Friday Feature #26: Colton Hood
One of my favourite games of 2025 in college football was Georgia vs Tennessee. A shootout that ended in OT with Georgia continuing their winning streak over the Volunteers. A player who jumped off the tape in that game was Tennessee CB, Colton Hood. Taking over as the leading corner, he excelled and has now grown his draft stock into 1st-round consideration. Check out my detailed scouting report on Hood below:
Background & Measurables
Name: Colton Hood
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Size: 6'0, 193 pounds, Hands: 9", Arms: 31 3/8"(Combine verified)
Position/Scheme Fit: Press-man corner in a 4-2-5 scheme
Former 3-star recruit back in the 2023 class, he committed to Auburn over Arkansas and Michigan State. His uncle, Roderick Hood, played eight seasons in the NFL after appearing in 47 games as a defensive back for Auburn. He played in 4 games before earning a redshirt at Auburn, making three tackles in the Bowl game that year. In what would turn out to be a trend for Hood, he transferred after the 2023 season to play for Coach Prime at Colorado.
He earned All-Big 12 honourable mention honours from College Football News after playing in all 13 games with one start and was also a major contributor in special teams coverage. He finished the season with 24 total tackles, six pass breakups, two interceptions and one tackle for loss. Once again, though the CB was on the move and went back to the SEC and closer to his home in Georgia to play for Tennessee and form a planned partnership with stud junior Jermod McCoy. That never panned out as McCoy missed the entire 2025 season, but Hood excelled.
Hood was phenomenal in 2025 and was a Jim Thorpe award Semifinalist after a season of 50 tackles, 4.5 for loss to go along with an INT and fumble recovery for a TD. He also had 8 PBUs, which ranked in the top 10 in the SEC.
Games watched: Georgia (2025), Alabama (2025), Vanderbilt (2025).
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Measured in with over 31" arms at the Combine, which is more than enough to be deployed as a press man corner outside in the NFL. He uses that length effectively, and it allows him to be more patient and guided at the line of scrimmage.
2. Hood has got more than enough deep speed. It shows up on film as he can roll with receivers on deep posts in single coverage or on over-the-top go-balls. His 4.44-second forty-time should alleviate any concerns about his ability to play outside.
3. Solid openfield tackler, who has excellent technique. Only missed 4 tackles in 2025 and had some strong moments hunting down scrambling QBs or coming downhill on screen plays. Length allows him to disengage from blocks effectively.
4. Flashes some high-end ball skills even if he doesn't have the INT production. Had a ridiculous hands play called back vs Georgia and had 2 TDs in 2025. 8 PBUs was among the best in the SEC as he attacks the ball in the air with purpose.
5. Looked really mature and confident at the Senior Bowl in practice. Smooth mover in space and has advanced football IQ and understanding of coverage for a player with fewer than 700 coverage snaps in college.
Development Points
1. Only 1 year as a starter on a defense that really struggled down the stretch. Prior to his redshirt sophomore season, Hood was limited to special teams action and spot starts in Bowl games. He has momentum, but teams will need to trust his 2025 tape for a premium pick.
2. Is prone to being too physical with receivers, leading to pass interference penalties. Needs to paint a better picture for the officials and avoid costly yardage. He gave up 4 penalties in 2025, with all of them coming in SEC play.
3. Very strong in coverage but has moments of rawness on film. Can give up too much cushion at the boundary and can play more physically through switch releases in the red zone.
4. Not the most fluid in changing direction. Can get caught when he gives up inside leverage in terms of turning his hips quickly to get in position to make a play on the ball. Won't likely be suited to a role in the slot.
5. Can take some bad angles in the open field, turning bad plays into much worse plays. He can overshoot gaps on screens or take too wide angles in space, giving up some big plays that could have been prevented.
Conclusion
Colton Hood has emerged as a top corner prospect from the Volunteers after previous stops at both Auburn and Colorado. He flashes ball skills and range, but really, it's his ability in coverage that has scouts wondering if he can hold up as a press-man corner on an island. His speed is also there, but with only one year of starting experience, he is a bit of a gamble. Hood has a chance to be a 1st round pick in April, and any team drafting him might need to be patient as he develops into a more well-rounded NFL cornerback.
Grade: 6.8/9.0 (1st-2nd round grade)
Player Comp
He reminds me of Giants’ former 1st-rounder Deonte Banks as a prospect, who has not worked out in the NFL. In terms of pro players, Hood looks a bit like Carlton Davis, who, in contrast to Banks, has been a much better pro than he was a college player.
Team Fits
Giants, Cowboys, Steelers, Saints, Dolphins, Chargers, Rams, Lions