In this installment of The Recruit Notebook, we meet a versatile player who will be deployed all over the Canes offensive formations: TE Larry Hodges.

Bio

It is no secret that the Miami Hurricanes need to replenish the talent and depth at the Tight End position. In an effort to do that, Miami went and got a commitment from Larry Hodges.

The Tampa (FL) Jesuit standout is a talented and versatile player who can be used in multiple positions on offense. At just 6’1” 234lbs, Hodges lacks ideal height for an in-line TE, but he can play H-Back and move around the formation into multiple alignments where he can be successful.

In HS, Hodges was a very productive player who showcased good speed and nice hands. He had 25 catches for 398 yards (a 15.9ypc average), and 5 TDs. Hodges also had 5 other TDs for a total of 10 scores on the year.

Hodges helped Jesuit to the State Semi-finals in 2018, where his team lost to Ft. Lauderdale (FL) Cardinal Gibbons. Though Jesuit lost that game, Hodges had 5 catches for 104 yards on the night, showcasing the kind of talent and performance he can bring to Miami in time. Without Hodges solid play throughout the season, there’s no doubt that Jesuit would have lost earlier in the playoffs, but having a player of Hodges’ ability was a big boost to the team.

Recruiting Ranking

On the 247sports composite, Hodges is a 3-star prospect, the #26 TE nationally in this class, #73 in the State of Florida, and #575 recruit overall.

Hodges committed to Miami over offers from LSU, Oklahoma, and Texas, among others.

As a Player

Being that he’s only 6’1” (if that), Hodges will have to move around and use his athleticism to create mismatches. He has good bulk at 234lbs, but could stand to reshape his body a bit in college.

Like most players, an area for growth with Hodges is his blocking. He won’t ever be a 1-on-1 vs a big DE stalwart, but in that he’ll probably be playing H-Back, maybe some fullback, maybe some slot receiver, he’ll be in plenty of positions where blocking will be essential for his, and the team’s, success.

Strengths

• Versatility
• Athleticism
• Quickness
• Hands

Weaknesses

• Height
• Blocking
• Defined role

2019 Outlook

With Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory the only game-ready TEs on the roster (the other players are fine for a snap or 2 but they don’t have the range), Miami needs more depth and talent at TE. Luckily for Miami, Hodges has that.

Chances for a redshirt: 7/10

Adding a player like Hodges, who is incredibly versatile and can be used in myriad ways moving forward, is a great addition. But, Brevin Jordan was everybody’s freshman All-American at TE, Will Mallory has a sky-high ceiling, and if the other players — Michael Irvin II and Brian Polendey — stick around, I fear there simply won’t be enough snaps for Hodges to warrant burning his redshirt. Yes, including special teams.

But, if one (or both) of Irvin II/Polendey were to transfer, I would lower the chance Hodges RS’s considerably.

That’s it for this installment of The Recruit Notebook.

Go Canes