ASU football redshirt sophomore tight end Tommy Hudson didn’t see much game action in 2016, but he’s looking to flip the script for the Sun Devils this upcoming season.
“I'm excited, I'm just trying to take every opportunity when it arises," Hudson said on Wednesday.
Last season, Hudson had little playing time, but with former ASU tight ends Kody Kohl graduating and Raymond Epps embarking as a graduate transfer to SMU, there will be more opportunities to share with junior Jay Jay Wilson.
Hudson is one of the biggest offensive weapons on the team, as he measures 6-foot 5-inches and 254 lbs. He is a physical presence that could help ASU in blocking and receiving.
"Tommy has made progress the last couple practices," ASU offensive coordinator Billy Napier said. "It's a product of his work. He's spending time doing extra, he's studying on his own and its translating to the field."
For Hudson to be successful, he'll have to contribute by blocking and receiving. He probably won't be the main target in the passing game, but his tall frame figures to help in the red zone.
As for his blocking, Hudson has already impressed at camp.
"Tommy's really come on," head coach Todd Graham said. "He was learning early in spring, and he's just really come on. He's come on with his physicality and he's learned what he's doing, been very impressed with his progression. He's a guy that's stuck out to me in the last couple workouts."
#ASU offensive line going through drills with @TommyHudson15 at TE. @statepresssport pic.twitter.com/QnRbSggFxO
— Mark Harris (@Harris_Mark7) April 5, 2017
Expect Hudson's blocking ability to be useful for the Sun Devils, especially in situations when senior running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard pick up yardage.
And while brute strength is important, it means nothing if Hudson hesitates at the line of scrimmage. Understanding the concepts of each offensive play will help him think less in action, therefore improving his production.
“I think just confidence with knowing my assignments and my rules," Hudson said. "Just being able to play faster is helping a lot."
With more opportunity and some improvements to his game, Hudson could be a key player and will likely take snaps in more than just one game for ASU, as he did last season.
Practice Notes:
Senior defensive lineman Christian Hill was seen practicing with the tight ends group as well. He has spent other spring practices with the tight ends.
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Bryce Perkins and Ballage remained in green non-contact jerseys. Sophomore wide receiver Kyle Williams and junior defensive back Kareem Orr wore them as well.
ASU continued its high-tempo practices with redshirt junior quarterback Manny Wilkins and redshirt sophomore transfer quarterback Blake Barnett.
Former ASU wide receiver Tim White stopped by Wednesday's practice.
Reach the reporter at mpharri7@asu.edu or follow @Harris_Mark7 on Twitter.
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