Otis Hudson was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the NFL Draft Saturday, becoming the first Eastern player to be drafted since 1999.

“It’s very exciting for me,” said Hudson, a 6-foot-5, 331-pound offensive lineman who anchored the Panthers’ line in 2009. “I guess I’m among the best players in the world now. But I have a lot of work to do.”

Hudson broke an 11-year drought for Eastern football players when the Bengals made him the 152nd selection of the seven-round draft. He said he knew the Bengals had expressed interest in him but was nonetheless surprised.

“We were thinking I would go maybe in the seventh round or as a free agent,” Hudson said. “(I) didn’t think the fifth round, but knew it was possible.”

Hudson said he was watching the draft at his house in Barrington and decided to go to the mall with some family members to help pass the time. While there, he received a phone call from a Bengals’ executive informing him he’d be the next pick. Then, he talked to his new offensive line coach, Paul Alexander.

“He just told me I have to get ready to work,” Hudson said. “I thanked him for the opportunity and he said ‘I’ll see you when you get here.’ It’s all up to me now.”

Hudson played right tackle for the Panthers the past two seasons, but according to a story by C. Trent Rosecrans on CNATI.com, he will move to guard for the Bengals.

Hudson graduated from Eastern in December and has been training for the draft since leaving, including a stint of preparation training with Gaines Performance in California. He leaves for rookie mini camp Thursday and said he will get the rest of his schedule for the summer when he gets there. Rookie mini camp lasts for three days.

Hudson, who wore No. 63 during his Eastern career, said he wasn’t sure yet what number he would be issued with the Bengals, but hoped for the No. 75.

“I started my football career wearing 75. I hope to start my NFL career with 75,” he said.

Hudson said he spoke with many of his Eastern coaches and former teammates after he was drafted and received a number of congratulatory phone calls.

“I’m just very excited,” he said. “I’m enjoying the moment right now. But come Thursday, it’s work time.”

The only area team that Cincinnati is scheduled to play in 2010 is the Indianapolis Colts. Hudson and the Bengals will travel to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for a game Nov. 14.

Collin Whitchurch can be reached at 581-7944 or cfwhitchurch@eiu.edu.

Otis Hudson (below, No. 63) shown here blocking for Eastern quarterback Jake Christensen during a game against Eastern Kentucky on Oct. 3, 2009, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Hudson was the first Eastern player

(more…)