TCU star corner Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson has found his early-season groove
The only downside to the open practices to the media during the preseason was the limited time we got to see Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson in action.
A two-time first team All-Big 12 selection, there’s an overwhelming case that the TCU standout may be the best defensive back in the conference.
A nagging ankle injury limited what he could do in August.
Pro Football Focus currently has Hodges-Tomlinson graded as one of the nation’s Top 10 cornerbacks. He’s looking to build off that as he gets more comfortable in Joe Gillespie’s new defense.
“I missed a little bit of fall camp, but I’ve got some games under my feet and now I’m back in action. I got my feet wet, I’m ready to go,” Hodges-Tomlinson said.
Hodges-Tomlinson has one pass defended and has four tackles on the season. Stats won’t ever truly paint the picture of the impact the lockdown corner brings.
He’s rarely tested and if a quarterback does decide to try him, he takes it personally.
“I hate having balls caught on me. I’m very passionate at making sure the receiver doesn’t catch the ball. If I have a chance and I see the ball in the air, if I’m not in position to get an interception I would much rather play through eyes and hands to make sure he doesn’t catch the ball,” Hodges-Tomlinson said.
A good example of that happened on the first drive of TCU’s 59-17 win over Tarleton last Saturday. Facing a third down, Texans quarterback Beau Allen attempts to find Gabe Douglas for the conversion.
Douglas has the size advantage standing at 6-3 to Hodges-Tomlinson’s 5-9. Douglas’ frame prevents Hodges-Tomlinson from being able to jump the route, but his technique still allows him to make the play.
He lined up directly in front of Douglas at the start of the play and as the receiver releases to the outside, Hodges-Tomlinson is with him stride for stride. He uses one arm for leverage to force Douglas closer to the sideline and by the time the ball gets in his vicinity, Douglas is too busy trying to break free from his coverage to make a play on the ball.
The result? An incompletion and textbook of example of how to shut down a bigger receiver.
Hodges-Tomlinson credits the diversity of the Horned Frogs receiver room for preparing him for these situations. His favorite matchup is with Quentin Johnston, but all of them keep him on his toes.
“It’s Q for the most part, but I do like to see other receivers on the team. All of our other receivers have different things that they’re good at and different ways that they do things. It’s not always good to just cover one receiver. It’s good to see others too,” Hodges-Tomlinson said. “As long as I’m doing that and seeing everyone, I’ll be prepared for any other type of receiver. Every receiver isn’t going to be 6-5 or 5-10. They come in all different sizes.”
His preparation is just one thing that has allowed him to excel with TCU.
“He’s full of energy, he’s a self-motivated guy and tries to lead by example,” cornerbacks coach Carlton Buckels said.
It also helps that he’s the nephew of one of the greatest running backs of all time, LaDainian Tomlinson.
“He’s got good genes, that’s for sure,” Buckels said. “He can run, he’s physical and great cover skills. He’s a great all-around corner.”
Like the rest of the team, Hodges-Tomlinson first big test will come Sept. 24 as he should find himself lined up against SMU star receiver Rashee Rice. The Richland High alum already has 17 receptions for 298 yards and three touchdowns in two games.
Rice caught a touchdown in last year’s loss, but it was really Danny Gray that stole the show with 130 yards and a touchdown. He’s in the NFL and now it’s Rice’s turn to lead the passing game.
Hodges-Tomlinson believes the defense will be better equipped to handle SMU’s offensive attack.
“This defense is more about making sure nobody gets over the top of us. Keeping everything in front of us and playing with eyes. With us keeping everything in front of us it’ll allow us to make more plays on the ball,” Hodges-Tomlinson.
He and the rest of the Horned Frogs won’t have to wait too much longer to test out the new defense and try to obtain redemption after allowing SMU to score 41 points last season.
“I feel like we’re a much better team this year,” Hodges-Tomlinson. Slowing down the Mustangs will be one way to prove that.
This story was originally published September 15, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
