Terry Hodges

Bio

Height 6'0"
Weight 180 lbs
Hometown Bryant, AR
High School Bryant
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2026
#355 National
#32 RB
#5 State
0.9000 Rating

Scouting Report

A
90 / 100 Ceiling 90 • Floor 82
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 5

Terry 'TJ' Hodges is a four-star running back with elite burst and breakaway speed who is a significant threat in the open field. While currently undersized for an every-down SEC back, his top-end speed and agility make him a dynamic playmaker with high upside.

Physical Profile

Standing at 6-foot-0 and 180 pounds, Hodges possesses a lean frame with room to add significant muscle mass. His most notable physical trait is his explosive speed, with an estimated 40-yard dash time in the 4.45-4.55 range. He's a multi-sport athlete who also runs track, which is evident in his long strides and ability to pull away from defenders. To withstand the rigors of the SEC, he will need to add 15-20 pounds of lean mass, particularly in his lower body, without sacrificing his elite speed.

Play Style

Hodges is a speed-focused, explosive athlete who is at his best when he gets to the perimeter or into the second level of the defense. On film, he shows a natural ability to find cutback lanes and is a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field. He runs hard despite his leaner build but is more of a slasher who relies on his speed and agility rather than a power runner who will consistently move the pile. His breakaway speed makes him a dangerous weapon in space.

Strengths

  • Elite burst and acceleration, allowing him to hit the hole quickly and reach top speed in a few steps.
  • Exceptional open-field runner with the vision and lateral agility to make defenders miss and create big plays.
  • Demonstrates game-breaking, long-speed to consistently finish long runs for touchdowns.
  • Shows good hands out of the backfield, making him a viable threat in the passing game.

Areas to Improve

  • Needs to add significant bulk and strength to his frame to improve his ability to break tackles at the collegiate level and handle a larger workload.
  • Can improve his patience and allow blocks to develop before hitting the line of scrimmage.
  • Pass protection is an unknown area that will require significant development to become a three-down back.

College Projection

Hodges projects as a high-impact offensive weapon at the University of Arkansas. He could see the field early in a specialized role as a change-of-pace back and kick returner. As he develops physically and refines the nuances of the position, he has the potential to become a starting running back by his second or third year. His long-term success will be dependent on his ability to add weight while maintaining his elite speed.

NFL Outlook

Given his status as a consensus four-star prospect with elite speed, Hodges has the potential to be a future NFL Draft selection. His athletic profile is highly coveted at the next level. If he can add the necessary bulk and develop into a well-rounded back with proficiency in the passing game, he could project as a mid-round draft pick with the ability to be a productive member of a running back committee.

Best Fit

A spread or zone-blocking scheme that allows him to utilize his one-cut ability and get to the edge would be an ideal fit. Programs that like to get their running backs involved in the screen game and motion them out of the backfield will maximize his skillset. Arkansas' offensive system should provide him with ample opportunities to get in space and utilize his dynamic playmaking ability.

Player Comparison

Jalen Tolbert South Alabama • Dallas Cowboys 82% match

Similar lean build at 6'1" 175 lbs with late-blooming development trajectory. Tolbert was also a 4-star prospect who committed early to a program where he could develop, eventually transitioning from running back to wide receiver where his frame and athleticism translated perfectly. Both prospects show the versatility and athletic upside that evaluators love despite positional uncertainty.