said Hudson Clement. “He wore slides and played music in the background. He is Chill and Down to Earth but a straight shooter. And he knows the ball.”
Sometimes that is everything that separates a good coach player relationship from a great one.
