Topics

More

Minnesota Vikings Select Gerald Hodges

Gerald Hodges’ journey from Paulsboro, New Jersey to the National Football League is complete.

The former Penn State linebacker was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the NFL Draft with the 120th overall pick.

Hodges is coming off a strong 2012 senior season with the Nittany Lions that saw him lead the defense with 109 tackles. Starting in all 12 contests, he also added 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and two interceptions.

Hodges will join a 10-6 Vikings squad in the NFC North that qualified for the playoffs last season and will look to follow the recent success of other Penn State linebackers in the NFL, most notably Sean Lee with the Dallas Cowboys and NaVorro Bowman with the San Francisco 49ers. The Vikings were among a handful of teams to meet with Hodges when the linebacker attended the NFL Combine earlier this spring.

The selection of Hodges marks the second Penn State player off the board as defensive tackle Jordan Hill was selected last night in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks. Linebacker Michael Mauti and center Matt Stankiewitch are other Nittany Lions that could hear their names called today as the 2013 draft concludes.

If his Twitter account is an indication, Hodges cannot wait to get his NFL career underway.

Update: 3:36 p.m. — After being drafted, Hodges participated in a conference call with Vikings reporters where he covered many topics including his switch from safety to linebacker early in his career, playing for Joe Paterno, helping hold the team together last summer, and several other talking points. Hodges said he started crying when he saw that he had been selected. He is not exactly sure which linebacker position he will be playing yet but is excited to have the legendary Mike Singletary as his position coach. The full interview can be found here.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Drew Balis

Drew is a senior marketing major. This fall, he will be covering Penn State Football for Onward State. He is a huge Philadelphia sports fan and loves THON and Domonic Brown.

Gameday Coverage: No. 7 Penn State vs. UCLA

Here’s everything you need to know before the Stripe Out this Saturday.

Penn State Men’s Soccer Comes Back Against UCLA 2-2

Penn State went down early and fought back to end in a tie for its Wear White game.

No. 3 Penn State Women’s Volleyball Sweeps No. 11 Oregon 3-0 In Dominant ‘Wear White’ Match

Penn State won each set by at least six points.

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
60.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Other posts by Drew

McGloin Named NFL Rookie of the Week

The former Penn State record setting quarterback took home Pepsi Rookie of the Week honors following his impressive first NFL start that resulted in a 28-23 win for the Oakland Raiders on the road against the Houston Texans.

Will Adrian Amos Play Some Snaps at Linebacker?

Willis and Carson Talk Differences Between Butler and Roof