TCU Linebacker Johnny Hodges on Watch List for Lott Trophy

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Christian University linebacker Johnny Hodges has been named to the watch list for the 2024 Lott IMPACT Trophy. The award is presented annually to the defensive player who has the biggest impact for his team, both on and off the field. Hodges was one of 42 players across the country named to the watch list. 

Hodges was limited to only four games in 2023 due to injury. He was named the 2022 Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year and second-team all-conference. His team-best 87 tackles, including 9.5 for loss, were the most for the Horned Frogs since 2020. He was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week after an impressive 11 tackle game, including 1.5 for loss, in Austin against Texas. The TCU defense held the Longhorns to no offensive touchdowns and just 199 yards of offense in the 17-10 Horned Frogs win. In both wins over Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Hodges recorded 10 tackles. He had five stops and a tackle for loss in the semifinal victory over Michigan in the College Football Playoff Semifinal. 

Although only playing in four games last season, Hodges recorded 28 tackles, four for loss and two sacks. That was good enough for 10th on the team. Hodges picked up Academic All-Big 12 honors for the second straight year in 2023. Coach Sonny Dykes was the only FBS head coach to offer Hodges when he was transferring from Navy. The TCU defense will be improved in 2024 and will go as far as Hodges takes them. 

The Lott IMPACT Trophy is named after NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott. It is the only college football award that considers a player’s character when choosing a winner. The annual trophy goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all of which were exhibited by Lott during his incredible playing career. 

The winner is selected by a national voter panel that consists of former winners, media members, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of the IMPACT Foundation. The winner will be announced on December 8th at the black-tie event in Newport Beach, CA.