By Tony Thomas
The Ravenwood Raptors are a team steeped in tradition and success on the gridiron. In 2024, the Raptors of Brentwood, Tenn. finished with a 13-1 record (undefeated 8-0 at home) and a Region 6-6A championship. Two contributors to that gridiron glory are linebackers and brothers Payton and Hudson Husak.
Payton and Hudson played on a Raptors defense that held five opponents scoreless, including three consecutive games against John Overton, Independence and Summit. Ravenwood outscored those opponents 155-0.
Payton, at 6-foot, 220 pounds, possesses athleticism and has the speed to cover wide backs and the toughness to bull rush linemen. Payton hits you like a sledgehammer.
Damian Husak
Hudson, at 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, is ranked as the No. 3 outside linebacker in Tennessee. Hudson shines in the Viper position, with ability to go step for step with wide receivers or come in and make a play on a ball carrier.
Damian Husak
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Both Payton and Hudson live in the gym, and they combine their weight training with speed/track work. They each can bench more than 325 pounds and squat more than 450.
In addition to physical training, both Payton and Hudson spend every weekend with their linebackers coach Ryan Fowler, studying film and refining their position skills and techniques.
In 2022 and 2023, Payton and Hudson played at Lipscomb Academy in Nashville, Tenn. Lipscomb won the state title in 2022.
Several schools have expressed interested in Payton (3.5 GPA) and Hudson (3.2 GPA), including Brown, Yale, Dartmouth, Hawaii, UAB, Samford, MTSU and Air Force. Both Payton and Hudson are poised for big senior seasons.
The Godfather of Recruiting, Mike Farrell, said the following about Payton and Hudson:
“2026 LB Hudson Husak from TN is 6-1, 220 very physical, hungry, and explosive. Can play specials as well.”
“2026 LB Payton Husak is very physical and aggressive. On an upward trajectory. 6-2, 200 big kid.”
Do you want to be promoted and get your game film in front of college coaches? DM Mike Farrell on X @mfarrellsports, or email Mike at [email protected].
