Hughes, who is of Métis heritage,[1] signed with the Riders as a free agent after completing his university career with the Regina Rams.

He played peewee and midget, moving up to the Thom Collegiate Trojans for his high school football career.

[2] After an outstanding collegiate career, Hughes signed a free agent contract with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in April 2004.

Under head coach Danny Barrett, he spent much of his time as backup fullback to Chris Szarka, while also playing on special teams.

He had his first reception against Winnipeg in the Banjo Bowl in 2007 and had his first carry on October 21, 2007 against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and scored his first CFL touchdown five days later against the Edmonton Eskimos on a four-yard run.