Rodney Hudson

Hudson entered his senior season having already earned All-American honors, the Jacobs Blocking Trophy as the ACC's best offensive lineman and a streak of effectiveness (1.5 sacks allowed, one penalty received in 34 starts) that rivaled any player at his position in the country. Hudson was just as good as a senior, drawing one flag all season and becoming just the 11th player in ACC history to win his second Jacobs' Blocking Trophy. Despite his hype, Hudson might not be the NFL prospect that his All-American career at Florida State would seem to forecast. At only 6-3, 285 pounds, Hudson is well-suited to Florida State's wide-open offense, which places a premium on athletic and quick offensive linemen, rather than blockers with size and/or strength. Hudson's limited frame might mean he'll be asked to move inside to center. Hudson has experience at center if he is asked to make the transition. His 47 career starts for the Seminoles all came at guard, but Hudson did see time at center and even left tackle. With his agility, balance and intelligence, he's capable of handling any of the three interior positions and could be a star if placed into a zone-blocking offense.

pass blocking

Quick out of his stance. Good lateral agility to remain squarely in front of his assignment. Strong, active hands to latch on and ride the defender. Despite his natural leverage advantage, has a tendency to bend at the waist and lean into defenders. Senses when his opponent is leaning and has the leverage and core strength to turn and knock him to the ground. Good, not great agility for the quick cut-block. Cognizant, aggressive blocker that quickly reacts to stunts. Doesn't back down from a fight against much bigger defenders.

pulling/trapping

Good trap blocker. Has a burst off the snap. Good discipline to allow the defender inside sufficiently, before turning and controlling him for the effective trap. Good initial quickness off the snap to get out and pull. Has good straight-line speed to lead the back, but struggles re-directing in the open field. Only average body control and balance when blocking on the move. Spends too much time on the ground.

intangibles

Highly respected by coaches, teammates and fans. Had 47 career starts. Highly touted prep prospect signed with FSU over Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss, West Virginia and South Florida among others.

run blocking

Provides an initial pop at the line of scrimmage, but doesn't have the mass or power to knock NFL defenders off the ball. Relies on his quickness and technique to turn and seal off defenders from the hole. Works hard to sustain. Isn't incredibly fluid getting to and blocking at the second level.

downfield

Gets to the second level quickly, but doesn't possess elite balance to re-direct. Will lunge when working in space, resulting in some impressive knockdown blocks, but also in a few whiffs. To his credit, is never on the ground for very long. Plays to and sometimes through the whistle, flashing a nasty demeanor. Hustles downfield.

initial quickness

One of his better attributes. Good initial quickness off the snap to control bigger, stronger defenders. Can match the defender in pass protection, showing good lateral agility and balance, as well as the active, strong hands to latch on and sustain. Relies on his quickness and good technique to be effective in the running game. Consistently beats his opponent to the spot as an inline blocker, though his lack of power and size allows him only a few seconds before he loses control of his assignment.

PrepStar All-Region

three-star lineman by Rivals.com

rated the 17thbest center in the nation and the 24th-best overall player in Alabama

first team all-state selection as a senior

graded 95% on his blocking with 47 pancakes

also played defense, recording 55 tackles as an interior lineman

ran a 5.2 in the 40-yard dash

benches 315 and squats 415

vertical jump measured at 28 inches

chose FSU over offers from West Virginia, Alabama, Louisville, Mississippi, South Florida and Southern Miss.

Born July 12, 1989.