This is a post in the ongoing series introducing CU’s freshman enrollees. To see the previous Hello post, see https://buffsblog.com/hello-alexander-mcpherson/
HELLO!
Christian Hudson.
POSITION:
Defensive tackle.
SIZE:
Hudson is listed on recruiting sites as standing 6’2” and weighing 280 pounds. On the CU roster, he’s listed at 6’1”, 290 pounds — meaning that the altitude did, in fact, shrink Hudson by about an inch. For the record, Hudson is 2 inches taller than his defensive tackle doppelgänger, former CU defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo.
OFFERS:
Hudson originally committed to UCF before flipping his commitment to Colorado. Other Power 4 offers include Iowa, Iowa State, Maryland, Penn State, Louisville, Indiana, West Virginia, and Pittsburg. Hudson had many G5/6 school offers.
RANKINGS:
Hudson’s rankings are within a tight band as most scouting services see him as a high floor player and one of the top 500 high school players nationally. On the composite ranking, he’s ranked #495 nationally, as the #54 ranked defensive lineman, and the #67 player from Florida. Some additional notes on rankings:
- A three-star recruit by 247 Sports, On3 and Rivals.
- On ESPN, Hudson is the #23 defensive lineman and the #39 player from Florida.
- 247 ranked him the #37 defensive lineman and the #49 player from Florida.
HIGH SCHOOL:
Hudson played high school football at Mainland High School in Daytona Beach, Florida. Mainland is a 5A school (Florida goes up to 7A) and has an enrollment band of 1,823-2,135 students. Mainland has a proud athletic tradition and is the high school of NFL star Leonard Williams as well as NBA legend Vince Carter. Hudson wrestled in high school (and was named district champion) and also threw the shot put, with a best throw of 15 meters — which would have placed in the top 7 at the Colorado high school track championships.
In football, Hudson started all four year, playing both defensive tackle and offensive line. As a junior, Hudson racked up 70 tackles, 27 for a loss, nine sacks, three pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. As a senior, he had 55 tackles, 3 sacks, 27 tackles for a loss, 3 fumble recoveries, and a TD on a fumble recovery.
The SCOOOOOOOOP:
Hudson originally committed to UCF, which has historically recruited Mainland High School very heavily. However, after the Jedi interception by Travis Hunter (check out https://buffsblog.com/on-jedis-barry-sanders-and-travis-hunter/) and CU’s beatdown of UCF, and after continued efforts by the CU recruiting staff, Hudson de-committed from UCF and committed to Colorado in October. Hudson credits former CU recruiting staffer (and now Florida State recruiting staffer) Devin Rispress for his recruiting efforts. Hudson commented:
“I feel like the thing that stands out about Coach Rispress is his consistency. I can say he’s a real recruiter and mentor. He impacted me because I know our relationship is real — it started back when he was at FAMU my freshman year so I know our relationship is real.”
During his October official visit, Hudson also noted that the highlight of his visit was sitting down with Deion Sanders, Damione Lewis and Devin Rispress. Hudson told BuffStampede.com that “They’re all really down to earth people who really care for their student-athletes and they know what they’re talking about.”
In addition to throwing the shot put in high school, Hudson ws a district champion wrestler. Wrestling is a great developmental tool for a defensive tackle — it ensures a player that knows how to use leverage, has strong hands, and is tougher than a Nebraska Tourism Board member.
By the way, Hudson rag-dolling another human makes me glad I’m not a wrestler.
ROLL THE TAPE!
https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16192354/6580ba05386ddb0ce8d7f842
[While Hudson is a defensive tackle, my favorite highlight is always when an offensive lineman drives a poor defensive player about 40 yards downfield. Accordingly, check out Hudson’s play at about 40 seconds of the video linked above.]
Listed at 6’1”, Hudson is probably a little shorter than his listed height. This lack of ideal height impacted his recruiting rankings and could impact his ceiling since he won’t be a 320 pound defensive tackle. However, it’s a good sign that he’s up to 290 pounds. If he can put on another 10-15 pounds while maintaining his speed, Hudson will be a spark plug on the defensive line – he has a very quick first step, and explosive hands. The fact that Hudson played and excelled on a Florida high school team that plays some of the best high school teams in the country is another excellent sign.
Andrew Irvin, 247’s Director of Scouting, noted that while Hudson is under 6’1”, he finds a way to win with leverage and effort. He continued:
“Impressive snap anticipation jolts him forward while active hands allow him to disengage and swipe past would-be blockers. Oftentimes aware of his surroundings and is agile enough to stop and retrace. Also has a knack for getting his hands up in passing lanes despite being on the smaller side. Might lack the ideal measurables, but projects as a win-at-all-cost interior defender that can push pockets.”
HOW WILL HE FIT INTO THE CU MULTI-VERSE?
On the recent Well off Video where newcomers introduced themselves, Hudson looked thick even amongst his peers. If Cash Cleveland has a future as an ATM, then Christian Hudson has a future as a Hyundai Kona.
OVERALL EXCITEMENT LEVEL:
3.5 stars (out of 5). Hudson looks like a larger version of Chidozie Nwankwo. If that’s the case, then we’ll have ourselves a player. While his short stature probably held down his recruiting profile, he’s produced at a high level for a very good high school team. His wrestling background is a plus. Given CU’s depth on the defensive line, he may not need to play right away. If he’s getting meaningful playing time this year, in a position group that is a strength of this team, then that indicates a potential future All-Big 12 caliber player.
Christian is The Trench Monster for countless reasons but also a stellar gap creator. Some of my son’s touchdowns came from following CHud! Off the field… he is just a great kid. He has a great family, demeanor and dance moves!
That’s great to hear. And thanks for reading!
I am so very proud of this young man and can only envision nothing less than endless possibilities for his future. He is a hard worker with a humble heart.
Congratulations Christian Hudson