Tyler Hudson is a name you should keep in mind if you are an Ottawa Redblacks fan. Hudson plays angry, like he has something to prove every time he touches the ball. Leaping over defenders to catch passes, then breaking tackles after the catch fighting for every last yard. He was extremely productive during his college career which led NFL teams to look his way.

Highlight Waiting to Happen

Hudson is 6’2 193 pounds, managed a 38.5 inch vertical leap, and a 123 inch broad jump all numbers that are considered as “average NFL numbers” or better. He was not selected in the draft likely in part due to the speed and agility drills which aren’t his strong suit. Running a less than stellar 40-yard dash, and 3-cone drill hurt his stock even though we are talking about a player who produced 236 receptions, 4,083 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Spending the 2022 season playing for Louisville he caught passes from Malik Cunningham currently with the Baltimore Ravens. Before transferring to Louisville he played for Central Arkansas where he immediately started as a true freshman. He rewarded the faith from his coaching staff by scoring 12 touchdowns, tying the single season reception touchdown record for UCA. Starting off extremely hot, he somehow managed to keep pace for the next two seasons.

After three seasons with Central Arkansas Hudson held the record for most career receiving yards, and was second in receiving touchdowns. What makes this even more impressive is he only ranks 7th in career receptions. Hudson leads the school in reception yardage despite the fact that it took him 59 fewer receptions than the man in second place, and he produced nearly 200 more yards

From Louisville to Los Angeles

Heading into his fourth season of college with over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns to his name at UCA, he decided to attend Louisville for what would be his final collegiate season. He posted a career low in touchdowns, but managed a career high in receptions with 69, and put up his second straight 1,000 yard season. He would finish in the top ten of many ACC statistics charts including 4th in receptions, 4th in receiving yards, 10th in receiving yards per reception, and 8th in yards from scrimmage.

In a stacked NFL Draft class Hudson fell undrafted, and was signed by the Los Angeles Rams just days after the draft ended. He would stick with the team until late August appearing in all three preseason games. He caught two passes for 15 yards, primarily lining up out wide he saw just 3 snaps in the slot.

He will undoubtedly need some time to adjust to the CFL style of play but football is football, and there is some abilities you simply can’t teach. Including his height, leaping ability, and the way he plays the game with tenacity. He may never be a 4.4 receiver, but its up to a coaching staff to learn exactly how to use him, and allow him to find success in the pros in 2024. Ottawa can be that place, but its up to Hudson to prove he can be better than the 14 other receivers the Redblacks have signed this offseason.