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Kobe Hudson, who was Auburn's No. 1 receiver last season, made the move to UCF this spring where he has reunited with head coach
Gus Malzahn.
The LaGrange, Ga., native appeared at Tuesday's press conference which followed their ninth practice of spring.
Hudson spent two years at Auburn, the first of which was with Gus. I asked whether he was able to jump right back into the system.
"The first week, I was remembering stuff. It was coming back to me, but I was thinking a lot. I had to get fresh and keep remembering it. I had to keep studying it. It's gotten more fluid as the weeks have gone on."
He was then asked about working with the veteran receivers like
Ryan O'Keefe and
Jaylon Robinson.
"They make me want to make plays. They're good leaders and they hold me accountable."
How can he improve and take the next step?
"I was dealing with a few drops last season. I look to clean that up. And get faster so I can start running past people."
The biggest challenge joining a new team?
"Building relationships with the team and the coaches. Getting relationships with the quarterbacks, being on the same page with the receivers."
He's competing head-to-head against fellow wide receiver
Jaylon Griffin.
"It's a battle between me and him. We're going back and forth. There's no hatred. It's competition with each other... We feed off each other."
I asked whether he's been able to meet
Gabriel Davis. He has spoken to him a couple times. Hudson said he's been watching plenty of Gabe highlights.
Hudson said he works a lot with the QBs after practice as well.
He really enjoys working with the new WR coach,
Grant Heard.
"Not just saying this because I'm here, but he's probably one of my favorite receiving coaches I've had. He knows how to relate to us. He also coaches us hard. Between the lines, he pushes us and holds us accountable. He relates to us as a person on and off the field. A football player and as a kid. He teaches us a lot."
Who were his favorite players growing up?
"I liked
Cam Newton. I played quarterback in high school. My favorite receiver in the league is probably
Calvin Ridley and I watch
Davante Adams a lot."
Hudson said he became a full-time WR when he got to Auburn.
"I like the thrill of receiver, catching touchdowns."
Since he's only been a full-time WR for two years, I asked if there was a moment last year when things started to click.
"I noticed my game changing and started getting more fluid at the position probably like the Mississippi State last year. That was my best game. I felt my confidence coming back. In my freshman year at Auburn I didn't play that much. I only had eight or nine catches. Last year, the Mississippi State game I started feeling better playing the position."
In that MSU game, Hudson reeled in a career-high eight catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.
Hudson says he will always give 100 percent effort. He just wants the team to win.
"I'm a team player. As long as we win, it doesn't matter what I did. I want the team to win... We've got ballers all around. I want the fans to know I'm a team player. When the ball comes to me, I'm going to make the play for the team."
Hudson also noted the tough competition they're getting from the DBs, so he knows Thursday's scrimmage will be a good one.
"It's going to be a battle. Iron sharpens iron. Our DBs here are pretty good."
Davonte Brown, Corey Thornton, Brandon Adams, Koby Perry and
Divaad Wilson earned praise from Hudson.
How good can this offense be?
"I feel we have a chance to be very good. We have the pieces. We have the o-line. We have different types of quarterbacks. I don't see how they can pick a quarterback with the dudes we got. We've got good talented receivers and our running back room is amazing. They surprised me... Our running backs are the real deal."
How's the change of scenery been?
"It's different from Auburn. Auburn is just great football. You come down here and see palm trees and sun out all the time. It's a great environment for me."