CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: GEORGIA VS TCU

January 7, 2023

Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson

SoFi Stadium

TCU Horned Frogs

Press Conference

Q. Can you describe what it's been like coming off since Michigan?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Very exciting week. Just very thankful for how everything is going. You know, make sure we are preparing for this game. Understanding the type of game that it is and how big it is. You know, not just for us but for the community and the program of TCU.

You know, so overall, man, just making sure that we are getting back on track and understand that we did come off a win but also understanding that we have a bigger game to play for.

Q. What stands out about Georgia?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Their quarterback, first off. You know, they have a great coaching staff, so they have been in this situation. They have been in this game in particular as far as, you know, how they have been consistent throughout their years of being at Georgia and the success they have had.

So they have had been in these type of games and they also have the players for it.

Q. There's been a lot of people doubting you guys along the way in this journey. What message did it send beating Michigan last Saturday?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I mean, at the end of the day, they are going to think what they want to at the end of the day. But for some people it opened a lot of guys and it's time to start taking us very serious. We're not a joke and we're here to be just as good as any other team that's had great seasons.

Q. Coach was saying that he expected the same -- heading into this game?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It's been with us, you know, throughout the whole season. We have been underdogs in every game that we've played in and we've been able to get out and get on top and we have had success with it, so why change up how we've been going about how people have thought of us in the past and you know, so in the present they still talking about it us. So we got a chip on our shoulder and continue to handle business.

Q. Talk about the relationship you have with your uncle and what's it like?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, my uncle, as close as it can get from being a son to father perspective. He's been a great mentor in any life and a great guy and he's got me in the right way and making sure throughout my career I continue to stay consistent, and that's my biggest goal through my whole career at TCU and so forth.

He continues to make sure I'm consistent, not just about football, but also teaching me how to become a man and understand that at some point in my life, you know, just like now, it's going to get real. So pretty much he's just been preparing me, man, and we also have a really great relationship.

Q. How did you get to be a defensive back instead of a running back?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It was actually in a decision of his. We kind of thought about it because going into my freshman year all throughout my younger years playing football, I played offense, played running back, played receiver, all that.

Then my size and everything, and how much -- how important the cornerback position is in the league now, you know, he made a decision that with my feet and everything that cornerback would probably be the best position for me. And then it worked out in the end, I started playing quarterback my freshman year of high school and then I played safety all throughout high school.

And once I got to college, you know, Gary Patterson and the position coaches, they was like, you know, thought about playing me on both safety and coaches. But no, my position coach was like, you're a lockdown corner, so ended up working out for me.

Q. The mentality going into the Michigan game, you were slighted and counted out and maybe that was the mentality all season long. But from the outside it seems like something you guys have fed into. Is that something you can continue to rely on?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Honestly I feel like, you know, the years before of just not -- being a nobody, and also on this team, we have a lot of guys on this team who are three stars, two stars that didn't have many offers coming out of high school so I feel like everybody already had a chip on their shoulder coming in.

And then for -- to get in this situation and being a Power Five school and still be talked about as not even relevant, and finally being able to prove that we are, it has been big for us.

So just even having the name of being the underdog, it can also add fuel to the team, and we've had success with it.

Q. Do you see similarities with their quarterback and Max Duggan?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yes, sir, especially knowing that both of them were Heisman runner-ups. Obviously they are both great quarterbacks. Stetson, he can run. Max can run also. They both have got a really good arm.

In my opinion, they are both complete. They are both complete quarterbacks, so, man, just seeing him on film and then also going against Max every day, I feel like we are prepared.

Q. You set the tone for this game and posted a picture after the Fiesta Bowl, what's the feeling of having the last laugh in that scenario?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It really didn't have anything to do with him. It was just that he had said what he said in the media, you know, because, yeah, man, like don't disrespect no one else's team.

At the end of the day he's going to be a great quarterback. He is a great quarterback. I tip my hat off to him. He's a great player. He honestly is. He's one of the best quarterbacks I've seen since I've been in college football, honestly. He has a great arm and can run it when he has to and extend plays and everything. He has everything he needs.

It's just in the media, don't do us like that, man. Especially knowing we are here to play for the same goal that you guys are here for. So whenever it happened, I was able to get back, I had to.

Q. Leading up to the semifinal -- we saw at TCU a couple questionable calls and you got caught on a couple of them does. That change your mentality going into this game, are you going to keep playing the same physical style?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I'm as physical as it gets. Nothing going to change about me because that's what got me here. I can't change my plans and I can't change my mentality.

Calls are going to happen, but it's all about how you bounce back from them.

