Former Peach County Quarterback Leads Fort Valley State Into Home Opener

Wildcats Freshman QB and Peach County alum DJ Hudson hopes to build offf momentum from his first career start heading into the home opener, down the road from where he played at Trojans Stadium for 4 seasons

FORT VALLEY, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – The Fort Valley State Wildcats are turning to a familiar face to lead them at quarterback this season, one who excelled just down the road at Peach County High School.

On Thursday night, Fort Valley State fell just short in a close 26-21 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against Clark Atlanta on the road that had the Wildcats come up just short of a first down in the red zone on the final drive. But the night also marked the first career start for former Peach County Trojans quarterback DJ Hudson.

Hudson put on a show, completing a perfect 11-for-11 in the first half and finishing 21-for-26 with 142 passing yards and two touchdowns. He added 119 rushing yards, showing off his dual-threat ability. His performance earned him SIAC Newcomer of the Week honors.

“It was my first college start. Gonna be nervous a little bit, but my teammates, they came around me trying to get me pumped up for the game,” Hudson said. “I was really excited to play. But it’s always good to have people around you that’s gonna lift you up and never let you get too down on yourself. It’s great to be able to come back and play in front of the community. Of course, I went to Peach, so now I’m at Fort Valley, so they can come still watch. It’s always great to be able to play as a true freshman. Also, we talk about being your brother’s keeper. We got a team that we have just like a brotherhood here, so it’s easy to go out there and play for your brother.”

First-year head coach Marlon Watson said Hudson has earned the opportunity.

“He’s been building ever since he’s got here, he’s been getting better each and every day, and so we decided to make the change, because he was the front runner,” Watson said. “That’s something that he earned, that wasn’t just given to him. With DJ, he’s always going to be poised going out there and running the offense the best he can. Of course, him being a freshman, he’s going to make some of those freshman mistakes, but as long as there’s more good than bad, we’ll take that. We expect even bigger things going into his second game this weekend versus Delta State.”

The FVSU Freshman QB said the team’s goals remain high. “Started off to a slow start, but we’re gonna pick it up and we’re gonna get this SIAC championship,” he said.

The Wildcats will finally play in front of their home crowd Saturday after two games on the road.

“Finally, we got a home game here after two games being away,” Watson said. “So my first home game I’ve heard, you know, about the crowd is gonna be here. I’m excited they’re coming. We got some local talent playing here with DJ Hudson, and so I’m sure the whole community is going to be out here to support them and support the Wildcat nation.”

Fort Valley State kicks off its home opener at 3 p.m. Saturday against Delta State University at Wildcat Stadium.