Zion-Benton senior quarterback Ramar Hudson Jr. wants to lay the foundation for a consistently winning program.
The memory of his father, Ramar Hudson Sr., drives him. Hudson Sr., who died Feb. 19, 2022, was a star for the Zee-Bees during their playoff season in 1997.
“I try to honor him every day,” Hudson Jr. said. “When I wake up, I work hard and do it for him. I learned everything from him.
“It’s been hard, but I have a very good support system with my family.”
The 5-foot-9, 160-pound Hudson Jr. is a returning starter for Zion-Benton, which has won just one game in each of the past two seasons and hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2018. Hudson Jr. intends to try to change that. The Zee-Bees begin the season Friday with a home game against Evanston.
“I’ve been playing football since I was 4 years old,” he said. “It’s the only thing I know how to do really well. I’ve always liked it. It’s my senior year, so there’s nothing to hold back. Everything is on the line. I’m locked in.”
Zion-Benton coach MacArthur White said he knew Hudson Sr., who was a three-sport athlete, and admired him for his toughness.
“I used to look up to him when he played football,” White said. “He was the smallest guy on the field, but he had the biggest heart. Everybody knew who he was.”
White said Hudson Jr. is a player to watch this season.
“Ramar’s very mobile,” White said. “He can see it all in every aspect of the game. He can throw the ball really well and now is really starting to understand defenses and where kids will be open, which makes him even more dangerous.
“He’s physically way stronger. Mentally, he understands for us to be successful, it starts with him, so he has to be prepared with film and practice more.”
Zion-Benton senior wide receiver Rmoni Beals agreed Hudson will make the offense go.
“Ramar is gifted all around,” Beals said. “He can read the defense before the snap and can scramble when he’s in trouble in the pocket.
“The offense has very high potential, especially knowing that we have a returning senior quarterback to lead us.”
Zion-Benton senior running back/linebacker Jeffrey James said Hudson Jr. is a good leader for the program.
“(Ramar) does everything well,” James said. “He’s a dual threat and will make it tough for all the defenses we face. He has the running ability, can throw it deep and can make quick gains. He also carries himself on the field in a way that he holds everybody accountable.”
Hudson Jr. said he struggled following his father’s death, however.
“I went from seeing him every day, being in the same house all day, to him passing the morning after my birthday,” he said. “It happened so fast. I didn’t know how to handle it.”
Hudson Jr., who has two sisters, said he decided to get a job at Wal-Mart.
“I wanted to be busy just to keep my mind off of it,” he said. “My mom played a big part. She was the strongest one. She had to keep going. We all couldn’t stop. Life goes on.”
Hudson Jr.’s experience proved helpful for James, whose mother died in February. James said Hudson Jr. checked on him during a difficult time in his life.
“He was one of the first people who reached out to me and asked if I needed anything,” James said. “He talked to me a lot because he went through the same thing as me. It really meant a lot to me.
“I tried to isolate myself, but he helped me get through it and get into a groove of going back to school and practice. He was there for me. He’s a really good person. He’s not the loudest or biggest, but he’s the heart of the team.”
Hudson Jr. said he’s ready to lead the way.
“I’m super excited,” he said. “I’m smarter and more experienced. Change has to start now.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
