Clement gaining confidence, comfort in C-U
- Story byThe News-Gazette, Champaign-Urbana, Ill.
- Clement gaining confidence, comfort in C-U
Sep. 1—CHAMPAIGN — Good news for fans of Illinois football .
Especially those who favor offense. Hudson Clement is ready to get back on the field.
When the senior wide receiver talked to the media on Monday at the Smith Center, it was his first time speaking with reporters since the start of training camp.
Advertisement
Clement, who enters his second season with Bret Bielema's program, wore a green no-contact jersey during part of training camp. He reportedly suffered a concussion in drills.
Clement is not on the school's injury list and is expected to play in this week's season opener against UAB with kickoff set for 8 p.m. on Thursday from Gies Memorial Stadium.
"Really excited for this group," Clement said. "Excited to get back out there. We're ready to go."
The closer the players get to opening night, the more the intensity rises.
Though he wasn't able to fully participate in workouts, Clement found ways to improve.
Advertisement
"Just paying attention, getting every rep mentally," Clement said. "Helping out the younger guys, too. You never know when someone's going to need to step up."
Clement didn't fight the "no-contact" designation.
"It is what it is. Something that's been helping me is just controlling your controllables," Clement said "I can't control injury stuff."
Fully acquainted
The second time around is different for Clement.
"Just more comfortable," he said. "Feel like I'm moving a little faster. Feel more comfortable with everyone in the offense, everyone in the program. I feel good."
Advertisement
Clement finished the 2025 season as the second-leading pass catcher with 36 receptions and ranked third on the Illini in receiving yards (454). The Martinsburg, W.Va., native caught three touchdown passes while starting nine of 13 games.
His play improved during the season as he got used to a new league and new offense.
"It took me a little bit to get going last year," Clement said. "I've had time to get acquainted to everything now.
"I'm looking to start fast and play fast all year long."
That's what the Illinois staff wants from a go-to receiver.
With fellow returnee Collin Dixon, Clement is one of the answers to "who replaces Hank Beatty?" Beatty, out of college eligibility, led Illinois with 70 grabs and 864 yards.
Advertisement
Fitting in
Clement started his career at West Virginia. The Morgantown campus is 152 miles from Clement's hometown.
He redshirted his first season, caught 22 passes as a freshman and broke out with 51 catches as a sophomore.
Illinois grabbed Clement out of the transfer portal, and he became an important option for a nine-win team. But there were challenges for the Illini newcomer.
"I've been in West Virginia my whole life," Clement said. "It's a big change."
Remember, not only was Clement getting used to a new team and new offense, but he was at a new school in a new city and state.
Advertisement
Hard to believe, but Champaign-Urbana might not be for everybody.
But Clement is a fan.
"It's great. I love it," he said. "Very much used to it now. I'm just looking forward to this year, playing football with theses guys."
The receivers are learning to work at multiple spots on the field, creating flexibility that will help offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
"I think we have a pretty smart room and guys can handle it," Clement said.
Each day at Illinois adds to Clement's understanding of the program.
"There's a plan that you've got to attend to," he said. "I'm definitely a smarter player overall, know more football."
Advertisement
Making a connection
In 2025, Clement was a key target for veteran quarterback Luke Altmyer.
Now, he is adapting to new starting quarterback Katin Houser, who came to Illinois this season from East Carolina
"Both great players," Clement said. "Katin can sling it just like Luke. Both awesome to run routes for. I just try to get open and try to do what I can to help them out."
Clement is impressed with Houser's quick release.
"You come out of your breaks, you've got to get your head around," Clement said. "That's what you're going to get with a good quarterback like him."
Advertisement
Houser isn't the only change for the Illinois program.
The defense is under new management with Bobby Hauck calling the shots as coordinator.
"They look great," Clement said. "They're flying around. I'm excited to watch them play, too."
