The seal is broken in Pittsburgh. 

After a big junior season with the Vols, Colton Hood is the first member of Tennessee football to hear his name called in the NFL Draft. 

Hood was selected No. 37 overall in the second round by the New York Giants. He is the highest-picked Vols defensive back since Eric Berry went fifth overall in 2010 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Hood spent just one season with Tennessee and instantly became an impact player. The Colorado transfer finished the season with 50 total tackles, one forced fumble and an interception. He also scored a pair of defensive touchdowns. 

At the Vols’ pro day, Hood also impressed, running a 4.41-second 40-yard dash.

“My competitive nature, you’re not gonna find that in any other player in this class,” Hood said. “It’s hard to find, really, on this earth, I believe. I would say I’m technically sound, and I’m a complete corner. I cover, I tackle, I do everything.”

A three-star recruit out of high school, Hood spent time at Auburn before transferring to Colorado in 2024. He broke out with two interceptions and 24 total tackles, but opted to advance his career at Tennessee. 

“They will get a dog, somebody who is competitive and has an insatiable hunger to be great,” Hood said. “I’m a hard worker, and just somebody who’s gonna go out there and compete every snap.”

Vols head coach Josh Heupel praised Hood’s approach and impact on the program.

“An athlete that does it the right way,” Heupel said. “He’s a smart, tough, relentless competitor who cares about the people around him.”

After two straight reliable seasons from Hood, who played in all 12 regular-season games at Tennessee, his hard work pays off. He joins new Giants head coach John Harbaugh and former Vols receiver Jalin Hyatt in New York. 

“He’s smart, tough, relentless competitor who cares about the people around him,” Heupel said. “You look at his performance today, at the combine, he’s setting himself up to have a great career.”