He played college football at University of Tennessee at Martin, and was selected in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft by the Indianapolis Colts.

He was also a member of the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, Memphis Express, and Los Angeles Wildcats.

He was named the Region 4-5A Defensive MVP, all-region, all-area and all-county and participated in the Toyota East-West All-Star Classic in 2007.

Also starring in basketball, Hughes averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding for Siegel High School.

Fulmer compared Hughes to former Vols defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who transformed from a little-known recruit to a first-round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.

[4] Hughes had bulked up from 275 to 310 pounds in little over a year, and emerged as one of the Tennessee Volunteers football team's most talented defensive freshman.

He was expected to play in Tennessee's 2011 season opener; however, Hughes was dismissed from the team on June 9, 2011, by head coach Derek Dooley.