Miami Hurricanes 2020 Player Profile: TE Larry Hodges

You could make a strong argument that no Miami Hurricane true freshman that redshirted during the 2019 season made as strong of a contribution as tight end Larry Hodges did.

Hodges took full advantage of the NCAA’s new rule allowing players to participate in four games and still be eligible for a redshirt. He saw action against against North Carolina, Bethune-Cookman, Central Michigan and in the Walk-Ons Independence Bowl loss to Louisiana Tech.

The 6-foot-2, 223 pounder caught two passes in those four games and both went for touchdowns in Miami’s 63-0 victory over Bethune-Cookman in September 2019.

Hodges’ first touchdown came with him lined up at the tight end position in a goal-line set and the second (below) came with him lined up at the fullback position.

Hodges, who will be a redshirt freshman during the 2020 season, will likely be filling the third-string tight end role vacated by Michael Irvin II, who transferred to Florida Atlantic.

Irvin II saw action in all 13 games in 2019 but made just two catches for 33 yards in limited duty behind Brevin Jordan and Will Mallory.

Entering 2020, it seems obvious that Jordan and Mallory will get the most reps at tight end, followed by Hodges and true freshman Dominic Mammarelli.

Just how much Hodges is used during the 2020 season will largely depend on how new offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee intends to use his tight ends in Miami’s new spread look and the health of Jordan and Mallory.

Hodges’ high school film from his senior season at Tampa Jesuit shows a player who can line up at multiple spots on the field and put pressure on the defense with his strength and athleticism.

Hodges’ versatility makes him a good weapon for Lashlee’s offense and will be valuable for Miami in a reserve role during the 2020 season.

Past 2020, Hodges will likely see his role evolve as Jordan and/or Mallory leave Miami and head to the NFL.