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Cowboys take an inside look at TCU's Hodge

IRVING -- Former TCU strong safety Stephen Hodge received the first surprise of his professional career Friday at the start of the Dallas Cowboys’ rookie mini-camp.

He knew the Cowboys planned to move him at linebacker, but he said he was thrown for a loop upon discovering which spot he’d occupy in the 3-4 defensive scheme.

Standing 6-foot, and rock-solid at 234 pounds, Hodge figured his coverage duties in TCU’s 4-2-5 defensive scheme set him up well to play outside linebacker.

Cowboys coach Wade Phillips sees a better fit at inside linebacker.

“It’s a big adjustment because I never played inside linebacker,” Hodge said. “So now I’ve got to throw out the old playbook, learn the playbook and just learn how to read blocks and just make plays.” Hodge got off to a flying start. During a one-on-one drill, more or less an offensive drill in which the receiver holds the advantage, Hodge did not allow a completion.

“He had a shutout,” Phillips said. “He’s talented coverage-wise.”

Hodge’s most immediate impact will likely come on special teams, but he said if necessary he can find work at other positions, too. The Carolina Panthers had talked to him about fullback. So far, the Cowboys have not.

“I think fullback would be fun, too,” Hodge said. “I’m a versatile player, I can play fullback. I’d be faster than a normal fullback, and I do like contact.”

By JEFF CAPLAN
jcaplan@star-telegram.com