Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Zack Hodges, LB, Harvard University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

My name is Zachary (Zack) B. Hodges.

Where do you play college football?

I attend The Harvard University. (that supposed to be funny)

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I believe I received around 45 or so offers, I’m not sure.

How did you choose your school?

I felt Harvard was the best school for my family and myself.

Where are you from? I was born in New York City.

I graduated high school in Atlanta, Georgia.

Who is your role model, and why?

I’m not sure that I have one though there are a number of people who have reached our to mentor me and give me support growing up.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

About all of the NFL teams have come through

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played soccer, track, tennis, and wrestling as a kid and in high school at some point.

Did you play any other positions in football?

No

At your position, what separates you from others?

My work ethic and my focus at separate me in the long run.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

The goal when watching film is to find personnel,schematic,and player tendencies that would give me clues as to what the other teams are trying to do before the do it by recognizing patterns.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Jeff Matthews was a pretty good Quarterback for Cornell my sophomore year. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

I am not sure. I try to keep my eyes on my own work. Art is Art but I try to paint my own pictures on the field.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The death of my parents would be a quick answer. A longer answer to explain would be learning to be a Man own my own while also being able to depend on others. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Yes, I do.

What is your biggest strength?

My perseverance is my greatest strength.

What is your biggest weakness?

I’m am a perfectionist.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

“I, Zachary Hodges am a Outside linebacker/ Defensive End From Harvard University. Hiring me is not simply a hiring a football player but also making a commitment to excellence on the field through hard work, dedication and perseverance. I know how to succeed. What are the goals of your organization? and if you have time let me explain how I can help your organization achieve them.”

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Troy Polamalu was probably my favorite player in the way that he showed up everywhere on the field. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

I would choose my mother, my father, and my Grandfather so that they could see how I have grown into a man.