MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis linebacker Matt Hudson combines the work ethic and intellect of a Harvard graduate with the technical ability of a Division I athlete, making him one of the top linebackers in the AAC.
The Tigers' standout began his football journey in his hometown of Eagle, Idaho, and his career has taken him across the country.
“I have one chance to be a football player, I have one chance to be an athlete, so I want to put everything into it and see how far it takes me,” Hudson said with a smile.
Football has taken Hudson far from his roots. The Ivy League graduate was a talented quarterback and linebacker at Eagle High School but originally planned to study engineering in college. His football aspirations changed when a high school coach convinced him he could play at the next level.
“My defensive coordinator said, ‘Yeah, you should go play ball,’” Hudson said.
Hudson and his family decided he would play his final high school season at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, one of the top prep programs in the country.
“They opened the doors for me. My dad and my mom were the ones who found Fork Union and pushed me to go there, so without them, I wouldn’t be sitting here today,” Hudson said.
Hudson’s midseason highlight tape caught the attention of Yale, but his first interaction with a Division I recruiter was unconventional.
“Yale had me run a 40-yard dash in the hallway with my shoes on,” Hudson said, laughing. “It was the middle of winter, and I’m running a 40-yard dash indoors.”
Hudson didn’t pick Yale, and soon after, another Ivy League school, Harvard, showed interest. Hudson’s academic and athletic abilities made him a prime target, and in 2020, he committed to play for the Crimson.
At Harvard, Hudson balanced football and academics, though it wasn’t always easy.
“Every year, we had midterms around the time we played Princeton, like week five or six,” Hudson said. “I’m studying for exams and also preparing for one of our biggest games. I’m charting plays and studying their backfield sets while trying to do well in my classes.”
During his four seasons at Harvard, Hudson emerged as one of the Ivy League’s top linebackers. His goal was to join Memphis for spring football, but to do so, he had to graduate early from one of the toughest universities in the world.
“I took five classes during the season, 20 credits, all in-person,” Hudson said. “It was a lot of academic work.”
Hudson achieved his goal, becoming a first-generation Harvard graduate with his family in the audience to celebrate the milestone.
“They’ve had my back every step of the way,” Hudson said. “I’m super thankful for them, and they’re super proud of me.”
After graduation, Hudson set off on his next challenge: playing FBS football for Memphis. Following a rigorous spring in Memphis, he quickly earned the trust of the Tigers' coaching staff and teammates.
“He’s a football guy,” Memphis defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins said. “You like football guys, and he’s one of them. That’s the guy you want to follow.”
Memphis lost several starting linebackers last season, leaving an opening for Hudson.
“I met Coach Hank, and he came up to see me a couple of times,” Hudson said. “I knew that door was open.”
Through three games, Hudson has 11 tackles, an interception, and a clutch sack against Florida State. His teammate, Memphis defensive captain Chandler Martin, has appreciated Hudson’s presence.
“I’m glad he’s here, he’s my roommate,” Martin said. “Just learning from him because he’s an all-conference guy at his old school. Super excited he’s part of the defense.”
Hudson is equally pleased with his decision.
“I knew Memphis was the right choice, and I’m glad I made the right decision,” he said with a grin.