Devlin Hodges: The Rise of the Undrafted Quarterback
Introduction
In the annals of professional football, the story of Devlin Hodges is a tale of resilience, determination, and unexpected success. Undrafted out of Samford University, Hodges defied all odds to become a starting quarterback in the NFL, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to a surprising 5-6 record in 2019.
Early Life and College Career
Devlin Hodges was born on March 4, 1996, in Birmingham, Alabama. He attended Spain Park High School, where he played quarterback and led his team to the state championship game in 2013.
After graduating high school, Hodges committed to Samford University, an FCS school in Birmingham. Despite being a highly touted recruit, Hodges struggled in his first two seasons, throwing for only 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns.
However, in his junior year, Hodges emerged as a star. He threw for 3,700 yards and 35 touchdowns, leading Samford to a 10-2 record and the FCS playoffs. In his senior season, Hodges continued to impress, throwing for 3,900 yards and 39 touchdowns.
Undrafted and Signed by the Steelers
Despite his impressive college career, Hodges went undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft. Undeterred, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent.
Hodges spent the preseason with the Steelers, impressing coaches with his arm strength and quick release. However, he was initially assigned to the practice squad after the team opted to keep two veteran quarterbacks, Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph.
Opportunity Knocks
In Week 2 of the 2019 season, Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury. Rudolph was named the starter, but he struggled in the following weeks, leading to a 0-4 record for the Steelers.
With Rudolph injured in Week 6, Hodges was thrust into the starting lineup. In his first start against the Los Angeles Chargers, Hodges threw for 132 yards and a touchdown, leading the Steelers to a 24-17 victory.
Hodges continued to impress in the following weeks, leading the Steelers to four more wins. He finished the season with 1,833 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Hodges’s strengths as a quarterback include his arm strength, quick release, and mobility. He is also a good decision-maker and has a knack for making big plays.
However, Hodges also has some weaknesses. He can be inconsistent at times, and he struggles against pressure. He also needs to improve his accuracy and ball placement.
Future Outlook
Hodges’s future with the Steelers is uncertain. Roethlisberger is expected to return in 2020, and Rudolph is still under contract. However, Hodges has shown that he has the potential to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.
If Hodges can continue to improve and develop, he could be a valuable asset to the Steelers or another team in the future.
Conclusion
Devlin Hodges’s journey from undrafted free agent to starting quarterback is an inspiring story. He has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. As he continues his career, Hodges has the potential to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL.
