Throughout Michigan's relatively quick recruitment of
Khaleke Hudson, we've sort of painted the picture of how this all took place.
A couple of Michigan's staff members were in love with Hudson's junior film and were trying to get Hudson an offer earlier in the process. Contact was made and something that resembled a relationship developed over time, but the Wolverines did not step forward with the offer.
However, as Hudson's senior film started to surface in October, those assistants were able to finally convince D.J. Durkin to sign off on a scholarship offer for the now four-star as a primarily athlete but likely an eye on the defensive side of the ball.
Perhaps the biggest break Michigan caught in this recruitment was the fact that Penn State rebuffed Hudson twice from committing to the Nittany Lions earlier in the process. Michigan did not have to deal with that in their pursuit of him and he immediately became a take for them on November 2nd when the scholarship was proffered.
Hudson's quick commitment to the staff is also a major indication of their abilities on an official visit, as it was Hudson's first trip to Ann Arbor of the recruiting process and their only real chance to impress he and his family. This is a 48-hour turnover from flight out of town to commitment; a great indication that Michigan killed this visit after most saw Hudson as a Penn State lean heading down the home stretch.
I think the best way to describe Hudson as a part of this class is that he takes the mantle from Vic Viramontes as that elite athlete whose physical nature and instinct immediately jumps out on film when you watch him. There is a certain style of player that fits the mold you think of when you think about the type of player Jim Harbaugh wants to recruit at Michigan; Hudson to us is one of those guys in this class for them.
When you talk to anyone who has watched Hudson live, whether it be our analysts who were at the Semper Fidelis game or those who have seen him at various camps, people raved about his abilities. Hudson was the top overall performer during the Semper Fidelis game and was arguably the best player during the practice week as well.
Again, one thing to remember with Hudson: he is being recruited as an ATHLETE. Do not sleep on him as a potential linebacker, safety or running back for this staff. He's the most pure athlete Michigan has left on their board in terms of his future position being wide open.