Jacksonville State University Athletics

Terry “Shaky” Hodges was voted Most Valuable Player in the 1949 Paper Bowl after leading the Gamecocks to a 12-7 victory over arch-rival Livingston University in Pensacola, Florida. On that cold December day in ’49, Hodges ran for 103 yards on 13 carries, passed for 120 yards and two touchdowns, and led a swarming defense that held a powerful Livingston offense to only one score. The 1949 season highlighted a great career for Hodges as he led the Gamecocks in rushing, passing, and scoring. He set a record in ‘47 that may never be broken. During the run to perfection (9-0-0), Hodges averaged 7.8 yards every time he was called on to carry the ball. For his efforts, Hodges was named all-conference in 1948 and ‘49. In addition to his offensive records, Hodges was one of Coach Don Salls’ most rugged defensive players. Jax State led the nation in rushing defense (54.8 yards per game) and scoring (4.2 points per game) in 1947, shutting out 5 opponents. Hodges graduated from Gadsden High School in Gadsden, Alabama.