He played college football for the California Golden Bears, earning consensus All-American honors in 2006.

Attended Park Western Place Elementary gifted and talented, which is located in San Pedro, California.

Went on to attend Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles, and was a letterman in football, basketball, tennis, and track.

He was recognized as the Lott Trophy winner in 2006 and a consensus first-team All-American while leading the nation in interceptions with eight.

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 the Las Vegas Bowl against Brigham 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 the Lott IMPACT Trophy.

[1] However, slower than expected 40-yard dash times likely led to his selection by the Indianapolis Colts late the third round.

[2] Hughes and Tim Jennings competed for the nickel back duties behind projected starter Kelvin Hayden and left corner Marlin Jackson.

On October 20, 2009, Hughes signed with the San Diego Chargers after Antwan Applewhite was placed on injured reserve.