SV grad recognized for academics at Cal U
CALIFORNIA, Pa. — The academic side of Eric Hudanick's football career has been well-decorated.
The Seneca Valley graduate and starting California (Pa.) University right tackle was named second team Academic All-American this summer by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
He is carrying a 3.77 grade point average while pursuing his master's degree in business administration with a concentration in management.
He is also a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection and was among 20 semifinalists for the NCAA Division II William V. Campbell Trophy for academic excellence.
Hudanick is only the 10th football player in school history to be named an Academic All-American.“I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish in the classroom,” the 6-foot-3, 275-pound Hudanick said. “I like to set an example for the younger players that this is what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it.“Now I'd like to get some recognition on the football side. I've started 32 games here. I want something to show for that.”While the Vulcans have been consistent winners on the field and productive offensively, all-conference recognition has eluded Hudanick.He doesn't want it to stay that way.“My No. 1 goal is for my team to win,” Hudanick said. “That will never change. But, sure, I'd love to get first team all-conference. That's a goal of mine.”Vulcans coach Gary Dunn believes such an honor may well be on the way.“He deserves it,” the coach said. “Eric has been a true mainstay for us. He's been a starter since his freshman year and that's a rare thing on our offensive line here.“He was an effective pass blocker as a freshman. He's worked himself into a solid run blocker. Now he's as consistent a lineman as we have.”Hudanick played left tackle his freshman year. He's started at right tackle since his sophomore season and has started 22 straight games at that position since 2018.“I remember watching extra film with the coaches my freshman year, just so I could learn as much as I could and compete for starting time,” he said.As for his durability at a position that is in the middle of rough, physical contact on every play?“Part of not getting injured is luck, certainly, but I've been taking care of my body, too,” Hudanick said. “After a game or practice, I'll hop in the ice bath, take every precaution.“When you're feeling sore, you can't just go home and plop down on the couch. You take the cautionary steps to stay healthy.”During Hudanick's playing career, the Vulcans have averaged more than 33 points per game and nearly 400 yards of offense per contest.Hudanick insists the team does not initiate any goals by offensive numbers.“That's not what we're about,” he said. “I know we have talented players at the skilled positions. Noah Mitchell is back at quarterback and he's a great player.“If we give him time to throw the ball, our receivers will do great things once they catch it. If we finish our blocks in the run game, that production will come as well. The (offensive) numbers will be there if we do our jobs.”While California has yet to name captains for the 2021 season, Hudanick has been on the team's leadership council for a couple of years now.“That's a group of players who we coaches meet with once or twice a week to go over different things, on and off the field,” Dunn said. “They represent the team.“Eric is what we want all of our student-athletes to aspire to be, productive on the field and in the classroom. We are thrilled he decided to attend graduate school here and finish out his career. We all have big hopes for this season.”Regardless of how this season goes, it will be the last time Hudanick dons a football uniform.“This is definitely it for me,” he said. “I'm not pursuing football any longer. There's a lot of wear and tear. This is enough.“Of course, I want the season to last as long as we can make it last. Since it's my last year, I want to play as many games as I can.”
