Transfer defensive lineman Wesley Hudson among UNT players fighting for time in Saturday scrimmage

Wesley Hudson came to North Texas determined to prove that has what it takes to compete at the major college level.

The former Division II standout defensive lineman will get his chance during what amounts to a dress rehearsal for the Mean Green ahead of their season-opener at Indiana.

UNT will hit the field for a scrimmage on Saturday that will be closed to the media. Coach Neal Brown and his staff hope to find answers to a few lingering questions during the workout that will mark the end of fall camp.

The Mean Green’s quarterback race is what’s drawing the most interest as Central Florida transfer Tayven Jackson looks to solidify the hold he’s had on the job for weeks. Seeing how a race that also includes East Carolina transfer Chaston Ditta and returning backup Chris Jimeron Jr. plays out is just the start when it comes to what Brown will be watching.

“Offensively we’ve got to clean up some things operationally,” Brown said earlier this week. “We’ve also got to play better on our offensive line and tackle better in the secondary. Honestly, those are probably the toughest challenges when you go live.”

Hudson will be among a host of players and units that will be looking to make an impression as UNT aims to reach those goals in Brown’s debut season.

Special teams that coordinator Jeff Crosby’s group will be in the spotlight during the scrimmage for a far different reason.

UNT’s coaches and players believe the veteran unit has the potential to be elite nationally. Crosby brought punter Ian Ratliff, kicker Dominic De Freitas and deep snapper Jacob Poff with him from Appalachian State.

All three of those specialists are locks for key roles. Hudson has far more on the line after missing significant time in camp win a concussion.

“It’s going well,” Hudson said. “I just returned Monday and have been taking a lot more reps. I’m trying to get back into playing shape. It’s been good so far, getting back into the groove of things and being out there with my guys.”

Hudson started nine games last season at Central Oklahoma, where he posted 29 tackles and a pair of sacks.

“It’s been a great move because of the coaching and the guys,” Hudson said. “I didn’t know what it was going to be like coming here. There are a lot of guys who came from bigger schools. There can be egos with those types of guys but not here. We’ve become family.”

The coaches push me, especially [defensive line coach] Ben Black. I may not want to hear it all but time, but he’s pushing me to be better.”

Crosby is doing the same with his special teams units. He’s well into the process of setting the depth charts for his kickoff and punt teams as well as his return units after spending the early part of camp teaching basic techniques.

“This past week we’ve dived into some scheme stuff,” Crosby said. “It’s been a great fall camp. These dudes have bought in.”

UNT has the luxury of having veteran specialists who have locked down their spots has been a comfort for the Mean Green.

“It’s been great. I’ve been around him for four years,” Ratliff said of Crosby, who he played for at Texas before following him to App State and now UNT. “He’s one of the best coordinators in the country. He does a great job with all the special teams phases, and then he’s fundamentally really good with kickers and punters.”

The Mean Green aren’t quite as experienced when it comes to kick and punt returners.

A handful of players competing for those spots will be in the same position as Hudson. They’re trying to prove to Brown and his staff that they’re ready to contribute.

Crosby named wide receivers James Tyre, Josiah Martin and Lathon Latiolais in addition to safety Brandon Jones as options UNT is looking at when it comes to returning punts. Running backs Brendon Haygood and Keenan Jackson Jr. as well as wide receiver Shandon King are in the mix to return kickoffs.

“I’m excited about our returners,” Crosby said. “We’ve got a lot of dudes who are explosive, are elusive in the open field and have the ability to break tackles. I’m really excited about what we have going in the return game.”

Crosby said he will build UNT’s units on physicality and speed as well as effort.

The Mean Green are confident that they’ll be effective if they follow Crosby’s plan.

“I firmly believe that we can have one of the nation’s best special teams units, just with coach Crosby’s style and the way he brings guys along on all those units,” Ratliff said.

Those special teams units will get a chance to show what they can do on Saturday, when Hudson will also have his opportunity to shine as fall camp comes to a close.

“It’s been great,” Ratliff said. “We’ve had a great last few weeks getting ready for the season.

“I have a lot of belief in these guys.”

Briefly …

Defensive lineman Rudy Vargas Jr. and wide receiver Andy Jean are no longer with the program, a UNT spokesman confirmed to the Denton Record-Chronicle. Vargas started a game last season and was one of three returning players who all started one game in 2025, along with wide receiver Baron Tipton and defensive lineman Terrell Washington. Jean spent time at Arkansas and Florida earlier in his career. … UNT also confirmed that cornerback Zach Johnson, a transfer from Southeastern Louisiana, will be out for an extended period due to injury.