Kobe Hudson joins High School Teammate Andy Boykin in Auburn’s 2020 commitment class

April 27, 2018

Kobe Hudson, alongside Troup High School Head Coach Tanner Glisson on April 27, 2018. Photo: Kevin Eckleberry/LaGrange Daily News

Auburn landed a 4-star wide receiver commit for the 2020 class on Friday morning

It’s very easy to get excited about the future of Auburn Football, even if the latest commit is two years away from arriving on campus.

Kobe Hudson (6’2″, 185), a 2020 4-star wide receiver from Troup High School in LaGrange, Georgia announced his intentions to continue his academic and athletic career at Auburn University on Friday, choosing the Tigers over Georgia, Alabama, and Florida State.

Speaking with Troup Head Coach Tanner Glisson following Hudson’s commitment, he feels that LaGrange’s proximity to Auburn (42 miles) played a role in Hudson’s decision. However, Glisson feels that Auburn’s recruiting strategy stood out the most.

“I think Coach (Gus) Malzahn did a tremendous job in recruiting him,” says Glisson of Auburn’s impressive tactic. “The head coach took over the lead role in recruiting, and anytime a head coach does that, I think that it makes a world of difference.”

Hudson has turned the heads of his high school coaches, as well as the head coaches of Power-Six football programs for many years now. He had offers in hand before suiting up for the varsity squad, and he grabbed the spotlight in the FBU Freshman All-American Bowl in 2017. He was the first athlete from the 2020 class to be invited to the US Army All-America Game in San Antonio, Texas. What is it about Hudson that is catching the eye of every major college football program around the country?

“He has tremendous body balance once he is in the air,” says Glisson. “The big deal is now, a lot of coaches (at the FBS level) are going after the kids that get the “50-50 ball”, and he is a real good “50-50 baller.”

Kobe Hudson becomes Auburn’s second commit for 2020. Andy Boykin, a 4-star defensive end announced his commitment back in November of 2017. The connection? Boykin is also a Troup Tiger. When asked if Boykin’s commitment was the main factor in Hudson choosing Auburn, Glisson’s response indicated that this is not a part of a package deal.

“They are close,” says Glisson, who stated that his recruiting strategy for his athletes is solely based on “relationships” and finding the right fit for each player. Coincidentally, Auburn seems to be the best fit for both Boykin and Hudson. “It sounds weird, but I don’t think that weighed in on the decision.”

Whether it played a major role, or not, Boykin was ready to support his teammate. No matter where he decided to go.

Bro commit tomorrow hope he join the family but he gone shine either way it go???@kobehudsonn @tanner_glisson pic.twitter.com/uvEkCjWIkE

— Andy Boykin (@boykinandy_andy) April 27, 2018

Troup High School’s ties with Auburn University have grown over the years. Former Auburn receiver Quan Bray (2011-14) is a Troup alum. Reuben Foster, current linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, gained exposure at Troup High School before moving to Auburn High School for his senior season in 2012. Foster was committed to Auburn from July 2012 until National Signing Day in 2013. Auburn Baseball also has a signee from Troup High School, Ryan Bliss. Bliss is a senior at Troup and will arrive on campus later this year.

Kobe Hudson is a 4-star wide receiver according to 247sports.com. He is the 11th best wide receiver in the nation and the 6th best player in the state of Georgia for 2020.