2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Delonte Hood, CB, Peru State

• Name: Delonte Hood
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 196 lbs
• Position: CB
• College: Peru State
• Twitter: Delontehood
• Instagram: Delontehood

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My major has been Communications. I  also have a minor in Sports Management. While I was at Toledo, I was able to participate in a community service project where we fed the homeless. Also, when I was at Glenville State, I volunteered with the team to clean up the roads in the neighborhood.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say that I’m one of the hardest workers on the team, I lead by example and I’m a great playmaker.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’ve played the CB position for the majority of my career. I’ve mostly played on the boundary covering the #1 receiver, and I’ve been on the right side of the field where a lot of quick passes come my way. As I follow the #1 receiver, sometimes that means I’m lined up in the slot. In certain packages, I’ve also lined up at free safety. I’m a man-to-man corner that really likes pressing. As far as scheme, I’ve mostly played in 4-2-5 and 4-3-4. I’ve also been the gunner on punts and have been the punt returner.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
My sophomore year, I played against Michael Strachan while he was at Charleston. He’s a very athletic big physical receiver that was just recently drafted by the Colts. He really earned my respect. I was a little smaller back then, and I’ve since stepped up my game.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Dane Lynch is a free safety at Glenville State that I’ve really seen develop over the years. Javon Butler is a great competitor at receiver there as well. He’s a dual sport athlete that also runs track. He’s just as dynamic on the football field as he is on the track. He’s the go-to receiver in that offense.

While I was at Toledo, one of the players that really impressed me was Zach Ford. He knows the game very well, and we were really able to connect on the field.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I had a lot of trying times as a kid, and I was mostly homeless from the age of 14 to 17. I struggled early on with my mom having me when she was just 15. There was a time where the relationship that she had really interfered with my desire to play football. It was very hard to stick with football despite our circumstances. Yet, I really really wanted to play football and thought that I might have the opportunity to make a living at it.

Being homeless and not having much has made me really appreciate the little things in life. Hopefully, I will be able to give back to those that are less fortunate when I make it to the league.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Boxing or track & field. I spent some time in high school going to MMA camps and really enjoyed it. I ran track in high school and even practiced with the team at Glenville State. I’ve been able to maintain my speed and even run a 4.45 at my junior pro day.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement was in 2019 where I was named All-Region, All-Conference as well as an All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In 2018, I was able to get my first college interception against Wesleyan on their field. One of our DBs broke up a pass, hitting the ball up in the air for a tip drill. I was the one that came down with the interception.

Another moment that comes to mind is an interception that I had against Fairmont State. I was pressed in man coverage and dropped back to the post. I was over the receiver when the QB threw the ball. I jumped and grabbed the ball over his head for the turnover.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Jalen Ramsey is one of the athletes that I really like. I try to study his techniques and bring those to my game. I really like the aggressiveness and confidence that he brings to the game.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is NBA YoungBoy. Before games, I like to listen to G Herbo’s song called 100 Days 100 Nights.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken & Shrimp Alfredo that my girlfriend makes.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is the Dark Knight. Will Smith is one of my favorite actors. One of the TV shows that I’m enjoying right now is Loki.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like to spend time with my girlfriend. I also like to draw. One of my talents is that I’m able to shoot a bow and arrow pretty good.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
One of the reasons why I play football is that I want to be great and be the best. Football has also changed my life and has given me the opportunity to help the people close to me. I hope to inspire other people that have been in my shoes.