LaDarian Hudson

Safety / West Texas A&M

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

LaDarian Hudson:  I am 5’10 and current weight is 212.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

LaDarian Hudson:  The main thing I did was run.  I wanted to make sure that I am in good condition.  I have run miles with my girlfriend.  I also run hills, do DB drills and footwork.  I worked out 5-6 times a week.   

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

LaDarian Hudson:  In high school, I ran track for three years.  I was on the relays, 100m, 200m, long jump and triple jump.  

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

LaDarian Hudson:  Starting out as a freshman, I played RB and outside LB.  Sophomore year, I played RB and safety.  Junior year, I played OLB and RB.  Senior year, I played safety.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

LaDarian Hudson:  Out of high school, I had a bunch of D-II and one D-I offer.  It was Abilene Christian.  It was a partial scholarship.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at JUCO? 

LaDarian Hudson:  I am from Tyler, Texas.  I took the JUCO route.  I went to junior college in my city.  I met with coach Rocco.  They turned me into a true safety there. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to West Texas A&M? 

LaDarian Hudson:  Originally, I had D-I schools.  The SWAC conference was looking at me.  I had Grambling and Prairie View A&M.  I was a December grad.  No one ever got back to me when it got closer to signing day.  West Texas A&M pulled the trigger after Midwestern State did.  I took a visit.  I liked the environment.  People are great.  Coach Hughes was building something here.  This team was built to win for years.   

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your junior campaign.        

LaDarian Hudson:  Individually, it was my best year.  I put everything together with my footwork, film work and preparation and it showed.  I got my first collegiate INT.  I made some great plays.  As a team, we had some weaknesses.  We are a young team.   

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

LaDarian Hudson:  We bring everyone back.  We went through those three losses.  We just need to execute for 60 minutes in a game.  We have matured. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

LaDarian Hudson:  Leadership.  Last year, things got bad.  I was the guy to keep us level-headed.  You can never get too high or too low.  I was keeping everyone composed.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

LaDarian Hudson:  This year, footwork has been my main focus.  I was a step behind last year.  The game is full of inches.  I need to be more precise with footwork.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

LaDarian Hudson:  The first game of the season.  The atmosphere in the new stadium.  It was a great moment.  This city hasn’t seen winning in seven years.  We executed and played a great game.  We won the game.  Also when I got the interception during our homecoming game against Central Washington.  It was my birthday week.  They actually called the second INT back.  It was fun.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

LaDarian Hudson:  Just focus on the now and not the future.  Focus on the little things in the moment.  Focus on today.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

LaDarian Hudson:  I will be a Dallas Cowboys fan until I die.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

LaDarian Hudson:  Jamal Adams.  The way he carries himself.  He is a great leader.  He is the first in the gym and the last one out.  He is a competitor.      

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

LaDarian Hudson:  Cornerback Tobias Harris is one of the best returners in the game.  He is an electric player.  He was freshman of the year in our conference.  He had seven INT’s.  He did well during his sophomore year.  LB Hayden Dennis is the QB of this defense.  He is captain America.  He is a great leader and player.  Everything is orchestrated through him.  He is a tough dude.  OLB Eric Collins is tall, slender and fast.  He is overlooked because he is skinny.  He is very instinctive. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

LaDarian Hudson:  During last year, we played against Tarleton State.  WR Zimari Manning fought through contact.  He made tough catches.  He is a competitor.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DB?

LaDarian Hudson:  Footwork and understanding the route tree.  Footwork is the difference between a PBU and getting an INT.  Knowing how the WR runs the route, helps put you in position to make the play.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

LaDarian Hudson:  The relationships and experience of the game.  The bond that you have with your teammates.  You go through the offseason, summer workouts, fall camp and the season.  It is a bond that will last a lifetime.  I have been playing since I have been three or four years old.  The atmosphere and the fans.  Texas football can’t be beat.  

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

LaDarian Hudson:  I would watch Netflix.  I read the Bible in order to get through the day.  I would get on TikTok with friends to dance and talk.  

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

LaDarian Hudson:  I want to get into the PTA program.  I want to be a physical therapist assistant.  My major is in sports and exercise science applied. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

LaDarian Hudson:  Competitor, leader, hard worker, reliable, and fun.