Louisville football: How new OL transfer Hudson fits

The Louisville football program got a big-time offensive line transfer pickup on Saturday evening.

After a sweet victory for the men’s basketball team over Kentucky, the Louisville football program decided they could not let the day go by without getting in on the good news.

Virginia Tech offensive line transfer Bryan Hudson made the decision to transfer to the Cardinals on Saturday night.

This is a huge pickup for Louisville in the trenches to start building upon a potential starting group in 2021.

Hudson started 10 games as a true freshman at center in 2019. In 2020 (his sophomore year), he started two games at right guard while appearing in eight games total.

In his freshman season, he was a Pro Football Focus second team freshman All-American for his performance at center.

Now, Dwayne Ledford, an offensive line guru, will get his hands on the 6’4″ 310-pound Hudson and all of the gifts that he brings to the interior offensive line.

Out of high school, Hudson was a star at Scott County High School in Georgetown, Kentucky. 247 Sports rated him as the 149th rated player nationally and the No. 7 offensive guard in the country. He landed with Virginia Tech in that 2019 class and was with the team two years.

Now, Louisville will have the chance to utilize Hudson for three more years.

How does Hudson fit in?

Well, he could be a very versatile piece for this offensive line.

It will not be exactly clear what his role will be with the team until some of the seniors decide on their future.

Interior offensive line seniors include starting center Cole Bentley as well as Robbie Bell and Cam DeGeorge who played a ton of snaps at right guard this season.

It is fair to operate under the assumption that Hudson will receive a waiver to play in 2021 as transfer waivers seems to be nearly guaranteed recently for players looking to. move to a new school for the first time.

Hudson makes a lot of sense to unseat one of the center or right guard positions in 2021. Even if an improved Robbie Bell and a solid transfer addition in DeGeorge return, Hudson is a tier above as an athlete who already has plenty of experience at that position.

If Bentley leaves, I would expect Hudson to take over at the starting center spot. If he returns, Hudson would likely kick over to play right guard and start in 2021.

Not that it would be an ideal situation, but Hudson could even flex over to tackle if need be. He is a great athlete for his size. While length could be an issue, a move to right tackle is not completely out of the question.

247 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong agreed with his athleticism in his scouting report out of high school:

"Has the traits to develop into one of the best interior offensive linemen in college football. The foot quickness and explosiveness make him unique. Moves and runs well, tough, physical, strong kid that is also one of America’s top high school shot put and discus throwers. Flexible athlete, fluid athlete and balanced. Blocks in space and glides to the second level. Projects as a multi-year starter and high NFL Draft selection."

That is some seriously high praise for the young man who, according to his Twitter profile, will be a part of the U of L track and field program as well.

Barring an injury or a denied waiver request, I would be very shocked if Hudson is not one of the starting offensive linemen on day one of the 2021 college football season.