The defending and nine-time Serbian champions, the Kragujevac Wild Boars, have signed Jake Hudson (Baldwin Wallace University, NCAA Div. III) as their quarterback for the 2020 season.
The 5’10”, 190 pound 23-year-old native of East Lake, Florida was a three-year starter at Baldwin Wallace, located in Berea, Ohio, and amassed 6,155 yards and 51 touchdowns in his 29 games with the Yellow Jackets. He also rushed for 1,655 yards and 18 touchdowns. He set a school single-season passing-record with a career-best 2,640 yards in his senior year while also setting a school single-season total offensive yards-record with a career-high 3,101 yards. During a game against John Carroll in set the school record for completions in a game with 32.
He played in the 2018 Gateway All American Bowl earning offensive MVP honors leading his Stars team to a one-sided 53-12 win over the Stripes.
What were the main factors in choosing the Wild Boars?
Hudson: The main factors were honestly the opportunity and transparency that I received ever since we began communicating. The coaches were upfront and answered every question honestly and seemed very knowledgeable. They made it easy for me to understand how great of an opportunity this is and made me comfortable to join the team!
How do you feel about playing for the defending Serbian champion and one of the top 20 teams in Europe?
Hudson: I’m super excited to play and defend the championship. I’m a huge competitor and I love to win, so keeping that mentality as I come overseas is something I’m looking forward to demonstrating. From what I hear, the team and players are awesome people, so I’m excited to learn from them and help contribute in every way I can!
How much do you know about the Wild Boars and football in Serbia?
Hudson: Besides talking to coaches and just my own research I don’t know much at all! I have never been to Europe before and I’m extremely excited and blessed to have this opportunity. I do know that the level of competition is high in Serbia and that the level of football is high. From what I hear, the players and coaches are welcoming and great people so that gives me confidence that I will fit right in with the team!
What are your expectations for this season?
Hudson: Never being over and actually playing I don’t know what all to expect. I know that as a leader I will lead by example and do the small things that I believe make teams successful, regardless of who is apart of the team. I will expect to compete, to give our max effort every day, and ultimately to win. We need to control what we can control, focus on our team, and work as one body to achieve success.
How would you describe yourself as a player?
Hudson: As a player, I am a competitor. I’m not the biggest or fastest or strongest, but I’m the smartest. I play football with my brain and I consider myself a student of the game. I love interacting with the players and teaching them in any way I can. When it comes to playing style, I like to do a little bit of everything. I’m short, so I need to move around when I play because I can’t always see over the O-Line. Most importantly though, I like to have fun. I like to laugh, compete, and practice day in and day out in a positive manner and I like to be out on the field. Having fun and being positive is the best way to play this game we love so much.