Last season, sophomore Bryce Hudman played alongside SMU veteran Joe Sturdivant, but is finding himself in a new role this year.

As a true freshman, Hudman played against Texas A&M University, but due to an injury suffered in that game, sat out the rest of the season as a medical redshirt. Hudman came back last year and was an integral part of the Mustangs’ defense.

“Last year having [Sturdivant] there was a learning experience,” Hudman said. “He knew the defense really well and if I ever had any questions for him, he was always there to give me guidance.”

After playing in all 12 games last season and starting the final four games of the year, Hudman has found himself as the leader on the field.

“I feel that I have a lot of old ‘me’s’ coming up to me and giving me some questions,” Hudman said.

Now as one of the more experienced players and returning starters in the secondary it is Hudman’s job to lead the SMU defensive backs. All of the Mustangs’ secondary has in-game experience, but at the strong safety position Hudman will need to be a vocal leader on the team.

The Mustangs hoped to have transfer student Rock Dennis alongside Hudman at the other safety spot. But Dennis suffered a season ending shoulder injury during practices earlier this fall.

“There is just stuff you cant get from a coach,” Hudman said.”It’s like players tips. It’s different coming from a player who has been there, done that and actually been on the field during the game.”

That is what Hudman will try to relay to his teammates this season.

Last year Hudman played some of his best games against the Mustangs’ toughest opponents. His season-high nine tackles came in the devastating loss to Houston. Hudman also had strong games in the losses to East Carolina and Rice.

“I just feel that we’ll do well and this should be a good year,” Hudman said.

And with all of the talk and hype surrounding the team this season, the Mustangs will need players like Hudman to step up and play at a high level.