The son of former Denver Broncos tackle Dave Studdard, he was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round (183rd overall) of the 2007 NFL draft.

As a sophomore, he was an All-League selection, and posted 75 tackles, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks.

Capping his high school career, he played in the 2002 U.S. Army All-American Bowl alongside future fellow Texas Longhorns Justin Blalock and Rodrique Wright.

In his final year at Texas, he started all 13 games and was voted team captain by his teammates.

After the season ended, Studdard was named to the first-team All Big 12 by the league coaches and media.