There is no doubt that football is an inherently violent sport. Players, especially on the defensive side of the ball, are paid to do everything in their power to prevent the man from lining up in front of him.
Josh Hokit, who the 49ers signed after the two-way player was not drafted in April, understands this better than anyone. Hokit is passionate about mixed martial arts and, in an interview with David Lombardi of Athletic, spoke of the possibility of giving the sport a chance after his NFL career ends.
“I’ve been thinking about it lately, and you can’t count it,” Hokit said. “Do I have that in me to keep getting punched in the face over and over again?” To put my body through all this. I really come back to this thought process: I am only on this earth once. I only have one chance. You might as well put it all on the line.
“It’s just something about individual sport where it’s you versus the other guy. You are on the mat with another person, just you and him. You will be locked in the cage with another person. No one will be able to help you, not your teammates, or anything – only you. It’s going to be your preparation.
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Hokit initially accepted a wrestling scholarship at Drexel University outside of high school, but the lack of a football program for the Dragons instead led him to accept the chance to become a star of two sports at Fresno State as that walk-on. He not only amassed over 1,500 total scrum yards for the Bulldogs, but Hokit also finished fifth in the 2019 NCAA Wrestling Championships and was an All-American.
Playing mostly back in college, Hokit transferred to linebacker for his senior season before being sent back to the Fresno State backfield after injuries to the team’s top three players. His versatility is something that he says has made him an attractive signing for the 49ers.
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“They saw a football player, not just a specific position. And with this offense, that’s what they look for in every skill position. They want a wide receiver who can throw the ball. They want a running back who can catch the ball and run like a wide catcher.
“They’re just looking for versatile guys and I really think I’m a perfect fit for this system.”
He’s expected to be seen as a full-back when the 49ers’ training camp opens over the next few weeks, and with Kyle Juszczyk’s contract expiring after this season, Hokit could be someone the 49ers see him as a cheap replacement who could bring similar utility to coach Kyle Shanahan’s attack while simultaneously getting some important special-teams shots.
Hokit is clearly not afraid of a challenge, which will be for the 22-year-old to break through the 49ers’ final roster of 53. But whenever his NFL trip comes to an end, Hokit seems to have the skills needed for a potential career in the Octagon.
