Ray Hudson, former Alabama running back, dead at 42

Former Alabama running back Ray Hudson has passed away at the age of 42, the Tuscaloosa Patch’s Ryan Phillips reported. He spent four seasons playing for the Crimson Tide, playing under head coaches Dennis Franchione and Mike Shula.

Hudson grew up in Bonifay, FL, and joined the Alabama team in 2001. He contributed immediately as a true freshman and saw his role grow over four years. Throughout his career, Hudson rushed for 1,639 yards — good enough for 25th all-time in the Alabama record books.

Seven touchdowns were added by the running back as well.

Hudson was on pace for a big season in 2004 before suffering a knee injury. Just six games into the season, the running back already had 638 yards and four touchdowns on 92 carries. He went down in a game against Kentucky and was the second-leading rusher in the SEC at the time.

All three of his 100-yard games came during the 2004 season too. Arkansas was on the receiving end of a 170-yard performance on just 20 carries, averaging 8.5 YPC. Had the knee injury not occurred against Kentucky, there would have been another for Hudson to add, coming just short at 99 yards.

Following his football career with Alabama, there were mental health struggles for Hudson. In an interview with AL.com back in 2014, he believes getting hit in the head while playing the Crimson Tide played a huge role.

“I don’t see where it would’ve come from anything else,” Hudson said. “I have anger issues and depression. I’ve never been on any kind of supplements or steroids. I’ve always been a happy-go-lucky guy my whole life.”