Q. Georgia, Michigan, probably surprised by the speed and Georgia is probably one of the few teams in the country that can match that. Anything you've seen on film where you're going to have to get that extra gear and are you confident that your team speed will match up with what they can do offensively?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yes, ma'am, understanding they are a sound football team and they have speed like you said, and also they play all four quarters, because they have been able to outlast all the teams that they have played, no matter what the score was.

So I mean, they have been able to outlast every team that they have played and I feel like they are just like we are. They are going to fight to the end, man.

I feel like we are pretty much similar in ways, you know, as far as how the team mentality is and understanding the situation of the game and how much the record is to them because they have been undefeated since the past few years.

So I feel like, yeah, you could say that, man, they are pretty fast and they are very physical.

Q. What were your options?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Baylor, TCU, K-State, Texas State. I think there might have been like two other schools. I can't really remember.

Q. So Big 12?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yeah, pretty much Big 12.

Q. What does it mean --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It means the world, man. Especially once I made the decision to become a defensive back, it's all been my goal to win the Jim Thorpe Award especially knowing that for defensive guys, that's like the Heisman award for a defensive guy.

Man, just being able to go down as a gym Thorpe award winner, it means the world, especially knowing the type of guys that have been through there and have received that award, like Deion Sanders and guys like that, legends and stuff, man. I feel like, man, it's just the start of my path, man. I'm just thankful for it.

Q. Johnny Rogers got the -- he called it the chip you guys had. What would it mean to college football --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: To do what?

Q. If TCU won this game?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, I feel like it would finally set the tone. Man, I feel like this is what it's going to take because at the end of the day, once we win this game, we'll become No. 1. So they can no longer say underdogs or whatever it is.

For us to win this game, I feel like it could help us out a lot of guys finally understanding that we are real and this is what it is. So you can't deny success.

Q. When Sonny came, did it ever enter your mind --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I wouldn't say that. It was just trying to feel it out and see how everything go. So the first meeting, I was at the first meeting and everything else. Hats off to Sonny Dykes and the coaching staff, man.

If I had -- it I was younger, man, it's a blessing. This staff is amazing. You know, the guys that work in the weight room, Coach Kaz (Kaz Kazadi), the head guy and all of the guys that he has with them and the staff that Coach Dykes has with the skill players and stuff as far as position-wise, man, all together, man, it's a great staff, man.

For the guys that's out there, man, you want to come win a National Championship, you want to come play on a great coaching staff that really cares about you and is going to make sure that you need everything that you need to be a great player and to put you in the best position to win games, man, this is the place to be.

Q. What impact has Coach Gillespie had -- all season -- inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I would say the biggest thing that -- the impact that he's made is understanding that the position he's going to put us in isn't going to, you know, put us in a bad position. Because he carries himself with a lot of confidence. He really believes in his defense and that brings a lot of confidence in your players.

If you could see that your coach is on the sideline, no matter what the team is, he's dialing up plays no matter that, you know, understanding that however great the team is and they can make adjustments to attack you, he's not going to switch his calls up no matter who we play.

So I can just see it in his eyes, man. His confidence is always there. He's always able to keep us poised and making sure that we are able to handle adversity no matter what goes on, and just keeping the whole sideline at peace, man.

No one is ever rattling (ph) with each other. No one is ever talking down at each other. It's always good vibes and we are off to the next play. So hats to have Coach Gillespie, he has done a great job of being a great defensive coordinator.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Say what?

Q. Does Gillespie still keep pace with the players -- inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I wouldn't say he's in there lifting with us, like with our groups. But he's on the side lifting for sure. He's always in the weight room, whenever he's in there I say something to him every now and then. But yeah, he's in there for sure.

Q. Does his presence fire you up?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Coach Gillespie always has good energy, he always smiling. He's just a cool person. He really cares about his players and you know, he always puts us in a great position. Any time we are around him, it's always a good time.

Q. Anybody can have a big day -- inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Honestly I'm looking forward to seeing all of them. They have all had success in their offense. They have had guy that's come back from injuries and stuff like that, and they have had success in the passing game.

Overall, they have a great receiving room. Obviously have a great quarterback and he's making things happen and the players are making things happen for him. As a whole, that whole little group they have, they have done a great job, man. I'm just ready for the competition.

Q. If Brock (ph) is having an explosive day -- inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I mean, I feel like it's much more of a coaching decision. If they feel the need to, I'm here for it, because that's what I do.

But then, again, man, we have great defensive backs that can handle Luck (ph) as well. We have guys in the back end, and we have guys that play on the other side, Josh Newton, he's had very much success this year.

I feel like we'll be able to handle what comes.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, it starts off with their quarterback. He has a great arm and also understand that you have to respect his ability to run the ball.

