Cooper Hodges Bio
Cooper Hodges (born July 13, 2000) is an American professional football guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 307 pounds, he plays on the offensive line and was drafted by the Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hodges played his college football at Appalachian State, where he earned multiple all-conference honors across five seasons. He has been listed on NFL rosters since 2023 and remains affiliated with the Jacksonville organization entering the 2025 season.
Early Life and Background
Cooper Hodges was born on July 13, 2000, and grew up in Glen St. Mary, a small community in Baker County, Florida. He attended Baker County High School, where he developed into a notable offensive line prospect despite being listed as only a two-star recruit by major recruiting services.
During his senior season, Hodges was named a Super 24 selection by regional media and helped lead Baker County to the state championship game. His size and footwork drew the attention of several college programs, and he ultimately committed to Appalachian State University to continue his football career.
Path to American Football
After completing his high school career in Florida, Hodges joined the Appalachian State Mountaineers program and began working toward a starting role on the offensive line. His early development focused on position versatility, as the Appalachian State staff utilized him at both tackle and guard during his time in Boone, North Carolina.
His combination of size, technique, and football intelligence allowed him to climb the depth chart quickly, setting the stage for an extended run as a starter. The foundation he built at Baker County High School translated into steady improvement at the collegiate level, where he was recognized by Sun Belt Conference coaches on multiple occasions.
Cooper Hodges Career
Early Career (2018-2020)
Hodges arrived at Appalachian State in 2018 as a true freshman and redshirted his first season after an injury limited his playing time. The following year, in 2019, he stepped into the starting lineup at right tackle and started all 14 games, earning second-team All-Sun Belt Conference recognition for his play.
In 2020, Hodges again started every game for the Mountaineers, logging 11 starts at tackle while maintaining his second-team All-Sun Belt status for the second consecutive season. His durability and consistency through his first three years established him as a reliable presence on the offensive line and laid the groundwork for further accolades.
Appalachian State Breakthrough (2021-2022)
Hodges continued as a starter in 2021 and was elevated to first-team All-Sun Belt Conference, a sign of his growing reputation among league coaches. He was a key blocker in the Mountaineers’ rushing attack and showed continued growth in pass protection, helping the program compete for conference titles.
As a senior in 2022, Hodges appeared in 12 games and earned third-team All-America honors from Pro Football Focus. He was also an All-Sun Belt choice for the fourth consecutive season, cementing his status as one of the most consistent offensive linemen in the conference. By the end of his college career, he had started 51 consecutive games, played more than 3,500 snaps, and allowed only seven sacks, a remarkable record of durability and effectiveness.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2023-Present)
Hodges was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round, 226th overall, of the 2023 NFL Draft, a pick originally acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Although he had played right tackle at Appalachian State, the Jaguars announced him as a guard at the time of his selection, signaling a positional switch at the professional level.
He was placed on injured reserve on August 31, 2023, pausing his rookie development. On June 4, 2025, Hodges was waived by the Jaguars following a failed physical, and he reverted to the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list the following day. His status with the organization entering the 2025 season remains tied to that designation.
Driving Style and Strengths
Across his college career, Hodges earned a reputation for dependable technique, sound footwork, and the ability to handle a variety of blocking assignments. His 51 consecutive starts and more than 3,500 snaps played reflected both his durability and the trust placed in him by coaching staffs at Appalachian State.
Notable Events and Milestones
Hodges’ most notable milestones include his four consecutive All-Sun Belt selections, his third-team All-America honor from Pro Football Focus in 2022, and his selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. His consecutive-start streak at Appalachian State stands as one of the most durable runs by an offensive lineman in program history.
Cooper Hodges Career Wins
Cooper Hodges’ career résumé is defined less by traditional win-loss statistics and more by sustained starting streaks and individual recognition along the offensive line. Over five college seasons at Appalachian State, he established himself as one of the most durable linemen in the Sun Belt Conference.
Appalachian State Highlights
During his time with the Appalachian State Mountaineers, Hodges started 51 consecutive games and played more than 3,500 offensive snaps while allowing only seven sacks. He was a four-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, including two first-team honors in 2021 and 2022, and he added a third-team All-America nod from Pro Football Focus in his senior season.
Other Wins and Performances
At the high school level, Hodges was a Super 24 selection as a senior at Baker County High School and helped lead the program to the state championship game. His college accolades and draft selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023 represent the most significant professional milestones of his career to date.
Cooper Hodges Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Cooper Hodges’ immediate family are limited. He grew up in Glen St. Mary, Florida, and attended Baker County High School, where his development into an offensive lineman took shape.
Personal Life
Beyond his football career, Hodges has kept most of his personal life private. There is no publicly verified information regarding a spouse, children, or other personal relationships at this stage of his career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season represents an uncertain stretch for Cooper Hodges after he was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars on June 4, 2025, following a failed physical. He reverted to the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list the following day, placing his immediate playing status in question heading into the year.
His role with the Jaguars organization going forward will depend on his recovery progress and any subsequent roster moves by the team. Given his track record of durability at Appalachian State, where he started 51 consecutive games, a return to health could allow him to compete for a depth role along the offensive line.
For now, Hodges’ 2025 outlook centers on rehabilitation and potential reinstatement rather than on-field production. His previous all-conference recognition at the college level suggests he still has the technical foundation to contribute if his physical condition allows.