Justin Hodges: From UCF Knight to Ole Miss Rebel

Justin Hodges is a former UCF football player whose career has been marked by both on-field performance and off-field controversy. A cornerback with promising potential, Hodges' time at UCF was cut short due to his involvement in an armed home invasion robbery.

Early Career and High School Success

Hodges hails from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he attended Western High School. As a senior in 2019, he recorded 41 tackles, 26 of them solo, along with six interceptions and two fumble recoveries. His performance helped lead the Wildcats to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Florida 8A regional final. Hodges' high school achievements earned him recognition as the No. 14 senior in Broward County by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. As a junior in 2018, he was a Second-team Broward 8A-6A pick by the Sun-Sentinel after racking up 34 tackles, 27 solo, with four interceptions. He played for coach Adam Ratkevich.

UCF Career (2020-2022)

Hodges played for the UCF Knights from 2020 to 2022, where he demonstrated his capabilities as a defensive back.

2020 Season

In his freshman year, Hodges appeared in seven games, starting one as a cornerback. He recorded three tackles, one tackle for loss, and four pass break-ups. He made his collegiate debut against Georgia Tech on September 19 and his first career start against Memphis on October 17. He also earned AAC All-Academic Team honors.

2021 Season

Hodges started the final 10 games of the 2021 season at cornerback. He was second on the team with seven pass breakups. He totaled 35 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and one interception. Key performances included:

Navy (10/2): Four tackles.
Memphis (10/22): Three pass breakups and six tackles.
Temple (10/30): A sack, a breakup, and four tackles.
Tulane (11/6): Five tackles, including half a tackle for loss, and two pass breakups.
UConn (11/20): First career interception, a sack, and four tackles.
South Florida (11/26): Six tackles.
vs. Florida (12/23): Three tackles and a pass breakup in the Gasparilla Bowl.

2022 Season

In 2022, Hodges recorded 40 tackles, 23 of which were solo. He also recovered two fumbles and secured one interception.

Across his UCF career, Hodges appeared in 29 games, accumulating 78 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and two interceptions.

Arrest and Dismissal from UCF

Hodges' promising football career took a sharp turn when he was arrested in January in connection with an armed home invasion robbery.

The Incident

On January 9, police responded to a call regarding an armed home invasion robbery at an apartment on West Church Street in Orlando. The victim reported that several masked men with firearms forced their way into his apartment, battered him, threatened him with guns, and stole his phone and recording equipment.

The investigation revealed that the victim's ex-girlfriend, Navaeh Mosher, had a disagreement with him after she returned to the apartment wearing clothing belonging to Hodges. The victim discarded the clothing, leading Mosher to inform Hodges about the situation.

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Hodges' Involvement

According to police reports, Mosher, Hodges, and two other men went to the apartment complex and forced their way into the victim's apartment, striking him in the process. Firearms were used to take the victim's property. Surveillance video confirmed the subjects entering and exiting the complex, and the discarded clothing, identified as belonging to Hodges due to being issued by UCF Athletics, was found nearby.

Mosher confessed to her involvement in the robbery, stating that she knocked on the victim's door to get him to answer it. Hodges admitted to being present but claimed he was only trying to help Mosher retrieve her belongings. However, he also admitted that one of the firearms used in the crime belonged to his girlfriend and that he gave it to one of the other suspects.

Charges and Dismissal

Mosher was charged with home invasion robbery. Hodges faced charges of home invasion robbery with a firearm and mask. Following his arrest, Hodges was dismissed from the UCF football program. "Justin Hodges has been dismissed from the football program," a spokesman for UCF Athletics said in a statement. The University of Central Florida also initiated its student conduct process.

Move to Ole Miss

Despite the legal issues, Hodges' football career continued.

Transfer and Eligibility

On May 8, the state of Florida decided not to move forward with its case against Hodges, according to Orange County court documents. Following this decision, Hodges committed to play for the Ole Miss Rebels. He joined Tulane transfer Jadon Canady. Listed at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, Hodges had two seasons of eligibility remaining.

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