Billy Napier and the Gators’ staff added their 12th transfer of the offseason and second of the post-spring portal window when FIU offensive line transfer Lyndell Hudson committed to Florida on Saturday, May 13th.
Hudson, who entered the transfer portal on March 24th of 2023, received offers from Houston, USF, Temple, Texas Tech, Appalachian State, UAB, Charlottee, Kent State and more. The 6-6, 300-pound offensive lineman committed to USF on May 7th, just six days before the Brooksville, Florida native flipped his commitment to UF following his official visit in Gainesville.
EXPEREINCE
The most intriguing part of this addition is the experience that Hudson brings to the Gators’ offensive line.
Hudson appeared in 35 games throughout his five seasons at FIU, including 25 starts and 1,564 snaps along the Panthers’ offensive line.
While primarily playing right tackle at FIU, Hudson totaled 95 snaps at left tackle while making one start on the left side of the line in 2022. Florida’s staff has been vocal about position flexibility when talking about their recruitment and developmental process, something Hudson should have no problem with during his time in Gainesville.
The Gators lost a combined 118 collegiate starts along the offensive line following the offseason departures of Richard Gouraige, Ethan White, Michael Tarquin, and O’Cyrus Torrence, making it evident Florida would need to hit the transfer portal for experienced players.
Florida did exactly that, bringing in Damieon George, Micah Mazzccua, Lyndell Hudson, and a less experienced Kiyaunta Goodwin.
Hudson was one season of eligibility left.
SIZE AND LENGTHÂ
Standing at 6-6, 300 pounds, Hudson fits the mold of the tall and lengthy offensive lineman Napier has shown a liking for during his time in Gainesville. While 300 pounds would actually be one of the lightest offensive linemen on the Gators, there is speculation that he may weigh closer to 320 pounds. We won’t officially find out until his weigh in for fall camp.
DIVING INTO THE NUMBERS
Hudson’s grade of 60.8 ranked first among FIU offensive lineman in 2022, according to Pro Football Focus. The tackle posted a pass block grade of 67.8 and a run block grade of 60.6 while dealing with a nagging injury a season ago. Hudson allowed zero sacks, two QB hits, nine hurries, and 11 pressures across 247 pass block snaps in 2022.
Penalties were an issue for Hudson throughout his time in Miami as the offensive tackle was flagged 12 times throughout his FIU career, including 11 in the last two seasons and a team high six penalties in 2021.
The Covid shortened 2020 season was Hudson’s best year, analytically speaking. The Brooksville, Florida native posted an offensive grade of 84.2, the highest on FIU’s offense among players with 100+ snaps. His run block grade of 82.3 and pass block grade of 81.2 ranked second and third on the Panthers.
WHERE HUDSON FITS IN
At the very least, Hudson will provide quality depth at tackle for the Gators in 2023.
During spring camp, transfer offensive tackle Damieon George saw some reps at guard following Micah Mazzccua’s shoulder injury. If George does make the switch to guard, Hudson could battle Kentucky transfer Kiyaunta Goodwin for a starting role at right tackle. Hudson’s role could depend on the injury status of Mazzccua, which we will know more about during fall camp.