So just overall, man, just what Stetson has in his package, in his bag, you know, he's a Heisman runner-up, man, so obviously he's a great quarterback. And man, I don't know, man, just what they do. You know, their offense they run and how they motion a lot of things like that, they have done very much things with it and they have continued to have success, man.

So overall, I feel like it starts at quarterback.

Q. Georgia is a team that's been here. Why is this moment not too big for you guys?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Because, man, I feel like we're made to play in big games. You know, understanding the game that it is, and you know how big of a game it is, but at the end of the day, man, it's just another game and another team with a different logo. You know, Georgia, they have had very much success throughout their years, man, and you know, they have continued to have it.

Man, I'm just thankful to be in this position, man. Being able to even play against Georgia because they have been the No. 1 team in the past few years, man.

So understanding that, you know, we're finally in this position to even be relevant, you know. But at the end of the day, man, we are here to win the game. We are just ready to play, man, and just thankful to be in this position.

Q. Who has been the unsung hero for the defense so far?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Unsung? What you mean?

Q. That's not getting enough recognition.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: As far as like in our whole, like, you know, locker room, everybody's been appreciated. But as far as like no one really just talks about what they do everything and like man, I would say Jamoi Hodge. He's in the middle. He's a big guy. He holds his own every game.

You know, so just having Jamoi Hodge and you know, the mentality that he has, man, people should really start looking into him because he honestly is the type of player that should get some type of shine, man. I feel like his time will come, but I feel like people don't talk about him enough, man.

Q. Second question, Drake apparently loves TCU. Are you worried about the curse?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I mean, I don't believe in curses. I believe in action. I believe in work. I believe in what has happened, what is in present. I'm thankful Drake has love for us, and tell Drake I said it was good.

Tell him I said it was good, man. He a legend. Yeah, man, very thankful to see there's legends out there who do believe we are a relevant team. But yeah, a curse can't hurt us, man, we're already here.

Q. Curious what the team -- in these big moments --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yeah, man, I feel like I was meant to play in big games, honestly, yeah, man. Because the mentality that I have, understanding the situation, you know and then just flat-out wanting to win, man. That's what it takes. And you know, especially understanding the team that I have, you know, the guys that play alongside with me and the coaching staff that honestly believes in our abilities.

So just overall, man, no matter how big the game gets, I feel like I'm prepared for it.

Q. The big moments in the game, the way you play, where do you find that maturity level?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, comes from how, you know, the coaches, you know, they game plan and how they talk to us throughout the whole, you know, week of getting into these games. You know, it even starts off-season before. Like Coach Kaz, man, he continuously talks about that what can happen, once we get there, you know what can happen on the way there.

So everything that we do before we even get here has already been prepared. We're already prepared for it. They make sure that, you know, we are able to handle any situation that happens. Because you never know, we may be on a flight forever. May sit down forever. But we got to be doing stuff within that time so that we don't get frustrated and everything else. We in L.A., man, we might see millions of celebrities. We got to know how to handle it, man, because we're here for one thing only, and that's to win this National Championship.

Q. Creating this mentality -- inaudible -- how would you describe the mentality?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I would describe it as, you know, man, focus. Focus. You know, understanding that no matter what goes on, we have to keep a clean slate and maintain the same type of mentality that we got here with.

You know, because focus is what you need in these games, man, because you can't be worried about what's going on in the stands, what's going on in the sideline, what's going on behind us on the bus on the way to the game. You can't be worried about none of that. You have to remain focused and understand what's in front of you and what you are here for.

Q. Making sure that you're prepared --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I would say, man, just making sure that I am who I am. You know, making sure that I remain the same and making sure that I'm consistent within what I have done. You know, because to be a great, you have to be consistent.

You can't have a great year and then the next year be like -- you know what I'm saying. Man, all together, the biggest thing he's taught me is how to be consistent, man. I've take ten and I've ran with it.

Q. What is the key to slowing down their offense?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Creating turnovers, man. Just being able to get off the field. Not playing as many snaps, and just being a defense that we are.

You know, because at the end of the day, man, Georgia has done very great things and you know, but we're also a great team also. We're also a great defense.

But I would say the biggest thing is, man, just being able to create turnovers and create points on the board on defense and just winning the turnover battle.

Q. Seems to be -- against Michigan what has been y'all's thing this year to be opportunistic --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, I feel like it starts with the defensive coordinator, Coach Gillespie, man. He has put us in great position to be able to make those plays, and then they have also done a great job of helping us game plan for these teams, man.

It starts with the coaching, and then also for us to go out, and, you know, make the plays for what we have been in the position to play.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, he just seemed at peace. He came in and told us, man, this is our team. This is a player's team and he's here to make the calls, man, and he has been able to adjust to us and build a new culture because at first, man, we were all over the place. We were kind of separate teams divided a little bit because of, you know, that comes with losing.

