Could this transfer safety be the key to TCU football replacing Bud Clark?
There’s a glaring hole in TCU’s secondary with the departure of free safety Bud Clark to the NFL.
Clark earned All-Big 12 honors multiple times in his career, including last season, and he’s one of the most productive defensive backs the Horned Frogs have ever had.
As TCU navigated the transfer portal to find his potential replacement, the staff landed on Louisiana Tech transfer Jacob Fields to fill the void.
Originally from Melissa, Fields was one of the best safeties at the Group of Five level, as he was voted Conference USA co-Defensive Player of the Year last season.
The Horned Frogs moved quickly to make him a priority, and Fields said it was an easy decision to transfer to TCU.
“As soon as I hopped in the portal, TCU reached out to me and just talked to me and I could see how much they really care about me,” Fields said. “I got here, and then on my visit — you can just tell when you walk through the door. It’s a good spot to be. The people care about you, the coaches care about you.
“It’s a family environment, and as soon as I got in the locker room, the guys welcomed me with open arms.”
After producing 54 tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions as a sophomore, Fields had his breakout season in 2025.
As a junior he had a career-high 92 tackles, defended five passes and grabbed three interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, including an 85-yarder. That type of playmaking ability made Fields an attractive option to fill the void left by Clark, who also specialized in being a playmaking ball hawk.
As good as he is in coverage, Fields believes his strength is his well-rounded game.
“I feel like I’m able to do anything,” Fields said. “I’m able to go get the ball. I can cover, I can tackle, I can hit. I can do anything, in my opinion. It’s great to have me in the room, but I know I got a lot to work on.”
Fields’ biggest adjustment has been learning the inner workings of defensive coordinator Andy Avalos’ scheme.
It’s a process, but one that Fields is eager to continue working through as the Horned Frogs approach the final days of spring camp.
“It’s a lot. I’ve never really been in this kind of defense,” Fields said. “But he’s helped me take strides to just dive deeper in my playbook. Him and Coach Tre [Watson] helped simplify it for me and slow the game down for me. I’ll say once I get comfortable, it’s over. I’m not gonna be able to stop.”
Tuesday’s TCU spring camp highlights
The growth of his understanding of the scheme was on full display during Tuesday’s practice, as Fields was one of the day’s standouts.
Fields broke up a pass by quarterback Jaden Craig to avoid giving up a first down, and his best play came when Craig attempted a deep vertical slot fade to Major Everhart.
Everhart had a step on Fields, but the veteran stuck with the play and got another pass breakup at the very end. Fields is starting to string together multiple strong practices as his comfort level rises with the defense.
“My confidence is always up,” Fields said. “Win, lose or draw, I trust in God. Really I want to keep building and get 100% better each day. I know I got a lot to work on still. As long as I take strides to work on that each and every day, I know I’ll be good.”
Fields is battling with Jordan Lester at free safety, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if both players get extended snaps in the fall.
Lester was Clark’s understudy the past few seasons, and Fields has appreciated the relationship he’s formed with Lester.
“It’s competing, but J-Les is my guy,” Fields said. “He was the first dude that came and talked to me and just gave me the rundown of what it is. He kept it real with me, and he’s been pushing me each and every day. I stay in his ear, calling his phone, asking about different coverages.
“He’s always there. He’s not one of those guys that’s going to me in the dark about certain calls or what I need to get better at. Each time I get off the field he tells me something new, and he’s just pushing me every day and I respect that.”
The battle between Lester and Fields will likely head into fall camp, but both players performing well in the spring means TCU could have a better chance of replacing Clark than anticipated.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 12:34 PM.
