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Local Sports

Local sports in the Panhandle are not just a game, they are a lifestyle. Our community eats, sleeps and breathes cheering on our local athletes.
News13 is On Your “Sidelines” bringing you more than the score.
News13’s Stephen Gunter is committed to giving you stories of the Panhandle’s top athletes, intriguing match-ups and unusual sports you may not even know exist.
sgunter@wmbb.com

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Super Send-Off To The Superdome!

BONIFAY, Fla. - “It was a reverse play,” Ray Hudson’s pee-wee coach Marshall Stevenson said.  “The first time he touched the ball, 80-yards, scored a touchdown.  I said there’s going to be a lot more!”

Even when Hudson was just a lil fella, Stevenson had a hunch his running back was going to be something special. 

Afterall, Hudson was Stevenson’s “franchise” on the pee-wee team.

That hunch turned into a sure thing last week when Hudson signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints.

“Man, tears were rolling down,” Hudson said.  “I was in my truck when they called.  I waited so long for this.”

The Bonifay native and former Alabama Crimson Tide running back was leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards (638) when he injured his knee against Kentucky in the sixth game of the 2004 season.

“I thought my life was gone to shambles,” Hudson said.  “I bounced back after two years of re-hab.  I’m ready now.”

While Hudson was not selected in the 2006 Draft, the New Orleans organization asked him before the draft to join the team in mini-camp.

Kansas City and Green Bay were also interested, but Hudson felt the Saints were the best fit; even with Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush and Pro-Bowler Deuce McCallister playing the same position.

“I believe I’m just as good or better than those guys ahead of me,” Hudson said.  “But, I’m a team player, a role player.  I’m just happy to play.”

Hudson is back in New Orleans for Rookie Mini-Camp.

Official training camp begins at the end of July with the veteren players.

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