Q'Mari Hudson

Physical Profile

Listed at 6-5, 295 lbs. Taller than 8% and heavier than 65% of 2027 Offensive Tackle prospects in the SEC Scouts database (37 with a listed size).

Play Style

A physical, finish-oriented lineman who plays with a defensive player's temperament. In the run game he gets under defenders and moves them off the ball and down the field rather than just walling them off, which makes him most effective on gap and down blocks. In pass protection he plays with composure and sound technique for a high school junior, and his time on defense helps him read rush plans. Western Branch uses him on both sides of the ball, so he is a high-snap, well-conditioned player. No verified HS stats, camp results or testing numbers turned up, so this is based on the highlight-film evaluations reported at his commitment.

Strengths

• Drive blocking in the run game: evaluators note he moves defenders down the field and opens big running lanes, which shows real hip power and a willingness to finish blocks.
• Pass-protection technique that is advanced for his age: his film shows him stopping pass rushes with sound technique rather than just size, which is uncommon for a two-way high school lineman.
• Can play more than one spot: Tennessee's staff, led by OL coach Glen Elarbee, recruited him as a lineman who can play several positions. His build fits tackle or guard, and that versatility gives him more than one route onto the depth chart.
• Plays defense too: lining up on the defensive line teaches him how defensive linemen think, and it points to a physical, competitive player with enough athleticism for the other side of the ball.
• Already at college weight: at 300 pounds he can put his first college offseason into strength work and technique instead of adding mass.

Areas to Improve

• Specializing on offense: splitting reps between OL and DL means fewer total reps at tackle. He needs to refine his pass-set footwork, including kick-slide depth, vertical sets against speed rushers and hand timing, before facing SEC edge rushers.
• Length and handling speed: at 6-5 he will be tested by long, explosive edge rushers. Hand placement and anchoring against speed-to-power moves will decide whether he stays at tackle or moves to guard.
• Improving his body at 300 pounds: he needs to turn his weight into functional strength and keep his flexibility, especially bend and pad level, so his run-game power holds up against college defensive linemen.

College Projection

He will most likely redshirt in 2027 while he refines his technique and physically develops under Glen Elarbee, who developed Darnell Wright, a first-round NFL pick. His best early path is as a swing reserve at tackle or guard. He could realistically compete for a starting job in year 2 or 3 (2028–29). A move to guard is a real possibility if his length measures short, and it wouldn't limit his ceiling. His versatility makes him a likely two-deep contributor within two seasons.

NFL Outlook

He has day-three NFL Draft potential, with a higher ceiling if he locks down a starting job at tackle in the SEC. His draft value depends on his arm length and whether he can hold up in pass protection on the edge. If he settles at guard, the power he already shows as a run blocker and his ability to play multiple positions could earn him a mid-round grade after three or more years of starting. Being a low four-star (0.8951) means he is a development project rather than an early-entry candidate.

Best Fit

A power or gap-scheme program with a proven offensive line development track record and the depth to redshirt him. Tennessee fits: Elarbee's history with Wright and David Sanders was a stated factor in his decision, and the staff values linemen who can play several spots. Schemes that ask tackles to drive block, rather than rely only on wide-zone movement, get the most out of his strengths.