So for them to come back and bring everybody back together, I feel like everything was just at peace and for him to come in and say that he's here for us, man, was big.

Q. Did that happen, bringing everybody together, was that something that happened before the season or was there a point in the season where you felt like everybody pulled together?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: No, sir. It happened before the season. It happened in the summer and it happened in the spring, you know, because we had that whole spring and summer and then going into the season.

So we were doing a lot of stuff together. We would go to Coach Dykes' house whenever they had some stuff going on and then we would have things like team bonding, you know, and go to movies and stuff like that with each other and just do a lot of stuff together, man. We were able to build a bond together before the season started and everyone just came together, man. It just all worked out.

Q. One last thing, the players who have been here, are you having conversations with each other about the new coaching staff, not just Coach Dykes or but Gillespie and everybody, but where you could feel things start to turning point?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Most definitely, man. Especially understanding that there was a point in time where everyone was divided. You know, there was little groups. We were in our own little section and there was groups over here and there were guys having this much success over here.

For us to finally come together, you know, we start to feel it and then in the meeting rooms and stuff like that, especially Coach Buck (Carlton Buckels), he's a very charming person. He really cares about his players. That's my position coach. He really cares about his players, and he cares about the guys in his room and he cares about the guys on the team, man.

That's another person I want to talk on, Coach Buck. He speaks to everyone that's around the building, man, and like no matter if you ain't never been a talkative person or ever been though of, you know, you could be a walk-on or whatever, man. I ain't ever seen Coach Buck walk by anyone without speaking.

So that shows a lot about the staff, man. That goes to show, like, this coaching staff really cares about whoever is on this team and it shows, man.

But yeah, man, we have -- like the coaching staff, this he just care. Coach Buck, he talks to us every morning he gets a chance to. It's just been a great, everything, you know, since they have got here, man, so I'm just very thankful for the staff and how they have allowed our team to do what we have done.

Q. With such a great opportunity, what's the mood like, knowing what's ahead, to face the best?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, it's a very exciting mood but also just understanding that we're here to win this game. Because you know, they are, you know, the defending champs and they have been there. So I feel like to be able to win this game would be everything, you know.

But man, we just happy to be in this position. We ready to play this game, and we just ready to play. So to be able to knock them off would be big.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Just eliminating big plays. Creating turnovers. Because that's always great for a defense. As long as you can eliminate big plays for any great offense, making sure that nothing goes over the top, keeping everything from us and just making tackles, it will be pretty much what we need for everything to happen.

Q. I've heard from your teammates that this coaching staff injected a little more fun. What are some of the things that Coach Dykes has made this experience more light than last year?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It all started with the workouts and everything. Because it wasn't just workouts. Like after around the end of the week, we'd do kick ball is it stuff like that, man. They have always been able to make it fun.

Also knowing how to celebrate your success, your wins and everything. You can see it in episodes -- that's not for just the cameras, man. We really have fun after games, man, and you know, the coaches, they are always just happy for us. They have always made sure that it was always about us.

So just allow -- being able to have a coaching staff like that has been big for us.

Q. I know you have some personal history with TCU, but had you ever heard of it before coming here -- has it been more --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: You could say that, but then again you never know because we finally started winning games, you know, so we say it a lot now.

But it is something we learn in the beginning of the season, every year, even when Coach P. was here, we had learned about it.

So I feel like it's a culture thing for TCU. Once you get on TCU campus and everything, you see like Riff Ram and all that. So whenever I was a young guy, I see it but I never really know they sung and all that. It was like once I finally got here, I finally figured out what it really was.

Q. What was your first impression of it?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I was kind of confused, I'm still confused on what it means, you feel me. Like, Riff Ram Bah Zoo, like I don't know the definitions behind the stuff.

But I don't know, I feel like the Zoo and all that stuff comes from us being frogs and stuff. I don't know, maybe I'll get the real meaning behind it some day.

Q. How much have you learned from the other generations of TCU, even before

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yes, sir, especially once we started winning more games and stuff, we started packing out -- the stands started getting a little more packed and everything and the seats started getting filled in and alumni started coming up.

To see them after a win and see how much we are finally making this program proud again, you know, just overall having success for this community and this program, it has been big, man. Because that's what it's about. Football is about winning, man. And for us to finally be doing this is amazing.

Q. What's the comfort level of being in all these close games? Was there a game this season where it was like, oh, here we go again?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Oh, yeah, most definitely. The game for me was pretty much the Baylor game, man, because came down to the wire. But deep down in my heart, man, I was like, we going to win this game. And that's how I am before -- like any game that's close. You can ask anybody on the team, we go into halftime, going through the tunnel, I tell them, I say, we going to win this game no matter if anybody is up or not because I have that much faith in this team.

