University of North Carolina Athletics
One-on-One with Sedrick Hodge
November 9, 2000 | Football
Nov. 10, 2000
Earlier this week, TarHeelBlue encouraged fans to email in questions for Sedrick Hodge, one of Carolina's top linebackers who was a key defensive factor in the win against Pittsburgh last Saturday.
Here's what Sedrick had to say on his career at Carolina, his ambitions after school and what it's like to be part of one of the best linebacker units in the country.
Question from Brian Smith in Louisville, Ky.: What does it feel like running out of the tunnel at Kenan Stadium and looking into the stands and seeing all the Carolina blue? Do you like having this atmosphere to play in?
SH: It's definitely a great atmosphere to play in. We have great fans and they bring a lot of excitement to the game, which I love. Their excitement helps me boost my level of play so that I can perform and please the fans.
Question from James Hodge: Sedrick, coming out of high school four years ago, you were rated as one of the top linebackers in the country. If you had to do it all over again, would North Carolina still be your choice over teams like Tennessee, Florida, Georgia or Virginia?
SH: Well, of course, North Carolina would still be my choice. I've had a great experience here. I love the fans. I love the people. I love the atmosphere. There is a great linebacker tradition here and I'm happy to be a part of it. I've also received a great education here. I wouldn't trade my time here for the world.
Question from Eddie: How has going against our tight ends and other offensive players in practice made you a better player?
SH: It's helped me out a lot. Those guys are definitely the best tight ends in the country. Anytime that you get to practice against great talent it can only help you become better for game situations.
Question from Steve Maddux in Chapel Hill, N.C.: This week I noticed you were playing with a cast. How have injuries this season to key players such as Merceda Perry affected this team?
SH: Whenever you lose a great linebacker like Merceda it is obviously going to affect the team a little bit. But we have so many great players that we can have a Quincy Monk step in and fill those big shoes. Quincy has done exactly what a player is supposed to do, step in and perform when a major player gets injured.
Question from Chris T.: We all saw you perform in last year's dunk contest during the halftime of one of the men's basketball games. Did you ever consider a basketball career? When did you know that football was the sport for you?
SH: Well, actually, my sophomore year in high school I really wanted to play basketball and become a professional basketball player. But that same year, some coaches started telling me that I was really good in football. That was when I realized that football was probably going to be a big part of my future, so at that point I started concentrating fully on football.
ut as for the dunk contest, the people didn't see what I could really do, I didn't get to show my stuff. This year I'm looking to redeem myself.
Question from Stephanie in Charlotte: What has been your most memorable experience on the field in your four years here at UNC?
SH: My freshman year playing against Florida State here in Chapel Hill was the greatest atmosphere that I have ever been through while bere at Carolina. It was such a great experience, and I was fortunate enough to be able to go out as part of the kickoff team and make the first tackle of the game. That was the greatest feeling that I've had since I've been here.
Question from Carl Thomas in Baltimore, Md.: After being tabbed the best linebacker on the team after last season, what were your feelings coming into this season knowing that you, Brandon Spoon, Merceda Perry and Quincy Monk would make up one of the best linebacker units in the nation?
SH: It's a great compliment to hear people say that about our linebackers. It just makes us want to step up even more so that we can live up to that compliment and play our hardest to prove to them that we are that good. We just go out there and play well together to make the big plays when we have to.
Question from Mark Eberhard in Wilson, N.C.: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
SH: Hopefully in 10 years I will have a family and be living the good life. I know that I'll have a degree from here at Carolina and just enjoying life. I hope to still be playing football by that time, but if I'm not, hopefully I'll be on the sidelines as maybe a sports broadcaster. Either way, I want football to be a continuous part of my life.
Question from Chad Ellerbee in Rocky Mount, N.C.: How important of a role has your family played in your football career here at UNC?
SH: My parents have been a great support. They have not missed a single game since I have been playing here, no matter where it's at. They are always checking up on me, making sure that I am getting the grades no matter how well football might be going. Whether it is going well or going bad, they are hoping that my grades are staying up to par. All around they've just been a great support.
Question from Katie Peeler in Raleigh, N.C.: Who do you feel is the toughest offensive player to defend in the ACC?
SH: I think that has to be LaMont Jordan from Maryland. He's a complete back because he does so much on the field. In the previous years, I feel that he has been the toughest back in the league with his size, strength and speed. Even though he hasn't been rushing as well this year, he always seems to have a great game against us so our main focus in practice this week has been on stopping him. That's what we have to do this week to be successful against that team.
Question from John Harris in Winston-Salem, N.C.: What have you done differently this year to get to the quarterback more with your six sacks?
SH: I think that I'm just not thinking about it as much. I'm just basically going out there without hesitation. I think that a lot of that has to do with my maturity and feel for the game. I've learned the defense a lot better so now I just go at them and not think as much.
Thanks to everyone who emailed Sedrick during the week. Check back next week as we go One-on-One with another of your favorite Tar Heels.
One-on-One Archives
One-on-One with J. Peppers (November 3, 2000)
One-on-One with K. Bailey (October 27, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Russell (October 20, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Allen (September 15, 2000)
One-on-One with Wags (September 8, 2000)
One-on-One with R. Sims (September 1, 2000)
One-on-One with A. Crumpler (August 25, 2000)
One-on-One with E. Hood (August 18, 2000)
One-on-One with B. Spoon (August 11, 2000)
