The flip is in: TCU poaches four-star Bud Clark away from Virginia

Bud Clark turned some heads when he committed to Virginia over TCU and LSU in the springtime following an official visit to Charlottesville.

While the surprise was real, it is no surprise to see Clark change his mind when it was time to put the pen to paper.

The four-star Alexandria (La.) safety flipped from Virginia to TCU during the Early Signing Period on Wednesday, giving the Horned Frogs another prospect out of The Boot for the 2020 class.

TCU already signed fellow four-star Pat Jenkins and is in the mix for Khari Coleman's commitment as well.

Clark is the No.28-ranked safety in America and the No. 16-ranked player out of Louisiana.

Clark was an early offer for LSU and the in-state Tigers were certainly the perceived favorite early on in his recruitment. Interest mounted from not only LSU, but schools around the country after a breakout junior campaign, which led to offers from Virginia, TCU and Ole Miss, among others.

Clark made visits to LSU, TCU, Ole Miss and Virginia in the spring, and an official visit to Charlottesville resulted in an early commitment. Questions about the distance to campus were put to rest by the four-star defensive back, who was high on the possibility to play early and get a great education there.

TCU was able to get Clark on campus for a visit late this fall and the Horned Frogs made in-roads with the Central Louisiana standout.

"TCU is still in touch," Clark said following his commitment to Virginia. "Everyone just wants me to come back on campus. Virginia asks me every single day. TCU does the same thing, but I just have not been there yet. I would love to (get there). I feel the same way (about TCU) as I did before I committed. I keep speaking with Coach (Paul) Gonzales but it (the relationship) needs to be worked on."

In other words, it was all about relationships and persistence with the Horned Frogs, who not only got Clark on campus after his pledge to the Cavaliers, but closed.

Clark was asked to play on both sides of the ball for Alexandria (La.) High School, but he projects as a free safety for the Horned Frogs, one that has a ball-hawking mentality and is a bit of risk-tasker.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back has verified 4.5 speed and excellent anticipation. In coverage, he looks to jump routes and competes for balls in the air. You can count on Clark to be physical, especially if wide receivers intend on trying to catch passes in the middle of the field. Physicality is not a question for him whatsoever.

Clark also has added skills as a return specialist. He's dangerous in space -- just as he is after a turnover. He has elusive with top-end lateral quickness and easily makes would-be tacklers miss.

I love Clark's innate playmaking ability and how he fits as a center-fielder for the Horned Frogs that can also slide in as a nickel. He had a down year as a senior, but a fantastic junior campaign that included three interceptions and an impressive offseason.