VFL Colton Hood made an early impression on his New York Giants coaches this week during rookie minicamp in East Rutherford. According to ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, Hood made the “play of the day” on Saturday. While playing zone coverage, Hood jumped on a route from tryout running back Miles Davis. As Hood converged on the target, the ball ricocheted off Davis and into the hands of the former Volunteer. Hood ended up taking the ball back for a touchdown.
“I took it from him,” Hood said about the ball during his pick-six play, according to ESPN.
This play is another easy example of Hood’s elite positioning that seemingly always has him in and around bang-bang plays. You look back at his two touchdowns during his lone season at Tennessee – one came during a scoop-and-score fumble recovery, and the other came in a pick-six that wasn’t even intended for his closest man. Hood plays good, well-positioned football, and is a better player because of it.
Hood celebrated the big play with his cornerbacks coach, Addison Lynch, by doing his patented “Hood” celebration.
Colton Hood on his celebration gaining popularity 😆 pic.twitter.com/UEeVke6eaH
— New York Giants (@Giants) May 11, 2026
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Hood was one of seven players that the Giants acquired, alongside LB Arvell Reese, OT Francis Mauigoa, WR Malachi Fields, DT Bobby Jamison-Travis, OT J.C. Davis, and LB Jack Kelly. New York picked Hood with the 37th overall pick during the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Hood transferred into Tennessee ahead of the 2025 season. After injuries sidelined both Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson III for the entire season, Hood was thrust into Tennessee’s top cornerback role in his first season with the Vols. He racked up 50 total tackles, 34 solo tackles, one pick-six, and a scoop-and-score touchdown.
While Hood had a solid season with the Vols, his draft stock really began to rise during the offseason. He had great showings at the Senior Bowl, the NFL Combine, and the Tennessee Pro Day over the last two months. Hood has also put himself in a good light with strong media rounds before the draft, doing interviews with Good Morning FB and Nightcap.
Hood originally began his career at Auburn in 2023 before transferring to Colorado for the 2024 season. After playing under NFL legend Deion Sanders for one season with the Buffaloes, Hood took his talents back to the SEC and wound up with the Volunteers. During his one season at Colorado, Hood racked up 24 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, and two interceptions.
The former Volunteer now heads to a franchise looking to continue building up a roster of young talent. Hood will help New York as a physical, sticky cornerback on the outside of the defensive formation.
