WATCH: UCLA tight end Hudson Habermehl breaks down return from injury
COSTA MESA, Calif. — UCLA tight end Hudson Habermehl missed the entire 2024 season because an ACL injury, but he is back on the field this fall. It has been a long journey back for the Roseville native.
The injury happened well over a year ago. Still, Habermehl is simply looking forward to taking the field once again healthy.
“When we were at the spring showcase at the Rose Bowl … I kind of soaked it in,” Habermehl said Saturday. “Realizing I’m finally going to be able to run out there for Utah. Because it was a long, a long season, being away from the team, on the sideline, not suiting up, it was a lot of mental battles, obstacles. Obviously physical too.
“But I’m just really excited. I know it’s gonna be an emotional day, but I think it’s gonna be emotional in a positive way.”
It took Habermehl 15 months to get back on the field. A recovery period that long can certainly take its toll on an athlete. There were questions and concerns throughout the process. Ultimately the Bruins’ tight end was able to make it back where he feels he belongs.
“The rehab process was difficult, but I knew the harder I pushed myself during that process, the better outcome I would get in the end. So I had a battle. Second cleanup surgery. I had a bunch of things pop up, and it was nothing easy at all, but I did learn a lot about myself and a lot about my team, because every day, they would ask me how I was doing, reach out if I need anything, let them know. So I can only thank them enough for that, and it’s been pretty amazing to kind of see the support I got.”
Watch the full interview with Habermehl below where he details the support he received from his coaches and teammates. He also discussed his new hairstyle, the process of remaining eligible and more after Saturday’s practice.
Hudson Habermehl training camp media session (Aug. 16)
Video recorded by BruinBlitz staff writer Tracy McDannald.