Because I feel like we are able to handle any situation. You know, so man, just understand the type of team that we have and these guys, they are going to fight to the end it just means the world to me. Because I have a lot of guys on this team that has the same mentality everything and that they bring to the table just like I can.

Q. Sonny said that the Cinderella label, you don't feel like that.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yes, most definitely, understanding that we are both the top two teams in college now. You know, we both done great things, and Georgia. Just finally, you know, being labeled as, you know, the top two, I feel like we are both here for the same job at hand and so we just go about it and however it happens.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, just I feel like we are prepared for it. Understanding that they are going to get in different formations and motion a lot and just create havoc. It's for us to make adjustments and you know, for the players to go out and play.

So I feel like the coaches are going to handle that very well like they have done. We have been able to get in practice and see that type of stuff. Our scout team does a great job. So you know, just being able to prepare for the game as it is and understanding that they are going to do all of that, we'll be ready for it.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I'm fired up about it, man. Any team that throws the ball, you know, they have had success. It's always good to get some targets, you know what I'm saying. I'm ready for it. I do understand they have great receivers and they have a great quarterback.

Q. When you saw that, does it affect your mindset going into the game --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Whose injury?

Q. Damar Hamlin.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Okay, yeah. Yeah, that was -- I'm still trying to figure it out. It's heartbreaking, man, because he was having a great season.

I've been watching Damar since he was at Pittsburgh, man, when he was in college. I watch a lot of highlights and still take a little bit from someone else's game and apply it to mine, man. I'm always doing some type of study on types of DBs that are having success. I knew about him a while back before he got drafted and everything and going into the draft. I followed him a little bit. And now for him to finally start doing what he's doing in the league, man, I'm very proud of him.

But for that to happen, it's shocking. It's something should be taken very serious and it should be something that people should really care about because at the end of the day it's all about your health, man. It's all about people's health and as a person, you should care. It shouldn't be, well, it's football.

Like, yeah, it's football, but at the end of the day, this is somebody that could have been -- it could have been way worse. For him to finally shake that, man, it's been everything for guys like me and everything else that plays football; I thank God that Damar is finally doing well.

Q. When he came to, and asked, "Did we win" was that a motivating factor?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Because, it goes to show you, he has a winning mentality in the end. That's why he plays the game, man and that's why I play the game, you know what I'm saying. Because at the end of the day, you know, we're all here to -- we want to have success in this association. We want to have success in football because we feel like that's what God put us on this earth to do man.

Just to see the type of mentality he has and for that to be his first words, man, that's the type of guy I work for, even though I'm playing around the same position, you know, man, that creates guys like me to become, you know, follow somebody like that, man.

Just to see him, his first words to be, man "did we win" this game, man, when I seen -- probably like two days ago, I was like, wow, brother, that's crazy.

Q. Do you talk about that -- as the league -- inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Overall, I could just say that they proud overall, man. It's just amazing to be in this point. To finally be able to make this program happy, man because that's what I came here for. You know, I came here to help win. I came here to win games. That's my mindset. That's my mentality.

You know, even before when we were losing before the season, I will always tell people, man, we're going to go undefeated because I've always seen the type of guys we've got on this team, man. For us to finally get a great coaching staff to come in and change the culture and everything, it was the small things that we were missing.

You know, I feel like it played a big role and for us to finally have success. And we brought back out the alumnis (ph) and everything. People are finally seeing what TCU used to be, man, and you know, they are very thankful for what we are doing this season. So for us to be able to finish, would be great.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It's always about, man, just doing what I have been doing in the past how I got in this position. You don't want to change up by trying to add or trying to add fire, whatever it is, because he understands that you don't have to do that for me. You don't have to try to hype me up or everything else. All he has to do is say one word, man, next game, do what you do, be consistent. That's what he tells me coming into any other week, man, but he's told me to understand that this is a big game. You know, it's the National Championship.

Overall, man, he's just very thankful that I am in this position and because it's what I've come to work for, and I've always said that we would be in this position. So he's just very thankful for me to finally be in this position.

Q. When did it finally -- when Dykes came -- inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: For this season, it would be the workouts, seeing how fast the team was, seeing how much we were lifting and like, as the weeks have went by, the improvement of the team, seeing how big everyone got, seeing how much we were starting to eat. Just seeing how well everything was going, man.

And then for us to finally get on the practice field in spring ball and having all the fans out there and seeing all the energy everything and, that's when I soon realized, man, this is a different team and we can do great things.

Even before that, I was already telling us, like, my breakout was National Championship. It has been that from, whatever. So I had already, you know, established that way before we even started doing football and stuff. Because that's what it's about. It's about winning and it's about being the No. 1 team in the nation.

