Toledo native Hudson making mark on UM offensive line

4/11/2018
BY KYLE ROWLAND
BLADE SPORTS WRITER

ANN ARBOR — During Saturday’s spring game, much of the focus will be on Michigan’s offensive line.

For the past two seasons, the unit has not lived up to its billing. In 2016, the line was the weak link on a team that spent all season as a playoff contender. It was supposed to be improved last year, but instead, the offensive line actually regressed.

Someone who could be an answer to UM’s O-line woes is James Hudson. The redshirt freshman moved from defense to offense during fall camp and spent the year learning the nuances of the offensive line. Now, he’s ready to compete for one of the tackle openings.

“James Hudson is coming around,” offensive line coach Ed Warinner said. “He’s got a high ceiling, a lot of upside. Toledo Central Catholic kid. Really like him. He’s not a starter, but he’s a guy who redshirted last year and was a defensive player, and all of sudden, he’s in the mix to be on the two-deep and play for us as he continues to develop.”

Hudson, Juwann Bushell-Beatty, Chuck Filiaga, and Jon Runyan, Jr., are in the running for two spots. It’s a competition that’s likely to spill into the fall, but Hudson could take another step forward Saturday in the Big House.

Contact Kyle Rowland at krowland@theblade.com, 419-724-6110 or on Twitter @KyleRowland.