TCU LB Johnny Hodges: “We’re definitely the laughingstock of college football”
TCU linebacker Johnny Hodges did not mince his words regarding his assessment of the defense's performance against Colorado.
In Tuesday's media availability, Hodges was asked if the loss was a wake-up call to this TCU team that had so much success last season.
Hodges said, "I guess you could say it's a wake-up call. I don't know how losing in the National Championship by 60 isn't a wake-up call, but right now, we're definitely the laughingstock of college football. Having 22 missed tackles, having who knows how many missed assignments, making our defensive coordinator look awful, just making his defense look like it's a childhood kids' defense. So, if it's not a wake-up call, then I don't know what is."
Hodges is in just his second season with the Horned Frogs, but he is coming off an incredibly successful 2022 season where he led the team with 87 tackles and was named the 2022 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year.
Entering his senior year, Hodges is one of the team's leaders. His veteran presence goes unmatched as he expects the most from his team. After Saturday, it was clear the performance was not to standard.
Hodges said, "Definitely disappointed with our effort. I don't think it's too hard to go find videos on social media of people just not willing to put their bodies on the line, and that's very upsetting. It's something that we will not let happen again at this school as long as I'm here… as long as these coaches are here. It's not fair to them."
In preparation for Saturday's game against Nicholls State University, the team has emphasized tackling in the first two practices of the week. The effort and attitude have also been emphasized, which was not fully there ahead of the game against Colorado.
What does Hodges want to see on Saturday, you ask?
He said, "I want to see unmatched effort… I want to see people willing to die on the field, people putting this unmatched energy, this tamed animal energy on the field."
It is safe to say the Horned Frogs have mature leaders on defense and will look to raise the standard. That starts on Saturday, September 9, at 7 p.m. against the Colonels.
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