Daymeion Dante Hughes(born August 21, 1985) is an American former professionalfootballplayer who was acornerbackfor five seasons in theNational Football League(NFL). He playedcollege footballfor theCalifornia Golden Bears,earning consensusAll-Americanhonors in 2006. TheIndianapolis Coltsselected him in the third round of the2007 NFL draft,and he also played for the NFL'sSan Diego Chargers.
 Hughes with the San Diego Chargers in 2011 | |||||||||||
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| Position: | Cornerback | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | August 21, 1985 Los Angeles, California,U.S. | ||||||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 190 lb (86 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | CrenshawLos Angeles) | ||||||||||
| College: | California | ||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 2007/ round: 3 / pick: 95 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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Early life
editHughes was born inLos Angeles, California.Tested for Highly Gifted at age 8. AttendedPark Western Place Elementarygifted and talented, which is located in San Pedro, California. Went on to attendCrenshaw High Schoolin Los Angeles, and was a letterman in football, basketball, tennis, and track. In football, he was an all-league and an all-city honoree as a junior. As a senior, he was named the Coliseum League's co-Player of the Year. In basketball, he was a two-year starter. On Rivals 's list of Top 100 California Players, Hughes came in at No. 41 and was subsequently recruited by multiple Pac-10 and Big Ten programs, but eventually landed at Cal.
College career
editHughes enrolled at theUniversity of California, Berkeley,where he played forCalifornia Golden Bears footballteam from 2003 to 2006. He was recognized as theLott Trophywinner in 2006 and a consensus first-teamAll-Americanwhile leading the nation ininterceptionswith eight. He was prolific in breaking up passes and making pinpoint tackles to stop the passer's progress in all four years. Due to his ability to completely shut down one side of the field, he was given the label of a "shutdown corner," a title only given to the best of defensive backs.
In 2003, as a freshman, Hughes started five games. Hughes recorded a tying-team high with two interceptions, 30 tackles, and recovered a fumble. Hughes first interception was returned 72-yards for a touchdown againstOregon State.Hughes was awarded the Bob Simmons Award as the team's most valuable freshman.
As a sophomore in 2004, Hughes started in 11 of 12 games. Hughes was the team's 12th leading tackler with 26 tackles and was second on the team with 6 broken up passes. Hughes starred in theBig GameagainstStanford,where he recorded four broken up passes and two tackles. Also, Hughes had three four-tackle games.
In his junior season of 2005, Hughes led the Pac-10 with 17 defended passes, 12 of those broken up. He ranked second in the Pac-10 and 16th nationally with five interceptions. Hughes also finished fourth on the team with 62 tackles. Against theUniversity of Washington,Hughes took an interception back 41-yards for a touchdown. Against theUniversity of Southern California,Hughes recorded a season-best 10 tackles and broke up two tackles. AgainstWashington State,Hughes blocked a kick and had three pass break-ups. In theLas Vegas BowlagainstBrigham Young University,Hughes' interception on BYU's final drive clinched the win for Cal.
In his final season of 2006, Hughes was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and won theLott IMPACT Trophy.Hughes was first-team All-American and recorded eight interceptions and defended 19 passes. Hughes was second on the team with 72 tackles too. Against USC, Hughes had seven tackles and broke up a pass. AgainstUCLA,Hughes recorded a team-best 10 tackles, three pass break-ups, and an interception. Hughes intercepted a key pass in the endzone against Washington and recorded a season-high 11 tackles and two interceptions againstArizona State,one of which was taken back for a touchdown. Hughes also returned an interception 30-yards for a score againstPortland Stateand recorded two interceptions against theUniversity of Minnesota.Along withSyd'Quan Thompson,the highly regarded duo led the Golden Bears to one of its best defensive seasons ever in terms of pass defense.
Professional career
editIndianapolis Colts
editAfter his senior season, he was expected to be an early first day pick in the2007 NFL draftand one of the first cornerbacks taken.[1]However, slower than expected 40-yard dash times likely led to his selection by the Indianapolis Colts late the third round.[2]
Hughes andTim Jenningscompeted for the nickel back duties behind projected starterKelvin Haydenand left cornerMarlin Jackson.Hughes competed against fellow-rookieMichael Coe.Hughes finished the season with 14 tackles in only 10 games.
Hughes was waived on September 5, 2009.
San Diego Chargers
editOn October 20, 2009, Hughes signed with the San Diego Chargers afterAntwan Applewhitewas placed on injured reserve. On October 24, 2009, he was waived by San Diego, but was re-signed on October 27.
On October 3, 2010, he was released to make room for Wilson. On October 6, 2010 Hughes was re-signed to the 53-man roster. For the 2010 season he has played in 4 games and made 2 tackles.
Hughes was released on March 13, 2012.
Personal
editHe is known by his middle name, Dante, to his close friends and family members. He is the son of Ronald and Catana Hughes and graduated with a degree in art practice. Hughes and his art were featured on the sports page of theSan Jose Mercury News.
References
edit- ^"SI - Writers - Mock Draft No. 1 (cont.) - Friday January 26, 2007 11:59AM".Archived fromthe originalon February 17, 2007.RetrievedApril 2,2012.
- ^"2007 NFL Draft Listing".Pro-Football-Reference.RetrievedMay 11,2023.