New Mexico State transfer linebacker Rashie Hodge Jr. commits to Arizona

The Arizona Wildcats have put a strong emphasis on recruiting their home state under new head coach Jedd Fisch, and they landed another Arizona native in Rashie Hodge Jr. on Wednesday.

The junior linebacker appeared in 12 games (11 starts) for the Aggies in 2019 and finished second on the Aggies in tackles (90) and first in tackles for loss (10) in 2019. Hodge also forced two fumbles, recovered two fumbles, broke up two passes and had an interception.

Hodge opted out of the 2020 season after NMSU had its season postponed to the spring. Hodge spent the 2017 and 2018 seasons at Glendale Community College where he played running back in 2017 before switching to the defensive side of the ball in 2018. He was second on the team in tackles (57) and first in tackles for loss (10), sacks (5.5) and interceptions (4).

Hodge is listed at 6-feet, 235 pounds and attended Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix where he finished his career with 108 tackles, 3.5 sacks, five interceptions and one forced fumble.

He envisions himself making an immediate impact at Arizona.

“I see myself playing somewhere really soon and making an impact on the field,” Hodge told Ahwatukee Foothills News. “I miss the game. I want to find a program with a good culture. Going to the NFL is one of my goals I want to check off.”