When you first hear the story of Zack Hodges, a small college prospect and defensive end from Harvard, you will immediately be drawn to his innate ability to overcome life’s adversities and push forward despite the disappointments he has experienced.
Hodges story is plagued with tragedy from the untimely deaths of several of his family members to battling homelessness as well. He lost his father, grandfather and mother all before he graduated from high school. In addition to homelessness, he watched his mother suffer in an abusive marriage. She died of a stroke exactly fifteen years after his father died. He was barely a junior in high school.
Through it all, football has remained an important aspect of his life. He made a promise to himself he would make sure he never again go without basic necessities. He also never gave up on his dream to play football.
This week he faces a different obstacle – as a small school prospect, what team (if any) will take him in the NFL Draft?
My previous article, Small School Draft Picks Make Big Impressions in the NFL, highlighted a few of the NFL’s most successful draft picks from colleges with small football programs. Harvard is known for its Ivy League image and stellar academic program but not so much for its football accolades. Hodges was heavily recruited by another academic powerhouse in Stanford. He majored in government while at Harvard.
Despite this fact, Hodges has been able to defy the odds and emerge as a contender in this year’s Draft. His actions on the field have shown that his athletic talent speaks louder than Harvard’s reputation for academics.
Some of his college accomplishments include:
- 2013 Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year
- Second team AP FCS All-American
- First team All-Ivy League (2012, 2013, 2014)
- 2014 Co-Defensive Player of the Year
Following his Combine workouts, scouts were impressed with his skills such as versatility to play inside and outside linebacker, excellent speed towards the ball, and his pass rushing technique to name a few. However there are still some doubts about his size and ability to transition into the NFL from an Ivy League program.
On Thursday, we’ll learn more about Hodges fate in the Draft. One thing is for sure, he is a small school prospect who has the potential to go far in the NFL similar to past prospects facing the same obstacle. In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Hodges makes a powerful statement about his future in the NFL: “With the experiences I’ve had in my life, I know nothing is promised.” Regardless of the outcome, he continues to prove that he is ready for whatever life brings his way.
Not only is his story inspiring but his attitude towards adversity is a strong characteristic that proves he has the tenacity to work hard in the NFL. He is definitely worth watching in the upcoming Draft. Follow me on Twitter @Parks_PR and Instagram @parkspr.
