Colton Hood never doubted his potential. Although he transferred to the University of Tennessee with just one college start under his belt, the redshirt sophomore defensive back thought he could play a big role if given the chance.
Hood has been a bright spot on the defensive side of the ball this season for the Vols. The McDonough, Georgia, native is widely projected as a first-round NFL draft pick and was recently named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes college football’s top defensive back.
“I haven’t surprised myself,” Hood says. “It was more just proving others right – I mean, proving myself right, not really proving others right. I always knew the type of player I was. That was a goal I set for myself coming into this year, so yeah, it wasn’t really too much of a surprise for me.”
Hood’s emergence has been necessary for UT, with injuries sidelining starters Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III. He’s taken full advantage of the opportunity and become a vital piece of the UT defense. Through 10 games, Hood has 45 total tackles, including 4.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble and eight pass breakups.
“He’s a fun guy to be around,” UT redshirt senior defensive back Jalen McMurray says. “I feel like as a unit, we’re extremely close, so being able to be on the field with a playmaker like that – that can go out there and hold his own, not only hold his own, but make plays – that’s something awesome to be a part of.”
Always ready
Hood comes from a big family, with two sisters and five brothers. His uncle, Roderick Hood, played eight seasons in the NFL after playing defensive back at Auburn.
Hood was a multisport standout at Eagles Landing Christian Academy in McDonough. Along with starring in football, he was a three-time all-region baseball player, a basketball letterman and a sprinter on the 4 x 100 relay team.
Hood started his college career at Auburn, where he redshirted as a freshman in 2023. He transferred to Colorado in 2024, appearing in all 13 games and finishing with 24 total tackles and two interceptions.
Transferring to UT this season has provided Hood with a chance to showcase his talent, and he was ready for his moment.
“Growing up, I was never like anybody’s really first choice, so I was always having to choose to have the next-man-up mentality,” he says. “So just every time getting my opportunity, going out there and making the best of it, I think that’s what it is.”
UT defensive backs coach Willie Martinez was impressed by Hood’s athleticism and versatility before he even arrived on campus, and could see his potential once the Vols began summer workouts.
“He’s the ultimate team guy. He has a team-first mentality. When he starts working out with us, you see the movements. You can see the traits,” Martinez says. “He gives us versatility. He can play corner, star and dime, which he is doing.”
Be the best version
Although Hood wants to see his name mentioned for major awards, it’s not how he wants to be judged.
“I mean, honestly, I just hope people just say I played hard, like I was a guy who plays hard and played for his team,” he says. “The personal accolades, of course you want those, like everybody wants those, but I just want my teammates to know that I gave my all for them every play, trying to help us be the best version of ourselves. I think that’s my ultimate thing.”
Despite his contributions this season and seeing his draft stocking rise, Hood isn’t satisfied with what he’s accomplished. He focuses more on watching his bad plays on film rather than his good plays to see where he can make improvements.
“I think I’ve played pretty well,” Hood says. “I think there’s still some things I think I can improve on, some meat I’ve left on the bone, I guess I could say. I mean, each week I’m just trying to get better.”
As the Vols prepare to play rivals Florida and Vanderbilt to end the regular season, they are no longer in the running to return to the College Football Playoff for a second straight year. But Hood doesn’t believe that should change the team’s mindset on the field.
“That ‘College Football Playoff or bust’ thing, I think it’s kind of misleading. As players, of course you don’t want to lose. Of course you want to make the playoffs. Of course that’s the goals you set before the season,” Hood says.
“But each week you just want to go out there and play your best regardless of if you’re going to make the playoffs or if you’re not; if you’re just playing in a bowl game,” he continues. “I think each week, regardless of what it’s been, we’ve always been just trying to go out there and be the best version of ourselves.”