Q. With Josh --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Me and Josh, man, we pretty similar because we like a lot of stuff. We like a lot of the same stuff. We follow the same type of people. We watch the same type of stuff.

So, man, it was great just to have someone come in that has that same type of feel and mentality about life because, man, Josh has had a lot of success like you said, man. And it's been amazing to have someone else on the other side of the field that you can just trust and be like, man, this guy, he going to make just as many plays, man and it has never been a competition thing. It has always been, great job, brother.

Like let's keep doing it. Let's keep going. Let's keep improving and let's keep making things happen for this team because that's what it's all about and you know, we have done it.

Q. A little bit about the team -- talk to me a little about that --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Oh, man, just understanding that what people thought about us and how they still feel. But at the end of the day, it's all about how you showed them what it is, and I feel like we done a great job at it. We have always said that, you know, this is a position that we will be in, you know, no matter the rankings. We understood the type of team that we have.

For us to be able to finally prove to the doubters that it is what it is, we won't change our mindset. We are going to keep going forward.

Q. The team has been focused -- Big 12 teams --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Honestly, I feel like the Big 12, I feel like they should receive way more respect than they, you know, have gotten, man, because there are some great teams in the Big 12.

Those receivers have actually prepared us for the receivers that we are seeing now. You know, Big 12 they throw the ball a lot and they also run the ball.

So just being able to see teams like that early on and being able to be prepared for teams like we just faced like Michigan, and they are also a well-balanced team like Georgia, man, it's been big.

And I'm just -- you know, I feel like the Big 12 should get way more respect than they've gotten because teams like K-State, they just lost to Baylor. That's a tough team, man. I really thought they would pull that one out. You know, and then you have like Texas Tech beat Ole Miss and stuff like that.

Just all together, man, the Big 12 should be taken very seriously.

Q. What stands out to you about their team?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Georgia, you know what I mean, their offense as a whole, understanding the type of quarterback that they have, their quarterback play and their receivers that come with that quarterback. Because you know, that is a very, you know, complete team.

They have a great defense, like they have had in the past, and for them to finally make whatever adjustments they have made and the great coaching staff that they have had, it's been something to see on film.

Yeah, man, they have a great offense. We are preparing for them and we just ready.

Q. What's it been like --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It's something to see because, you know, that's not always the case. You know, for someone to make a jump and finally be somebody in the defense that they have just learned, it's crazy. It takes some guys sometimes a whole year to even learn a defense.

But for them to finally -- for them to come in, lock in and get it all down pat, it's been something to see. Hats off to them because they have had success as well, man. You know, Marquis (ph) is pretty much like a general, man, he's always going to make the checks when they motion and everything like that. He's someone that you can trust in and be -- you know, you've got guys up front and you have got Johnny in the middle playing linebacker, he's very savage.

So just having people like that on the team that's come in and helped us out a lot, I'm very thankful that Coach brought them in.

Q. Talk about how a lot of these guys --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, I feel like that has been something that has fueled us, understanding that we haven't ever been talked about a lot. We haven't ever you know been given that much respect.

So I feel like it's something that we are like demanding. You know, it created a chip on our shoulder from the beginning of our careers here at TCU. We had already had this type of mentality coming in because we have never been just that somebody to someone because we weren't five stars or none of that.

But for us to finally be in this situation, you know, we're not going to change the mentality of our mindset. We are going to keep that same focus and that same drive and that same chip on our shoulder because you can't change what has got you to this point.

Q. How important is it to stay home and pay attention to Stetson --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, it's just -- at the end of the day, man, it's just about doing your job. Understanding that they do have a quarterback that does things like that on the daily, you know, every game.

And just saying glued to your receiver. Not, you know what I'm saying, letting your eyes wander everywhere else and understand that the eye is on the receiver until the ball comes. Understanding that he can extend plays just a minute like McCarthy did, you know, man, so every week, all throughout the week, we're preparing for scramble drills and all that type of stuff, man, so I feel like we're ready for it.

Q. What have you seen from their receiving core specifically?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I've seen a lot from them. They got a couple of guys. They got some guys that can run and they also got guys that need to make catches and be consistent in their passing game. Just as a whole, man, they have a great receiving room and they also got a great quarterback that's delivering the throw.

So, man, it has been a week and we are preparing for it. We have the guys for this game. We got the guys in the back end for us to handle business. It's going to be a challenge, man, but we're ready for it.

Q. As someone who worked in Texas for a few years, I know how important football is over there. How big is it for you guys that you guys got here before --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Honestly, man, we just thankful as a whole to be in this position. Me personally, I didn't even know that all that was what it was because I don't follow all that type of stuff, man. I'm just here to help my team win.

