Colton Hood is stepping into the NFL Draft spotlight with a confidence that's hard to miss. After a standout season with the Tennessee Volunteers, where he earned All-SEC honors, Hood is carrying that swagger into the NFL Scouting Combine, aiming to secure his place as a first-round pick.
His journey has been anything but ordinary. Hood's path included stints at three different schools in as many years.
Starting at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in Georgia, he made his way to Auburn in 2023. After redshirting there, he transferred to Colorado, where he played behind two-way star Travis Hunter.
It was at Tennessee, however, where Hood truly shined, transforming from an overlooked transfer into a defensive standout.
Arriving in Indianapolis, Hood finds himself ranked as the No. 5 cornerback on Mel Kiper’s big board and No. 26 overall by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah. He's positioned just behind LSU’s Mansoor Delane and Tennessee teammate Jermod McCoy among cornerbacks.
Hood’s confidence is rooted in experiences that predate his college career. Those who know him well instilled a strong sense of self-belief, crucial for a player who wasn’t always the biggest or most hyped recruit. Now, as he showcases his skills at the Combine, Hood is ready to prove he belongs among the NFL’s elite.