'Pit Bull!' Rams 'Love’ Rookie DB Hodges-Tomlinson

Despite standing just 5-9, 180 pounds, Hodges-Tomlinson plays big ... because he simply refuses to be out-worked, and his feistiness resulted in McVay comparing him to a pit bill amidst a vast array of praise.

"I love the competitiveness of Tre Tomlinson," McVay said. "He's a super tough competitor. He's a pit bull. He is not afraid to be able to stick his face in there and I really love the way that he's continued to mature and progress through the offseason program."

McVay added that Hodges-Tomlinson's facemask penalty "wasn't intentional" and proved to be unfortunate as he wasn't able to take valuable snaps prior to entering the season.

But still, what the 22-year-old showed during both training camp and the preseason fostered significant confidence in what's to come - and he should have a real chance at playing time behind fellow corners Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and Ahkello Witherspoon.

The Rams' secondary is filled with youth and inexperience, which is a microcosm of the entire team as Los Angeles is in the midst of a transition just over a year and a half after winning the Super Bowl.

But there's belief that a chance to get back to that stage may come once more ... and Hodges-Tomlinson, with his tough, competitive, pit bull-esque mentality could just be at the forefront.