MANKATO – Gerald Hodges is an outside linebacker, but he might also be the third-best linebacker on a Vikings team that doesn't have a starting job opening at outside linebacker.
So coach Mike Zimmer made the most logical step in that situation heading into Saturday night's practice at Blakeslee Stadium.
"I'm actually going to put Hodges at 'mike' linebacker for a couple plays just to see what he's like in there," Zimmer said.
Audie Cole has the tentative hold on the middle linebacker position in the base 4-3 defense. Rookie Eric Kendricks, who leads the MLB pack in the nickel package, and longshot Michael Mauti also are in the mix.
But Hodges has made too many plays for the coaches to assume that his only potential is being the backup to strongside linebacker Anthony Barr and weakside linebacker Chad Greenway.
Hodges started four games in place of Barr and three in place Greenway because of injuries a year ago. His highlight was intercepting Jets quarterback Geno Smith and posting the fastest defensive score (12 seconds) in team history.
"Gerald has done a very nice job of things that I'm asking him to do and I am hopeful that he will continue to do those things," Zimmer said. "If he does, then Gerald has a chance to be a very quality NFL football player. He's big and strong and fast, so if he can continue on the right path, then he has an opportunity."
Hodges obviously will continue to work at outside linebacker as well.