FORT WORTH, Texas – Because of the unprecedented national success of the TCU football program last year, the collective expectation is that there will be a record-setting number of Horned Frogs selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. One of them has a Hall of Fame bloodline and hopes to continue the tradition of his family name. 

What You Need To Know

  • Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson is a former First-Team All-American defensive back for the TCU Horned Frogs and is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft

  • He is the 2022 Jim Thorpe Award winner, given to the nation’s best defensive back

  • Tre’s uncle is legendary Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson

Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson was born to play football. 

“Everything that goes into this sport as far as what it takes to win a football game is what I love about it,” he said with a smile. 

That love started at 5 years old when he buckled a chinstrap for the first time and has since blossomed into a passion that’s transformed him into the defensive phenom he is today.

“Coming from the inner city outside of Waco, it wasn’t heavily populated with people. It was a small town where everyone knew each other,” Tre said. “Everyone from a very young age always had a grind to them, a hustle. For me, I’ve always known I wanted to be an NFL player.”

Getting to the league was always the dream. Thankfully Tre had the perfect blueprint. His uncle is Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson. 

“Having my uncle to mentor me was nothing but a blessing,” Tre said. “I can’t thank God enough for him because he’s done everything I want to do in life.”

Tre radiates the confidence needed to follow in his uncle’s footsteps. 

“[Whatever NFL team drafts me], they’re getting a very versatile defensive back. I’m a true lockdown cornerback,” he said. “I got that dog mentality and the will to win. That’s what it’s all about.”

Tre’s a First-Team All-American and Jim Thorpe Award winner. Yet, draft reports knock him for the following: lack of size, route recognition is average and displays struggle to disengage from perimeter blockers. 

“I just embrace it all. I feel like God put me on this Earth to open up more doors for guys in my similar size,” Tre said.  “I’ve won every award a defensive back can win besides the Heisman. So, the film shows, the success shows and the wins show from this past season. Through it all, you can’t deny my game, you can’t deny my style of play and you can’t deny my mentality.” 

Once Tre’s name is called, it’s all about continuing his legacy and making his family proud. 

“Whoever makes that decision of bringing Tre Tomlinson to their program, it’s going to be nothing but greatness,” he said. “So, don’t pass up.”