TCU Horned Frogs College Football Pregame Quote, 12/29/2022

Junior Colson for Michigan, we talked about 3-3-5 and Michigan and how that might be an issue. When you think about their defense and how it’s designed, what about it maybe gives you guys an edge?

JOHNNY HODGES: It brings a lot of hats into the box. We have a lot of players in the box than other teams. It’s hard to explain. There’s a lot of hats in the box fast.

When you think about your own journey, you talked about it quite a few times this year. Did you ever think that this is the position you would find yourself in, playing for the opportunity to go to the national championship?

JOHNNY HODGES: Of course not. Of course not. I got here watching the national championship and didn’t expect this. Yeah, we could be. We just exceeded expectations. In my wildest dreams, did I think I would be here? No.

Does it keep you grounded?

JOHNNY HODGES: It keeps me grounded. There are thousands of kids that want to be in my position, kids that will never get the chance. So just putting that on my back. There’s a lot of people who would like to be here and, of course, I will give it my all.

Besides yourself, who is your favorite linebacker that starts with a B?

JOHNNY HODGES: Shad (Shadrach) Banks.

What have you seen from the running back?

JOHNNY HODGES: Just his athleticism and his overall speed.

You know they are going to run the ball. What do you need to do to slow them down?

JOHNNY HODGES: We have to get to the backs.

And then Coach [Sonny] Dykes talked about earlier the way your defense is set up and it can cause problems for the running game.

JOHNNY HODGES: Yeah, absolutely.

How does it cause problems?

JOHNNY HODGES: The teams are not used to seeing people flying in from all directions.

What has been the highlight of your week so far?

JOHNNY HODGES: I would have to say hanging out with all the fellows having fun and being silly.

When you think about this week and being with all the guys, going to the Cardinals game, what will stick out the most?

JOHNNY HODGES: I think what will stick out the most is what has to happen yet, the game. But that stuff was fun. What stood out is many people get involved in the team. I think what will happen on Saturday.