But I have been seeing stuff about the first team in Texas and stuff like that, man, but at the end of the day, it's all about getting into this positive. But you know, all that history, you know what I'm saying, breaking whatever it was, or whatever it was, is what it is.

So, man, just as a whole, man, we just focused on this game. But that is something that I have seen.

Q. You mentioned McCarthy a moment ago. The photo you posted -- you know what I'm talking about, was that a disrespect photo?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: No, man. See, in the caption I was like, ain't no talking back-to-back, I'm going to show you. It's not about, you know, talking stuffy and doing all this before a game. Man, that's not what it's about, man.

It's about performing and you know, winning the game, you know, because J.J. McCarthy, he performed very well, you know what I'm saying, though he made turnovers and stuff like that, he's a great quarterback. He's going to be a great quarterback in his career.

Hats off to J.J., man, because I seen a lot in him, especially knowing that he's a very young quarterback, but he has to know how to handle situations a little better before a game, man, and I feel like that won't play a role in his success, ever, but than, that post was just about don't be doing all this talking before a game and now it goes south for you and you look crazy, you know what I'm saying.

Q. He liked the photo -- it was kind of funny. Did you see Michigan -- did you make any changes to go against Michigan?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: No, man. We actually run the same defense we run against Texas. Because Texas they had a great running back, Bijan Robinson. We ran the same type of stuff, loaded up the boxes and man up on the outsides.

Just being able to do that and have success against that team, because Michigan is a great team, we made them create -- we that I had them turn into a whole different offense and they started throwing the ball a lot. I feel like that opened eyes up for them because they can do that and we seen it.

So, yeah, man, just being able to come out on top of that game was amazing because that was a great team.

Q. A lot of the talk -- it never happened that they had to go big with the running game. What do you attribute that to, your guys's defense or Michigan's offense was as tough as expected?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: No, I feel like that showed people how tough we are, how violent, how physical we are. Because we got a lot of guys in the front seven that did create havoc, man, and it showed, because we did dominate up front. And going into halftime, I was feeling like, my boy, Jamoi, I'm telling him. Like, hey, Bro, I'm telling, like, I'm very thankful for y'all Bro because y'all doing y'all thing, Bro. It needed to being talked about because that is something that we showed, man, the physicality.

Them boys, they held up, man. For us to be able to do that in the first half and then, you know, for us to do what we did on the back end and starting to create turnovers, started to help in our favor.

Man, we have a great front seven, and I'm just very thankful for them.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Oh, man, you could feel it, you could feel it, you know what I'm saying, as we were leaving. There was a lot of people on the sides sending us off. It was amazing because that community hasn't had that in a while. For us to finally bring back the vibe, the good energy, the happiness, no matter if it's Christmas, the holidays, none of that, man. We have success throughout the season, you could just tell the community was happy for us.

Then for us to be able to finish it off right would be something big for this community and us, man. So I'm thankful for the people in the community because they began to come out and cheer us on. The games got louder and stuff like that. They were there for us, man. As a whole, I'm thankful for the Fort Worth community and DFW as a whole.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yeah, for sure, man, you started seeing more signs around the city. You start seeing people, you know, TCU flags in their cars and stuff like that. You start seeing people come out to our practices and you know just people being there for us and people start noticing, I go into Target, and I ain't even got to have a TCU shirt on, you know what I'm saying.

Just as a whole, man, you know, becoming somebody in your community, man, it's been amazing.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Just for him to have just as much experience as he has, experience and the success that he has been having, you know, it's a challenge for sure. He's a great quarterback. He was a Heisman runner-up. He's somebody that you should, you know, take very serious, man.

You know, man, I'm just very proud to be in this position, and I am ready to play Stetson. He is a great quarterback and I'm prepared for him.

Q. What is the journey like, with TCU, you can play right away -- what do you think -- what were the expectations?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: It started with my position coach and Gary Patterson, because Jeremy Modkins, he's a great cornerback coach. He's with the Vikings right now.

Man, so at first I came in, I was a safety and I had to develop into a cornerback. You know, he told me once he seen me on the field, hey, Tre, you're a cornerback. That's what we going to use you at. Get that safety stuff out of your head.

Once I heard that, I have to perfect my craft in this area of football. I had to make progress in becoming a good cornerback because, man, I didn't like being on the island because I (it) wasn't enough action. I couldn't come up and make tackles like that.

The first tackle I tried to make at TCU, I got in trouble for, because I was chasing the dude way across the field, like, man, Tre, speak to your man. You play corner. That's not what they do. I'm, like, hey, man, I want to tackle like that's what I do, like. So any time I can show my physicality, you know, I love to do it.

