John Hodges has carved out an impressive career in college football, marked by consistent performance and significant accolades. From his early days at Navy to becoming a key player for the TCU Horned Frogs, Hodges has demonstrated versatility, leadership, and a knack for making crucial plays. This profile delves into his career highlights, statistics, and honors, showcasing why John Hodges is a name to watch in collegiate football.
Early Career and Navy Years (2020-2021)
Hodges began his college career at Navy, initially as a lacrosse player before transitioning to football. Even in a shortened 2020 season impacted by COVID-19, Hodges made his mark. He appeared in seven games, starting one, and recorded 13 tackles, including one for loss. His first collegiate start against Army in the season finale was particularly noteworthy, where he tallied four stops and a tackle for loss. This early experience provided a foundation for his growth as a defensive player.
In 2021, Hodges solidified his role at Navy, playing in nine games and starting seven. Despite playing only part of the season, he ranked fourth on the team with 50 tackles. His standout performance against SMU, where he achieved a career-high 14 tackles, including one for loss, along with an interception and a pass breakup, highlighted his potential. He also showed his disruptive capabilities with seven tackles, two for loss, a sack, and a forced fumble against Tulsa. These performances at Navy set the stage for his move to TCU and further success.
Image: John Hodges during his football career at Navy, showcasing his defensive stance and athletic build.
Transfer to TCU and Defensive Accolades (2022)
Hodges transferred to TCU in 2022 and immediately became a vital part of the Horned Frogs’ defense. As a sophomore, he led TCU with 87 tackles, the highest number by a Horned Frog since 2020. His impact extended beyond tackles, as he also recorded 9.5 tackles for loss, placing him third on the team. Starting in all 14 games he played, Hodges earned significant recognition, including being named Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and Second-Team All-Big 12 by both the coaches and the Associated Press.
His performances in key games underscored his value. Against Texas, Hodges earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors after making 11 stops, including 1.5 for loss, in a game where TCU limited Texas to just 199 total yards. He also achieved double-digit tackles against Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, further demonstrating his consistency against top Big 12 opponents. His contributions were crucial in TCU’s successful season, though an injury unfortunately sidelined him for the Big 12 Championship Game.
Image: John Hodges receiving an award during the 2022 TCU season, highlighting his recognition as a key defensive player.
Junior Season Setbacks and Resilience (2023)
The 2023 season presented challenges for Hodges due to injury, limiting him to just four games. Despite the reduced playtime, his impact was still evident. He tied for 10th on the team with 28 tackles, including 4.0 for loss and 2.0 sacks. Starting in the opening three games and his final game against Texas Tech, Hodges maintained a high level of play when on the field. Notably, he recorded a season-best nine tackles and a sack in the opening game against Colorado and had multiple tackles for loss in the win against Houston. His ability to contribute significantly even with limited game time underscores his talent and dedication. He was also recognized for his academic achievements, earning Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 honors.
Image: John Hodges in action during his junior year at TCU, showcasing his tackling technique and on-field presence.
Senior Leadership and Continued Performance (2024)
As a senior and team captain in 2024, John Hodges led the TCU Horned Frogs’ defense. Starting in all 13 games, he topped the team with 89 tackles, including 4.5 for loss. His leadership on and off the field was crucial for TCU. He demonstrated consistency throughout the season, achieving a season-high tying nine tackles in a win against Cincinnati and recording 2.0 TFLs against UCF. Other notable performances include eight tackles and a sack against Baylor and eight solo tackles against Kansas. Hodges concluded his senior year with Honorable-Mention All-Big 12 recognition, a testament to his sustained excellence and impact on the team.
Image: John Hodges during his senior season game against Kansas, displaying his focus and leadership as team captain.
High School and Background
Before his college success, John Hodges was a standout three-sport athlete at Quince Orchard High School. He earned letters in football, lacrosse, and basketball, showcasing his athleticism across different disciplines. As a senior, he was named First-Team All-Met as an inside linebacker and helped lead Quince Orchard to a Maryland 4A state championship in 2018. He also received Honorable-Mention All-Met honors in lacrosse during his junior year, highlighting his all-around athletic abilities and setting the stage for his successful college football career.
Conclusion
John Hodges’ college football journey is a story of consistent growth, leadership, and achievement. From his initial seasons at Navy to his standout career at TCU, Hodges has proven himself to be a highly effective and respected player. His numerous accolades, including All-Big 12 honors and Defensive Player of the Year awards, reflect his significant impact on the field. As he concludes his college career, John Hodges leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and excellence, marking him as a notable talent in college football.
Career Honors
- 2024 Honorable-Mention All-Big 12
- 2023 Second-Team Academic All-Big 12
- 2022 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year
- 2022 Second-Team All-Big 12
- 2022 Associated Press Second-Team All-Big 12
- 2022 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, vs. Texas
- 2022 Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Week, vs. Texas Tech
