Redskins pick up McKeesport's Khaleke Hudson in fifth round

Khaleke Hudson became the 15th McKeesport graduate to reach the NFL on Saturday when he was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round (No. 162 overall).

Naturally, Hudson was thrilled, but his friend and fellow McKeesport graduate Mike Logan was beaming, too.

“He’s looking forward to a bright future in the NFL,” said Logan, who was drafted in the second round in 1997 by the Jacksonville Jaguars and enjoyed a 10-year career.

Hudson and Logan share more than a diploma with the name McKeesport on it.

At 224 pounds, Hudson is thicker than Logan, who played at about 211, and an inch shorter. But they have been asked to perform similar duties on the field.

Hudson led Michigan in tackles last season with 102, at least 13 more than any of his teammates, while playing the hybrid “viper” position that demands the skills of a linebacker and safety. When veteran NFL defensive coordinator Dom Capers arrived in Jacksonville in 1999, he moved Logan into a similar role.

“I was covering guys in the slot and also down in the box for run support, and sometimes I went back and was a signal caller in the back as free safety,” Logan said. “It enabled me to be able to be on the field a lot more, to be involved in the mix of plays. I think Khaleke has those same qualities. He’s a big kid. He’s physical. He’s stronger than I ever was, and he has some decent speed.

“Being able to play all those different positions enabled me to extend my NFL career, and I think that’s going to bode well for (Hudson).

“I know he has the skill and talent to just be a quality football player. I don’t know if he’ll be more successful if he’s a safety or a linebacker, but I know he’s a quality football player. I know he’ll make an impact on special teams.”

Hudson received All-Big Ten honors after his sophomore, junior and senior seasons (2017-19): second-team last season, honorable mention in 2018 and third team as a sophomore when he recorded 18 ½ tackles for a loss, tying an NCAA record with eight against Minnesota.

When interviewed at the NFL Combine in February, Hudson said his versatility was his strength.

“Some teams see me as a linebacker. Some teams see me as a safety,” he said. “I’m open to wherever. I just want to be on an organization and represent myself and my family the best I can.”

A year ago, there was speculation that Hudson might leave Michigan early. After speaking to Logan, who stayed all four years at West Virginia, he decided to return to Ann Arbor for the 2019 season.

“I’ve been in his corner and answer any questions for him or provide guidance,” said Logan, who works as a counselor and mentor at an Outreach program in the Hill District.

“Last year, there were a lot of people saying he may come out in the draft. He reached out to me and asked for advice. And I gave him what I have as far as just experience.”