Gerald Hodges Class: Junior Hometown: Paulsboro, N.J. High School: Paulsboro Height / Weight: 6-2 / 234 Position: LB Experience: JR H.S. Coach: Glenn Howard

Gerald Hodges appears ready to grab a starting assignment and help solidify the linebacking corps entering his junior year. Hodges had his eyes set on the starting unit in 2010, but suffered a hairline fracture of his leg against Alabama in the season's second game. The versatile, swift and instinctive athlete returned for the second half of the season and made his presence known, recording 17 tackles in the last three contests. The talented and hard-hitting Hodges ended spring drills atop the depth chart at one of the outside linebacker spots and should have an opportunity to be a significant contributor for "Linebacker U." the next two seasons. Phil Steele's College Football Preview selected him 2011 preseason second-team All-Big Ten. A January 2009 enrollee in the University, the hard-working and physical Hodges began his career at safety, but was shifted to linebacker early in his true freshman season. The two-time first-team All-South Jersey honoree led Paulsboro HS to a pair of South Jersey Group I championships. Hodges is one of seven returning Nittany Lions from New Jersey.

2010 Sophomore Season
Hodges emerged as a bigger contributor for the defense during the second half of the season after suffering an injury on the opening kickoff at No. 1 Alabama. He made 31 tackles, with 2.5 tackles for loss and two pass breakups, during the season. He recorded five tackles in the season-opener with Youngstown State, including a pair of big third-down stops. He also tallied his first career tackle for loss. Hodges suffered a hairline fracture to his leg on the opening kickoff at Alabama and missed the next four games. He returned to the field at Minnesota, making a pair of tackles, and had three stops in the primetime win over Michigan. Hodges ended the regular-season on a high note, recording at least four tackles in each of the last three contests. He made back-to-back stops early in the fourth quarter at Ohio State to stifle a drive. Hodges earned his first career start against Indiana and delivered a career-high six tackles and broke up two Hoosier passes. He capped off the regular-season with five stops against Michigan State. Hodges tied his season-high with six stops (five solo) against Florida in the 2011 Outback Bowl, including 1.5 tackles for loss. He was on the field for 253 snaps, despite missing four games, topped by 49 against Florida and 45 against Indiana.

2009 Freshman Season
The hard-hitting Hodges saw action in every game on defense and special teams, making three tackles, with one stop each against Syracuse, Eastern Illinois and Northwestern. He began the season at safety, but was shifted to linebacker after the Temple game following a rash of injuries to the unit. He was on the field for 128 snaps, led by 21 against Eastern Illinois and 15 in the Land Grant Trophy win at Michigan State. He enrolled in January 2009 and was among eight true freshmen to see the field in 2009.

High School
Hodges was a standout for Coach Glenn Howard at Paulsboro HS. He played safety and quarterback and returned kicks. A team captain, he was selected first-team All-South Jersey and first-team all-conference after his junior and senior seasons. Scout.com ranked him as the nation's No. 4 outside linebacker. He recorded 61 tackles and grabbed one interception his senior season. A three-year starter at quarterback, Hodges ran for 705 yards on 99 carries and threw for 695 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was instrumental in helping Paulsboro win two South Jersey Group I titles and four Colonial Conference Patriot Division championships. Captain of the wrestling and track and field teams, Hodges finished his junior wrestling season third in the state with a 40-1 record.

Personal
Full name is Gerald Davon Hodges. He is the son of Gerald Sr. and Sheila Hodges. He has two brothers, Tredell and Kevin, and a sister, Tamyra. Hodges enjoys working out, listening to music and dancing. He is studying rehabilitation services. Born January 17, 1991 in Woodbury, N.J.