High School: A graduate of Central High School in Salina, Kan. ... Earned a total of six letters in tennis and football for the Eagles ... Helped the team to the 5A state championship in 2005 while winning conference and district championships from 2003-05 ... An honorable-mention All-Ark Valley-Chisholm selection in 2005 ... Posted 185 career tackles and five interceptions ... Coached in football by Marvin Deiner.

Personal: Son of Merle J. and Melissa Hodges ... A journalism major ... Had several relatives attend KU including grandfather, Merle A. Hodges who played football.