Tied for 2nd on the team in tackles with 75 this season which is a product of hardwork on the field and off the field technical work.  Hochhalter takes on blocks aggressively using his strong upper body and length to control and punish blockers and make tackles.  He also shows  good form on tackles –  wrapping up and driving his feet through contact etc.  He tracks ball carriers very well whether its from the opposite side of the field or scraping overtop and maintaining his gap through pullers. He brings a lot of versatility, lining up at ILB, OLB/Nickel and a true safety spot.  One of Hochhalter’s 4 INTs was a beautiful rep off a play action – he takes read steps for the run, recognizes pass and hustles to the low hip of the slot receiver and carries him deep down field turning his head around for the ball and making the catch.  Hochhalter also had 3 TFLs and chipped in a TD on offense.

A sophomore with an old-school linebacker mentality, Hochhalter racked up 76 total tackles, including 39 solo stops. He patrolled the field with physicality, adding two tackles for loss, an interception, two pass breakups, and a forced fumble to his résumé. The young playmaker is just getting started.