Hudson in Hall — and he wasn't a QB

Even after being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame during ceremonies Saturday in South Bend, Ind., the honor hadn't sunk in yet for former BYU tight end Gordon Hudson.

"I don't know if it ever will," he told the Deseret News.

Hudson remembers watching great college football players on television when was 4.

"To know my picture will be hanging next to them," he said, "is quite humbling. It's almost surreal."

Hudson was one of 24 college football standouts formally enshrined in the Hall of Fame. He became the sixth Cougar, joining four quarterbacks and legendary coach LaVell Edwards, to receive College Football Hall of Fame recognition.

"What's really special is, I'm the first non-quarterback or non-coach (from BYU) to be elected to the Hall of Fame," said Hudson, who works as a real estate officer in Murray. "It's pretty special. I'm amongst an elite group now."

As part of this weekend's festivities, Hudson played golf, dined at a barbecue for inductees and their families, signed autographs, participated in induction ceremonies, and toured the Notre Dame campus. It marked his first trip to South Bend.

"They rolled out the red carpet for us," he said. "Being in South Bend is even more than what I though it would be.

"I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Once you get here, you can feel the tradition and history."

One former Fighting Irish player, Tim Brown, was among those inducted Saturday.

"It was great to rub shoulders with Tim, a true South Bend celebrity," Hudson said. "This class will have a special place in my heart because of the friendships we've made in a short time."

In the year since he learned that he would be a member of the Hall of Fame, Hudson has taken time to reflect on his BYU career.

"This is a team honor," he said. "When my plaque goes up in the BYU football office, a team photo should go up next to it. I wouldn't be here without LaVell and my teammates.

"This induction adds an exclamation to my career. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm here."

As a Cougar, Hudson tied the NCAA record for receptions by a tight end in a single season with 67. In his junior season, he was a unanimous All-WAC and consensus All-America selection.