Rodney Hudson of Florida State ~ 6.2/285
"An undersized interior lineman who lacks ideal height but exhibits noticeably long arms in comparison with the rest of his frame and exhibits impressive athleticism in all areas of his game. Quickly gets out of his stance in the run game, firing off the football, reaching targets off his body and consistently eliminating them from the play. Is very comfortable in space and has the kind of body control/range to absolutely dominate at the second level.
Exhibits an impressive first step off the snap in the pass game as well, quickly getting his hands up and extending his arms into blocks. Plays with natural leverage and routinely is able to beat opposing linemen to their spot — even vs. explosive one-gappers — and get under their pad level at the point. However, isn’t as polished as a technician as many are making him out to be. Has a tendency to get a bit overextended with his footwork and will lunge into blocks bending at the waist, which causes him to lose his base initially and can get jolted on contact. But, does a nice job quickly regaining his balance, sinking his hips and achieving the leverage needed to anchor.
Exhibits impressive change of direction skills and lateral agility for the position. Displays the ability to cleanly slide his feet and mirror through contact, and possesses impressive range when asked to redirect and pick up a blitzing backer. Demonstrates heavier hands than given credit for as well and can really stick to blocks inside.
Impression: Can be bullied at times initially off the snap, but regains his balance well and looks like a potential starter in a zone-blocking scheme at the next level."
Exhibits an impressive first step off the snap in the pass game as well, quickly getting his hands up and extending his arms into blocks. Plays with natural leverage and routinely is able to beat opposing linemen to their spot — even vs. explosive one-gappers — and get under their pad level at the point. However, isn’t as polished as a technician as many are making him out to be. Has a tendency to get a bit overextended with his footwork and will lunge into blocks bending at the waist, which causes him to lose his base initially and can get jolted on contact. But, does a nice job quickly regaining his balance, sinking his hips and achieving the leverage needed to anchor.
Exhibits impressive change of direction skills and lateral agility for the position. Displays the ability to cleanly slide his feet and mirror through contact, and possesses impressive range when asked to redirect and pick up a blitzing backer. Demonstrates heavier hands than given credit for as well and can really stick to blocks inside.
Impression: Can be bullied at times initially off the snap, but regains his balance well and looks like a potential starter in a zone-blocking scheme at the next level."
"A smart player who is adept in both run and pass blocking, Hudson possesses excellent footwork. He is one of the lighter top lineman prospects in this draft class, listed at 290 pounds but he certainly has room add some bulk. The two-time All-ACC Selection also has experience playing tackle and center."
"Lineman Rodney Hudson is an athletic prospect with potential at both guard and center. Hudson plays low to the ground, bends his knees and gets leverage on opponents. Quick off the snap he stays square, easily adjusts to defenders and moves well on his feet. Hudson lacks bulk, strength at the point and will occasionally hold on to defenders for dear life. He’s a prototypical zone blocking lineman with upside for the next level."
"Positives: Athletic... Heady, good awareness... Usually plays with good overall technique and knee bend... Uses his hands well... Possesses very solid playing strength... Good initial quickness, fires out of his stance... Good agility, very solid footwork... Good run blocker... Keeps feet moving on contact... Plays reasonably low and with good leverage... Does a good job on pulls and traps... Gets to the second level quickly... Takes good angles... Good flexibility and body control... Breaks down well and does a very good job blocking in space... Good pass protector... Solid knee bender... Sets up quickly... Good lateral mobility and slide... Re-directs reasonably well... Reacts quickly to stunts and blitzes... Excellent and consistent hand placement, always keeps his hands inside... Good awareness, keeps head on a swivel... Keeps his feet driving throughout his blocks... Works hard to finish his assignments, determined, consistently gives his best effort... Gets and maintains good leverage... Good mental and physical toughness... Refuses to be dominated... Good fit in ZBS as Guard.
Negatives: Serious size limitations, undersized, needs to bulk up 12-20 lbs. to remain at Guard... Needs to improve overall playing strength a little... Doesn't possess a great anchor and will get pushed back at times... Bends at the waist, leans into some blocks... Plays with his head down too much, allows taller defenders over the top... Doesn't hold up especially well to bull rushers... Missed a couple games in 2009 with knee injury."
Negatives: Serious size limitations, undersized, needs to bulk up 12-20 lbs. to remain at Guard... Needs to improve overall playing strength a little... Doesn't possess a great anchor and will get pushed back at times... Bends at the waist, leans into some blocks... Plays with his head down too much, allows taller defenders over the top... Doesn't hold up especially well to bull rushers... Missed a couple games in 2009 with knee injury."
"Rodney Hudson was not the most highly touted recruit, but he did not waste any time making a big impact on Florida State's offensive line. The 6-2, 285 pound guard started ten games as a true freshman in 2007. Nine of those starts came at left guard and one at left tackle and his efforts earned him freshman all-American honors. In 2008, Hudson continued to rack up awards, most notably All-ACC first-team honors by multiple sources. Hudson continued his success in 2009 until he missed the last two games with a knee sprain and has helped Florida State have a very good offense in 2010.
Hudson's biggest liability is his size. Most NFL teams want a guard closer to 300 pounds. Hudson does have great footwork and is young enough to add some weight without losing any speed, but he needs to prove that at the NFL combine.
Last year when Hudson was thinking about entering the NFL Draft, most agreed that he was the best junior guard in college football. That has continued into his senior season and Hudson should be the first guard taken in April. If Hudson can prove that he can gain some weight without any negative effects, he could very easily move into the first round. Even if Hudson does not gain weight before the draft, he is still the most talented guard in this class."
Hudson's biggest liability is his size. Most NFL teams want a guard closer to 300 pounds. Hudson does have great footwork and is young enough to add some weight without losing any speed, but he needs to prove that at the NFL combine.
Last year when Hudson was thinking about entering the NFL Draft, most agreed that he was the best junior guard in college football. That has continued into his senior season and Hudson should be the first guard taken in April. If Hudson can prove that he can gain some weight without any negative effects, he could very easily move into the first round. Even if Hudson does not gain weight before the draft, he is still the most talented guard in this class."
"Hudson is a great talent and has helped bolster what could be the best left side of an offensive line in college football with Andrew Datko. Despite his lack of weight, which is a big of a concern, he’s got good strength and does well standing up defensive tackles using his leverage to his advantage. Hudson is also solid in pass protection, as few defenders have gotten through him to register a sack. He needs to bulk up a bit and maintain his athleticism."
Fanatical FootBall Fiend on Rodney Hudson
Clearly, Rodney Hudson is an exceptional Zone Blocking prospect at Offensive Guard, arguably Best in Class.
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As always, the preceding thoughts were regurgitated, derivative tripe, adding no value whatsoever, while in fact obliterating intelligent thought and offending the spirit of all decent men. You are now stupider for having read it, and are encouraged, in the strongest possible language, never to expose your eyes to this Site again.
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