Tennessee cornerback shines in first game, setting the tone for Vols’ defense
Colton Hood didn’t just make his Tennessee debut on Saturday, he made it unforgettable. In a season opener filled with anticipation, the Colorado transfer stepped into a starting role and delivered a performance that shook up the SEC.
Hood earned SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors after playing all 84 snaps in the Vols’ 45-26 win over Syracuse in the Aflac Kickoff Game. His presence was impossible to miss.
Hood gave fans a moment to remember with a 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown late in the first quarter, stretching Tennessee’s lead to 17-0. Then, he disrupted Syracuse’s passing attack with three pass breakups, the most by any SEC defender in Week 1. And, he finished with four tackles, showing toughness in both coverage and run support.
The timing couldn’t have been more important. With preseason All-American Jermod McCoy sidelined and Rickey Gibson now expected to miss extended time, Hood stepped up when Tennessee needed him most. Head coach Josh Heupel emphasized that his cornerback’s play set the tone for the defense.
For Vols fans, Hood’s debut wasn’t just a bright spot, it was a promise. If this is what he can do in his first game, the SEC should be on notice.
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