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Saturday, January 27, 2001
Hudgens goes own way, commits to Tulsa
Ray standout decides against school with best friend, Miller’s Breedlove
By Lee Goddard
Caller-Times
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| Hudgens |
On the same night that his best friend decided to commit to Texas Christian, Ray High School linebacker Haskell Hudgens followed his heart to Tulsa, notifying Hurricane coaches on Monday night that he would choose their school.
The decisions of Hudgens and Miller defensive lineman Jeremy Breedlove, who will attend TCU, cap for both a 10-year quest to earn college football scholarships.
"I was seriously considering Southwest Texas, which I visited the week before," Hudgens said. "Me and my best friend, Jeremy Breedlove, have been saying for the past 10 years that we would work hard get scholarships and go to the same schools. I told him to visit TCU, and I would visit Tulsa."
Each found what they were looking for, and Tulsa found itself earning a commitment from one of South Texas' premier linebackers.
Hudgens captained the Ray defense in the Texans drive to the playoffs this season. A versatile player, he led the Texans with 104 tackles, while forcing three fumbles, making four recoveries and two interceptions.
Hudgens cited two keys in his choice to attend Tulsa: the defensive system run by the Hurricane, and the school's graphic design program.
"Recruiting is one of the most fun times in your life, and the most hectic," Hudgens said. "You're deciding where you want to be the next four or five years.
"What really sold me is that their defense is suited to a strong-side linebacker, and the education."
Ray coach Gary Turberville was glad Hudgens found a great fit.
"I'm happy for him," Turberville said. "He's taken an interest in academics and athletics. He feels he's found the right niche for him. It's part of the growth and maturation of Haskell Hudgens."
In giving his word to attend Tulsa, Hudgens canceled a scheduled weekend visit to TCU. Aside from the Horned Frogs and Southwest Texas, Hudgens also was attracting attention from Texas-El Paso.
It also meant he and Breedlove would be rivals again. After facing each other in District 29-5A battles between Ray and Miller, the two will now stand on opposite sidelines as both TCU and Tulsa compete in the Western Athletic Conference.
"You don't want to make a choice that isn't right for you and spend the next few years regretting it," Hudgens said. "You've go where your heart tells you to."
Staff writer Lee Goddard can be reached at 886-3613 or by e-mail at goddardl@caller.com
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© 2001,
a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.
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