But, yeah, man, that staff did a great job of helping me become the player that I am today and then, you know, because corner was not a position that I was looking forward to at first but then, you know, the new coaching staff came in and he allowed me to become more physical being on the edge sometimes, type of dude, so it all worked out in my favor.

Q. The results speak for themselves. Do you see similarities in terms of the staff --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yes, most definitely, especially Coach Buck, you know, he's had cornerbacks that's had success in college and then went on into the league. You know, he had guys like Xavier Howard and Coach Buck, he helped me find out how to go get the ball and create turnover and catch interceptions, how to pin and find the ball. Because I've always been the type to look through hands and break the ball up and just playing through my man.

But Coach Buck, he has taught me how to finally get interceptions and stuff.

Q. They are also built, four stars, vast majority. Do you guys take it with a chip on your shoulder? You've been the underdogs all year. Do you see the four stars and five stars, take it on yourself, like stars don't matter?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yeah, man. In football, stars don't matter at all.

But Georgia, they have great players and they have been a winning team in the past and they have been a winning team in the present.

So it kind of goes both ways, but at the end of the day, for the guys that look at stars whenever they are very young, you know, it doesn't matter at all. It's all about how you develop once you get to college because you're seeing guys that are on the same type of play style and they have the same level of play just as good as you do.

Man, it's all about developing once you get to college.

Q. What's your favorite munchie?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Munchie? Pineapples.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Probably a bad haircut, because a hat, I could just put it on.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: My uncle.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Probably the Barber Shop, I don't know.

Q. Last person on the team bus?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Last person on the team bus? Me and D-Winters.

Q. How would you describe --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: As a momentum shift.

Thank you, that was different, I liked that.

Q. What has the season meant to you --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Yeah, it was most definitely something I expected because early on in the season, I was already talking about us winning a National Championship to be in this position.

For us to finally be in this position, especially for guys like me to be talking about it, has been something that you know we are very thankful for.

Q. What would be the biggest challenge --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, it would just be, you know, that they are consistent offense and they have been consistent in the passing game. You know, so it would be a challenge for sure knowing that Stetson is a Heisman runner-up and he is also -- he also has receivers that has done great things throughout the season and been consistent for him.

So, man, that whole little group as a whole is something that we are taking very serious and we are ready for it, though, because we have been preparing.

Q. Who has the best style on the team?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: You're looking at him: Me.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Tupac.

Q. NFL player?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Oh, NFL? Oh, trippin' -- 3. Deion Sanders, LaDainian Tomlinson-- and Sean Taylor. Most definitely Sean Taylor.

Q. Who on the team would you let date your daughter?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Let date my daughter?

Q. Yeah.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Nobody. Nobody on my team is dating my daughter.

Q. Can you choose --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: No, I'm not choosing nobody on my team to date my daughter. It's not happening.

Q. The Hypnotoad craze, do you think that's affected the NFL --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: The Hypnotoad, it's amazing, dog, because it has helped the team gain momentum, you know, no the matter the position that we are in, the adversity we are facing, the scoreboard or any of that, man.

The Hypnotoad has been amazing to us. I feel like it has been more push this season, especially that, you know, we haven't had really just been winning in the past and you know, it's something that's been very big. You know, we see it, and you just hear the crowd. As soon as you see it, it show our ball is not on the screen for -- but you know what I'm saying, you see, you don't even got to see it. You know you just got the whole crowd going crazy. Just to have the Hypnotoad, man, very thankful.

Q. They say you got the most swag on the team --

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: When you see it on me, you know what I'm saying. He got it, he got swag, too. He got it. He got it. He got it, man. He a youngin' though, he ready. He a youngin' though.

Q. What have you seen -- getting ready?

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: Man, it's crazy because I'm still trying to get the feel for it, man. It's still in the air. It's like, you know, we in the National Championship, dog. I feel like it will finally hit me when we run out there, and you see because that's a dream come true.

I feel like it's a dream come true for everybody that's playing in this football period, man, because that's what it's all about. It's all about being the No. 1 team at the end. It's all about being the national champ, man, and if you're not playing for that, you're playing football for the wrong reasons.

But for us to finally be in this position, man, I'm thankful for it.

Q. Inaudible.

TRE'VIUS HODGES-TOMLINSON: I wouldn't even know how to handle the situation, man, because I almost broke down when we won the semifinals, man. Because you come so far, man, in this position; that you win, it's not something that happens often.

It should be something that you should really, you know, take in, man, because you know, it's a gift from God, man, to be in this position and I'm just very thankful because it's guys like me that grow up as young men and watch us and see us on TV and be like, I want to be that person someday.

I want to have that life some day. I want to be -- and man, for us to have impact on the people just like the guys that will have the impact on me whenever I was watching when I was younger man I'm just very thankful to be that impact.