2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Changa Hodge, WR, Virginia Tech

• Name: Changa Hodge
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 203 lbs
• Position: WR
• College: Virginia Tech
• Twitter: @changa_hodge
• Instagram: @changahodge

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Arts from Villanova. I struggled as a freshman, but eventually worked myself into making the Dean’s List. My football family helped keep me grounded. Here at Virginia Tech, I am pursuing a degree in fashion.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My work ethic. No matter how much I’m got at, there’s so much to improve on. I was set back a few times and I’ve persevered through it.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a leader. As time has progressed, I started growing as a person and player. I’m a guy that wants to learn.

I see myself as an all-around WR that can be moved around a lot as an outside or inside receiver. As a freshman, I was the 3rd down guy that eventually got put in. I had to take pride as a blocker and gain respect in order to get more playing time.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Prince Smith was a DB at New Hampshire that is currently playing for the Cleveland Browns. He was very aggressive in press coverage. We had a good battle back and forth.

One of the players that I have seen in practice for Virginia Tech has been Brion Murray. He’s really stepped up his game this year. Look for him to continue to develop next season.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Khalil Herbert has had a great season at RB for Virginia Tech. He got an invite to the Senior Bowl. Khalil really stands out because he’s been working hard. He leads the ACC in all-purpose yards and continues to amaze.

Justin Covington was one of the guys that stood out from my time at Villanova. He’s one of my closest friends. He’s a great leader on and off the field. He’s a beast that’s hard to tackle. I know that he could stand toe-to-toe with guys at the highest level.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My sophomore year in 2017, I tore a ligament in my foot against Temple. I had just gone over the 100 yard mark in receiving when the DB landed on my foot. I was out for the rest of the year. I had to work at getting back to full strength. 2019 was a great year for me going over 1100 yards receiving. I was able to use my success in that season to help me transfer to a Power 5 school. I wanted to add more film to my resume. I was a little late to the transfer process, but I was comfortable talking to the coaches at VA Tech and eventually committed.   

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would run track. It helped me with my speed and conditioning for football, buI I was pretty good. Some of my best times include 22.41 sec in the 200m and 14.85 sec in the 110m hurdles.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Breaking the 1000 yard mark against Delaware in 2019 was something that I am proud of. I was able to have the game of my life in front of my family that was in the stands. I had 236 receiving yards and 4 TDs in that game.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I had my first college TD as a freshman against Delaware. It was the last game of the regular season, and I was very excited about scoring my first TD.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’ve always been a NY Giants fan. Some of the players that I model my game after are Keenan Allen and Devonte Adams. We have similar builds. They are WRs that can do it all. They can be a deep threat, play in the slot and out wide. They’re shifty WRs and two of the best guys in the league.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
J. Cole is one of my favorite music artists.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My Gramma makes great pies. Her sweet potato pie at Thanksgiving is excellent.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Black Panther. I like the Marvel movies. One of my favorite TV shows is The Office.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I used to want to be an artist, and I’m pretty good at drawing cartoons.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My Mom and Pops. They didn’t come from a lot and worked hard to get themselves to where they are now. They were able to build their own house. They inspire and motivate me to put forth maximum effort in what I do.