South Walton’s Kemper Hodges creating big splash since arriving on the scene
SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. (BVM) —South Walton’s Kemper Hodges thinks of a few characteristics when asked what it takes to win.
“Brutal, rough,” Hodges says of a few things that come to mind.
Last Friday night, you saw all of that from Hodges who threw for 449 yards and six touchdowns for the South Walton Seahawks in a tough 49-48 loss to the Baker Gators.
Hodges is starting off his senior season with a record of 2-1 as the starting quarterback, with his Seahawks currently ranked as the No. 9 team in the state of Florida for 4A football. In Hodges senior season with the Seahawks, the 6-foot-1 quarterback has passed for 846 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air, while also racking up 166 yards and three touchdowns on the ground, through the team’s three games. In Hodges high school career, he has totaled for 5,390 yards in the air, another 1,274 yards on the ground, and a combined total of 76 touchdowns; with still plenty of time to improve on those senior season and career stats.
Before his time at South Walton, Hodges attended Pope High School where he was a multi-sport athlete not just showcasing his talents but also his leadership qualities. While attending Pope High, Hodges accelerated on the court as a basketball player along with his work on the field as a football and lacrosse standout.
“As a kid I grew up playing those sports, even if I didn’t have practice, me and some friend’s would be playing in the front yard,” Hodges said. “Something about going out with a group of guys having to work together to win feels so great when you accomplish it together.”
In the spring of 2020, many peoples lives changed with the start of the pandemic. Hodges not only had to deal with the effects of the pandemic like everyone else, but he also had another big change happen in his life. Hodges’ family made the move from Marietta, Georgia down to the Emerald Coast where he now attends South Walton.
“It was a really big change making the move from Marietta to South Walton,” Hodges said. “Especially during that time with COVID going on, along with the virtual schooling and not being able to be in person with my classmates and future teammates.”
During his time at South Walton, Hodges still managed to showcase his talents in lacrosse, football, and basketball. During his senior year at South Walton, Hodges won’t just be showcasing his elite athleticism but also his growing leadership qualities that he has gained along the way.
“I know I still have a lot to learn as a leader and as a person, daily, on and off the field,” Hodges said. “I need to become more vocal as a leader, not just by example. Leading by example is great because when it is time to get down and dirty on a two-minute drive. I know those guys would run straight in the trenches for me as they know I would for them.”
Hodges last year passed for 2,888 yards and 26 touchdowns and ran for another 884 yards on the ground with 19 touchdowns. His passing yards lead the state of Florida where he was named Class 4A District I Player of the Year.
Hodges has been putting up good numbers his senior year which has earned him athlete of the week honors during the second week of the season.
“I am very thankful to win athlete of the week,” Hodges said. “I would not have been able to do it without my great teammates. I would not have been able to receive the award if I did not have all the outstanding love and support from my teammates, family, and especially the amazing South Walton community.”
Right now, the Seahawks quarterback is getting a lot of attention from Division III schools, specifically, Coast Guard Academy.
“It would mean everything to me to play at the next level,” Hodges said. “I have been dreaming of signing to play at the next level. Not just for me but for my family and especially my brother. He is the one I look up to and the one I really play for.”
If Hodges keeps putting up the numbers we have seen in the past, it would be hard not to see the senior quarterback running out of the tunnel to lead a team on Saturday’s.
“I would love to play at LSU, that is my dream school,” Hodges said. “I will be happy playing anywhere. I would be thankful just for the opportunity to play.”
