Crimson Countdown: No. 49 Pierce Hudgens
The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2023 Oklahoma football season. It’s the second season under head coach Brent Venables and expectations are high once again. The Sooners are looking to rebound from the uncharacteristic 6-7 season in 2022.
Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 49 Pierce Hudgens
2022 stats: NA.
2023 outlook: Hudgens is a former walk-on that has played on both sides of the ball during his football career. From Flower Mound High School, Hudgens walked on at Oklahoma after playing running back and defensive back in high school. He was a first-team all-district selection and an honorable mention all-state pick as a junior and senior, totaling 1,165 rushing yards, 328 receiving yards, and 20 total touchdowns as a senior.
At Oklahoma, Hudgens has seen little playing time but has contributed on special teams at times, after redshirting in 2020. He earned a scholarship during the spring semester, according to SoonerSports.com. Still, he’s unlikely to contribute this year on defense with a talented secondary for the Sooners. Off the field, Hudgens is double-majoring in finance and entrepreneurship/venture management.
2023 cornerback/nickel outlook
Oklahoma returns one of its most veteran defensive starters in redshirt senior Woodi Washington. But across from Washington will be one of the more anticipated position battles of fall camp. Sophomore Gentry Williams and JUCO transfer Kendel Dolby appear to be the frontrunners for the job. But true freshmen Jasiah Wagoner and Makari Vickers were impressive in the spring and could fight for the opening. Cornerbacks coach Jay Valai has done a nice job retooling that room after the departures of CJ Colden and Jaden Davis.
