Wide receiver Kris Hutson has big shoes to fill for the Arizona offense this season. Not only is the Washington State transfer going to be tasked with replacing some of Tetairoa McMillan’s production, he’s going to do so wearing T-Mac’s No. 4 jersey.
Hutson’s decision to wear the same number as the future NFL first round draft pick may or may not be coincidental. What’s certain is that McMillan gives Hutson a blueprint for where he sees himself a year from now.
So when McMillan showed up at Arizona’s facilities over the weekend, Hutson made sure to take in some knowledge.
“I love to pick his brain,” Hutson said.
Hutson has crossed paths with McMillan, first as a star wideout at St. John Bosco while T-Mac and Noah Fifita were at nearby Servite in California. Hutson, who was two classes ahead of McMillan and Fifita, played against the future Wildcats in high school, then again in college as a member of the Oregon Ducks.
Hutson, a Compton native and a former top-100 recruit, didn’t have the streamlined college career of McMillan. With the Ducks, he played sparingly as a true freshman in 2020, then had back-to-back 400+ yard receiving seasons.
Just when it appeared Hutson was making traction in Eugene, missed practically the entire 2023 season, though it was never reported why. He transferred to Washington State in 2024 and last season ranked second on the Cougars with 683 receiving yards.
Hutson is entering his sixth year of college football.
“It’s been a mountain, man. Up and down,” Hutson said Saturday. “Coming from Oregon to Washington State to here, obviously that’s three schools.
“A lot of people always ask, ‘How do you feel about transferring three schools?’ Well my vision is, you gotta do what makes you happy. At the end of the day you gotta move where you’re needed.”
A veteran receiver like Hutson is much needed at Arizona. The Wildcats were deficient in receiving options in 2024. After McMillan, Arizona’s next most productive receiver was Chris Hunter, who had 323 yards. Compare that to 2022 when Arizona had two 1,000 yard receivers (Dorian Singer and Jacob Cowing) and McMillan with 700.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Hutson has a similar build as Cowing and should fit into a slot role. Hutson is a speedy pass catcher and is known to accelerate past defenders.
WHAT A CATCH!
Kris Hutson lays out for @WSUCougarFB‘s first TD of the season pic.twitter.com/fHTkRK6o9v
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) August 31, 2024
Hutson credits participating in track in high school for developing his route running skills.
“The transition going from track to football will help you when you’re out in the open field, gotta open up the stride and everything like that,” he said.
Hutson’s football background goes back to his earliest years growing up in Compton. An uncle played at West Virginia and would have had a shot at the NFL if not for an injury, Hutson said.
“I kind of envision being in that spot and having a chance to change my family’s life and everything,” he said. “Coming from a city where it’s not easy to make it out, it’s a lot of struggles, but you gotta find a way. That’s what I did, and that’s what I’m continuing to try to do. Find a way to get my family to a better spot.”
When Hutson was deciding where he wanted to finish his college career and propel his professional aspirations, he related to Arizona receivers coach Bobby Wade, who played several years in the NFL.
“He has the knowledge of what it takes to be in the NFL,” Hutson said. “I just want to be a sponge and soak it all in.”
Hutson is just as excited to be in Tucson after spending the last several years in the Pacific Northwest. As someone who grew up in L.A., he said he’s eager to explore a city with good Mexican food. He’s also enjoying the change of weather.
“Tucson is a great city,” he said. “I love Tucson.”
The final box that Arizona checked was providing Hutson access to people who can serve as connections later in life when his playing days are over. As a college student who has moved from school to school, Hutson is acutely aware the importance of introducing oneself to new people.
“Knowing it’s my last year I want to really crack down on the connections and getting to know everybody and their background.”