Interview: 4-Star 2021 Tennessee TE/WR Hudson Wolfe is an Unstoppable Force

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When a defensive coordinator commits two and three defenders to stopping a receiving threat, you know that target is special. This has been the life of Class of 2021 tight end/receiver Hudson Wolfe much of the 2019 season. Teams are all in on shutting down the Hardin County standout but that has not stopped him from pulling down 27 passes for 471 yards with 12 scores going up on the board. The speed, athleticism, and amazing hands Wolfe has along with his tenacity as a run blocker has propelled the 6-6, 240-pound, junior up recruiting boards across the country with 21 offers dropped.

Wolfe has been busy on and off the gridiron this season. His Tigers squad continues their march through the 4A playoffs taking on Creek Wood on Friday and the Savannah area product has been on-the-go spending time on campus with Alabama, LSU, Tennessee, and Ohio State, among others, this fall. To talk about it all, we sat down for an in-depth one-on-one.

Interview

Hudson, the team spent much of the season dominating opposing defenses. What are the strengths to the Tigers’ attack this year?

“We have a really good quarterback; he is one of the semifinalists for the Mr. Football Award this year. We are able to spread out and throw the ball downfield getting big chunks of yardage quick. That has helped us in the attack.”

The team got challenged against Lexington (12-7) and Milan (14-7) near the end of the season. How will those tight games help you guys as you march forward in the playoffs?

“That was huge, especially winning those games. They are big contributors to what we will see as we go deeper into the playoffs.”

On Friday, you guys got one step closer to the dream knocking off Portland 42-14. How did that showdown go for you personally?

“It went well. We have Creekwood coming up at home this week; another championship like game. We win or we go home. We are trying to win out, and see how far we can make it. In the game against Portland, I had an average game for me. I had two catches. I was in double- and sometimes triple-coverage. For me, that is fine. It gives big breaks in the offense for our other receivers. We have very good receivers who can make big-time plays.”

How are the coaches utilizing your skills on offense?

“They are taking advantage of opportunities. I have been double- and triple-teamed over the last 10 games. Other teams saw my Week 1 game (McNairy Central), they are trying to shut it down but I am still catching and scoring. That leaves room for other big-time players making big time plays.”

Your speed is deceptive and your hands are fantastic. What did you do over the offseason and on into the season to develop both those parts of your game?

“Staying in the weight room has helped. We have a good offseason program. Hopefully that will be delayed this year after the playoffs. I went through our summer workout program, went to camps this summer, and I worked with a speed trainer to increase the speed that I have.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“That is a hard one. I have had games where I have gone off receiving and others where I have been dominating in our run game as a blocker. Overall, I would give it to the first one of the year. That long touchdown I had; I had three balls for 100-plus yards with two touchdowns. I also had a good game blocking.”

Seeing the growth in a player for one year to the next and one game to the next is important for college coaches. How has your game improved throughout the season?

“I am smarter in what I am doing. Knowing leverage type things, growing as a player, improved route running and knowing how to attack that leverage. The more you do it, the better you get.”

Colleges are loving what they are seeing in you. How many offers are you holding?

“I have 21 offers.”

Wolfe’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Memphis, Miami, Mississippi State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Penn State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia

Have you visited any programs this fall?

“Yes. I have been to Alabama twice, I was just there for the LSU game, Ohio State, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Georgia.”

Given it was the Game of the Century, how did the visit to Alabama go?

“It was a great game with fantastic football players making fantastic plays. I am glad I was able to be a part of it.”

And the home state visit to Tennessee, how did that go?

“It was good. They picked up their recruiting on me more heavily in the last few weeks. Coach (Jeremy) Pruitt (HC) has turned to recruiting me himself. I am in contact with him, and building a relationship with him.”

Ohio State is another big-time program. How did that visit go?

“It was great. I spent the entire weekend up there. I came in on Sunday after the game. I broke down film with Coach (Kevin) Wilson (OC) and I met with Coach (Ryan) Day (HC) for about 30 or 45 minutes.”

Last question. Creek Wood (10-2) is the next team up on the playoff schedule. What are you expecting from the Red Hawks come Friday?

“They are a good team, big up front. I think our offensive and defensive linemen can take it on. I think we will be able to do the things we’ve had success with, we will come out with a big win.”

Hudson, thanks for your time today and good luck the rest of the way in the playoffs.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Wolfe family; Hudson Wolfe at Ohio State and Alabama