When Devlin Hodges began 2018 as a senior starting quarterback at Samford University, he could have never imagined that he would soon be occupying the same position for the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in slightly over a year’s time, that scenario is where the FCS career passing leader finds himself. Due to multiple injuries, Hodges is set to make his first career NFL start in Week 6 on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Hodges compiled a record-setting 14,584 career passing yards while at Samford. This mark broke the previous one of 14,496 set by Steve McNair at Alcorn State. He tossed 32 touchdowns during his senior season, which led to Hodges being given the Walter Payton Award at the FCS Level during the 2018-2019 season.
Ready for the pressure
The new Steelers’ quarterback is a player that always seems to shine brightest on the biggest stage. Hodges played against FBS-level teams multiple times in his career at Samford. He threw for 475 yards and two scores against Florida State last season in an unsuccessful upset bid. The gunslinger also showed his skill against Mississippi State in 2016, passing for 468 yards and four touchdowns. It was apparent to all watching those contests that this young man belonged.
The odds appear stacked against this former undrafted free agent, but he will not let that hold him back. Hodges can point to the recent success of another undrafted long shot, Jaguars QB, Gardner Minshew. The two players share the same tall task of attempting to replace a former Super Bowl MVP at quarterback. The Jaguars signed former Eagles’ QB, Nick Foles, who sustained an injury in Week 1. Steelers’ QB, Ben Roethlisberger injured his elbow in a Week 2 loss to Seattle.
The two undrafted rookies share other similarities, which should have Pittsburgh fans excited for their young quarterback. Chris Hatcher, Hodges’ coach at Samford, worked alongside Minshew’s college coach Mike Leach while the two were at Kentucky from 1997-1998. For this reason, both players operated in the “Air Raid” style of offense and have tremendous confidence in their ability to throw the ball and put up points in a hurry. Hodges shares that same level of confidence that Minshew has displayed early in his Jaguars’ career. Take a look below at this confident throw from Hodges last week when the Steelers faced the Ravens.
3rd and 8 for Devlin Hodges. Hits Johnson on this comeback. Check out the timing on this throw. Ball out well before the receiver's out of his break. NFL caliber play from a UDFA rookie making his debut. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/j8fte3I0fl
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) October 9, 2019
When asked about his opinion of Hodges, Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin mentioned that he (Hodges) has an “awareness, savvy, and moxie in him beyond his experience. Tomlin said that he lacks the experience, but likes his demeanor, attitude, and approach to the game.
“I have to wait through this to see his performance through the course of the week, Tomlin added. “When you send a guy in to finish a game, he has a lot less exposure and preparedness, to be honest.”
Return of Rudolph
The team received some good news regarding incumbent starter Mason Rudolph on Wednesday and Thursday. He put in limited practices despite still being in the concussion protocol. Hodges is still tentatively scheduled to start against the Chargers, but Rudolph seems likely to return sooner than later.
Rudolph was starting to hit a groove for this team and looked to be building confidence in himself and this offense. If Rudolph ends up starting for Pittsburgh, it will be a welcomed sight for Steelers’ fans. He gives the team the best chance to win and will look to exploit a Chargers secondary still without star safety Derwin James.
When asked about Rudolph’s availability following Thursday’s practice, Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner stated: “Mason Rudolph is still going through the concussion protocol.” The team still does not know who will be under center Sunday Night in L.A.
Belief in “Duck”
If Rudolph is unable to go, Hodges has a great chance to set himself apart on Sunday and give this team something to think about for the future. Tomlin also commented on Ben’s remarks about Hodges being “fearless” during the preseason. The Steelers’ coach added that “Fearlessness is good, particularly at that position.” Hodges will have to be fearless to win his debut on Sunday Night versus the Chargers. Throws like this one below should lead to big-time success for Hodges as the starter.
Money throw by Devlin Hodges. Puts it perfectly behind JuJu where no one else can get it and he protects JuJu too. pic.twitter.com/hLkCvoUW7n
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 6, 2019
“We believe in ‘Duck’ for however long Mason needs to heal,” Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree said. “We are going to rally behind him and continue to move forward.” Duck is a nickname given to Hodges by his college coach and still follows him through his teammates in Pittsburgh.
Those teammates have confidence in Hodges, and he will showcase why on Sunday Night Football for the Steelers.
Scott Gorman is a writer for PFN covering the Pittsburgh Steelers. You can follow him at @sgormanPFN on Twitter.