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Name: Marqez Hodge
Position: Linebacker
Year: Sophomore
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 216
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
High School: Miami Central High School
2013 Stats: Marqez played in nine games last season, recording a total of 23 tackles. He played really well against Georgia Tech (when the team was running a 3-4 scheme) and Boston College, too. Of his 23 stops, 19 were tallied in those two games.
2014 Projections: It's likely that Hodge takes on the starting linebacker job, which means a nice jump in production. Plus, with Dyshawn Davis and Cam Lynch there to help him out, we should see Marqez get plenty of opportunities to make an impact.
How'd He Get Here: He picked Syracuse over Minnesota (Ha!), West Virginia (HAHAHA!) and a bunch of other, lesser schools. You have nice taste, Marqez.
What'd Recruiting Sites Say: Mostly three stars, save ESPN, who said two. Meh.
Money Quote: Recapping Syracuse's spring practices, ESPN said:
"Marqez Hodge emerged at middle linebacker. Marquis Spruill's graduation made this spot a premium for the Orange to fill this spring, and the sophomore Hodge proved to be a physical presence. He took advantage of extra reps with Luke Arciniega out with a lower body injury. The former Will linebacker should bring more to the table after a promising rookie campaign in 2013."
Links Of Wonder: Hodge's high school coach was using hard-nosed way before Scott Shafer first uttered it. Perhaps he was Shafer's inspiration? Or maybe just an odd coincidence. You decide.
Twitterfeed: Nada. Again, great judgment by SU's football players, since a ton of them don't use social media.
Tweets Of Wonder: This tweet's actually a link to a great story about the Orange recruiting in South Florida. We're doing a lot of that lately, if you haven't noticed...
Brisly Estime and Marqez Hodge are two true freshmen that embody the potential rewards of recruiting in South Florida http://t.co/SxMiWKAZ6K
— Syracuse Football (@syrfootball) November 7, 2013
What Does Shafer Clark Lea Think Of Him:"Hodge naturally has a feel for the run game inside. It really, honest to God, is get the best three on the field, and we feel like Cam can build on what he did last year and then Hodge can maybe add that X factor we need in the middle." - SU linebackers coach Clark Lea.
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Marqez doesn't even go to Syracuse University. But rather, he goes to hated crosstown rival, the University of Syracuse. Really glad he plays for us, however.
Let's Get A Good Look Atcha: Here's some fun highlights from Marqez in high school...