3-Star 2020 WDE Hudson Walker Covers 99-Tackle Season and Recruiting Interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Getting to the 100-tackle mark for any football player at any level is an achievement. The feat is even more difficult to accomplish depending on the position, and one of those positions making it near impossible is at defensive end. Yet, Class of 2020 talent Hudson Walker got right at the mark, even with teams running away from him.
Walker earned first team All-Yosemite League honors in 2018 for Redwood High School (Visalia) after terrorizing opposing quarterbacks and running backs coming up with 99 stops and nine sacks. The productivity on the field earned Walker three-star recruiting status and attention along the recruiting trail.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the 6-4.5, 211-pound, end covering his play on the field and the schools scouting him off it.
Interview
Hudson, you had a big season for Redwood showcasing your talents off the edge. Looking back, what are you most proud of with you play on the field in 2018?
“I’d say I am most proud of our comeback game against our rival MT. Whitney. We came back from 28 points down; it was really fun. We locked them up and came together as a team.”
Speed is a big part of your game, what defensive scheme do the Rangers run and how are your talents utilized within the defense?
“We ran a 3-4 last year, but we have a new coach this year. We are switching to a 4-2-5. The focus for me in our defense was mostly against the run last year. In the new defense, I will pass rush more and focus more on speed to make plays than focusing on stopping the run every game. That will be nice.”
What were some of the challenges you faced as a defensive end last season going up against Division II California competition?
“Some of the challenges, every year I find it to be easier because I am getting stronger. Big linemen who can move can be a challenge. I feel like because I am getting stronger, it is easier to move them and go through them.”
How did you work through and overcome those challenges to become a better player?
“I focused on working hard and practicing a lot of technique. I was using different types of hand moves to make plays against the bigger linemen who can move.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your game as an end?
“My strengths are my size and my height. I can swat passes, get in the QB’s face, I am fast, and I can pursue well making plays on the other side of the field. I can get to QB.”
Where all might we see you on the field during your senior season?
“I will stay at defensive end and get some work in at tight end in double-tight sets.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am focusing on getting stronger, building up more speed, and my footwork.”
Which camps have you been to this offseason?
“I went to the Under Armour All-American Camp in Folsom and the National U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio.”
How did the Under Armour camp go?
“It went fairly well. There was some tough competition and really big dudes there.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?
“Yes. I am going to a Fresno State camp in June and to a Sacramento State camp. In May, I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Fresno State, Wyoming, West Point, and Sac State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I have visited Sac State.”
How did the Sac State visit go?
“It went really well. They showed me and my dad the training facility and field. It was pretty cool.”
Are you playing any other varsity sports for Redwood?
“Yes. I play basketball.”
How did the season go?
“We went to the playoffs. We started playing really well towards the end of the season.”
For those readers who may not know you, what type of student-athlete is Hudson Walker?
“A lot of people talk about my motor, in classroom and on the field. I won’t stop, I don’t give up. I keep going.”
What’s the plan for the 2019 season?
“I plan on dominating next season.”
Hudson, it was great speaking with you today. Good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Walker family; Hudson Walker at Sac State