Former Colorado Standout Earns Dallas Cowboys Workout Before NFL Draft

The path to the NFL continues for another former Colorado Buffaloes defensive back.

Former CU cornerback Preston Hodge is set to attend the Dallas Cowboys’ local prospect day workout, according to Aaron Wilson, giving the Texas native an opportunity to showcase his skills in front of one of the league’s most recognizable franchises.

Aug 29, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Preston Hodge (4) reacts to a turnover in the first quarter against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

For Hodge, it’s a chance to take the next step after a productive college career that ended with a strong season in Boulder.

A Productive College Career That Turned Heads

The Waxahachie, Texas native finished his college career with 149 total tackles, five interceptions, and one touchdown, establishing himself as a reliable presence in the secondary.

During the 2025 season with Colorado, Hodge led the Big 12 in both pass breakups and passes defended, showing his ability to impact games at a high level and compete against some of the conference’s top passing attacks.

That production carried over into Colorado’s pro day, where NFL scouts got a closer look at his skill set.

Hodge turned in a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, a solid time that could help him earn an NFL opportunity.

Following a Familiar Path to Dallas

Sep 11, 1997; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO: Dallas Cowboys defensive back Deion Sanders (21) celebrating as he scores a touchdown on an interception against the Chicago Bears at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-Imagn Images | James D. Smith-Imagn Images

For longtime Deion Sanders fans, the Cowboys connection carries added significance.

"Coach Prime" built part of his legendary career in Dallas, helping the franchise win Super Bowl XXX and cementing his status as one of the game’s all-time greats.

Now, Hodge has a chance to follow a similar path, beginning with a workout in the same organization where “Prime Time” once thrived. While the situations are different, the connection highlights the broader pipeline Sanders is continuing to build in Boulder, particularly in the defensive backfield.

It’s a pipeline that has already produced elite talent, most notably Travis Hunter, whose development under “Coach Prime” helped him become one of the most recognizable and versatile players in college football before winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-round pick, Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter, center, throws up the Heisman pose to Tony Boselli, Executive Vice President of Football Operations, left, as Head Coach Liam Coen, right, laughs after a press conference Friday, March 25, 2025 at Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. The team traded up from fifth to second after making a deal with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. The rookie was introduced with general | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

It’s no surprise that Colorado’s secondary has become a focal point under Sanders, with an emphasis on development, competitiveness, and preparing players for the next level.

Hodge’s opportunity with Dallas serves as another example of that progression.

The Next Wave in Colorado’s Secondary

Tennessee defensive back Boo Carter (23) moves the ball during an NCAA college football game against ETSU on September 6, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As Hodge takes his shot at the NFL, the next group of defensive backs in Boulder is already beginning to make their presence felt. Freshman Braylon Edwards turned heads this week with a hard hit during spring practice that quickly made the rounds on social media.

Colorado also added incoming freshman Preston Ashley, who brings another young presence to the group, and Tennessee transfer Boo Carter, who's also garnered significant praise throughout spring camp.

With the spring game set for April 11, the defensive backfield continues to be one of the most intriguing position groups on the roster.

For Colorado, Hodge's opportunity is another reminder of what the program is building. A pipeline of defensive backs ready for the next level, with the next wave already stepping into the spotlight.

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