Alphonso Hodge, CB, Miami, Ohio
Height: 5:11.0 Weight: 203
Overview: A true shutdown cornerback, Alphonso Hodge started his last 27 games for the RedHawks. He was not only the strongest defensive back on the team, but also the fastest player in the Mid-American Conference, boasting a 4.36 clocking in the 40-yard dash. Hodge was a first-team All-League, All-District and All-State selection as a senior at Saint Edward (Cleveland) High. He earned three letters as a defensive back and tailback for the Eagles and was honored as the team's 1999 MVP. Hodge redshirted in 2000 at Miami and saw action in seven games during the 2001 campaign, earning a starting assignment against Hawaii. He finished his freshman year with eight tackles and two pass deflections. Hodge started the first seven games of the 2002 season, producing 30 tackles (20 solo) with a pair of sacks and seven pass break-ups. He was a second-team All-Mid American Conference choice in 2003, starting every game. Hodge came up with 47 tackles (27 solo), a sack, three fumble recoveries and nine pass breakups. Hodge allowed only three touchdown catches in 2004, as he made a career-high 52 tackles (41 solo). He developed into a force at the line of scrimmage, registering five sacks and seven stops for losses. He also deflected six passes in his final season with the RedHawks. In 46 games, Hodge totaled 147 tackles (103 solo) with eight sacks for minus-48 yards, 10 stops for losses of 51 yards, three fumble recoveries and 24 pass deflections.
Analysis: Positives... Has natural feet and can flip his hips, generating good explosion in attempts to run to the ball. ... Uses his hands with force to press and jam the receivers at the line of scrimmage. ... Shows excellent range and crispness cutting out of his breaks and has the top-end speed to immediately recover. ... Times his leaps well going up for the ball and has the strength to fill the rush lanes. ... Opens his hips and shows smooth feet in his backpedal. ... Very effective using the trail technique in man coverage. ... Quick out of his breaks and has a good feel for zone coverage, as he can cover ground quickly on the turn and run. ... Good worker in the weight room who has the strength to match up well against tight ends and fullbacks blocking in the short area.
Negatives... Slow to digest the play and by the time he locates the ball, he is a step behind the play and then takes bad angles in attempts to compensate in pursuit. ... Has good strength, but will not shock or jolt blockers coming up in run support, as he tends to take only passive swipes. ... Seemed hesitant to stick his head in the pile until 2004. ... More of a grab-down tackler who can miss in the open when he tries to arm tackle. ... Lacks natural hands (zero interceptions) and has problems tracking the ball over his shoulder.
Agility tests: 4.36 in the 40-yard dash...345-pound bench press...510-pound squat...330-power clean... 35.5-inch vertical jump...31-inch arm length...9 -inch hands...Right-handed...18/34 Wonderlic score.
High school: Attended Saint Edward (Cleveland) High, playing football for coach John Gibbeons. ... First-team All-League, All-District and All-State selection as a senior. ... Earned three varsity letters as a defensive back and tailback for the Eagles. ... Honored as Saint Edward's 1999 team MVP.
Personal: Sports Organization major. ... Son of Alfred and the late Renee Hodge. ... Born 5/30/82. ...Resides in Bedford, Ohio.
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