'09 TN DE Daniel Hood (Official Offer)

[GoRU]

'09 TN DE Daniel Hood



Strongside defensive end
Knoxville (TN) Catholic

Ht: 6-foot-5
Wt: 255 lbs
Forty: 4.9 secs
Class: 2009 (High School)

Rivals $

4/1

Holds offers from Auburn and Tennessee.

Scout $

4/17

Picked up offers from GT and Louisville.

Catholic's Hood mulling his options : Football Recruiting : GoVolsXtra.com

Daniel Hood has never been prone to rush into a decision.

With his college choice looming, the defensive end from Knoxville Catholic High School isn’t going to start now.

The 6-foot-6, 255-pound Hood has scholarship offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia Tech and Louisville. He’s also received interest from Ole Miss and Colorado.

Hood, who’s grown up a UT fan, could have easily committed to the Vols as soon as they offered last month.

Hood decided instead to weigh his options to find the school that fits him best.

“I want to check out every school I can,” he said. “That way if I find a school better than UT I can go there and know I’ll be happy. I want to make sure I’m 100 percent positive that I find the school that is the right school.”

Right now Hood says UT is his leader because he knows more about the Vols than any other school.

Hood said he’s seen plenty of talented players from his position play for the Vols.

“Historically UT has put out great defensive linemen,” he said. “The list goes on and on.

“They have great offensive linemen, so you’re competing against them every day in practice. You get better at defensive end because you’re going against better talent.”

Hood credited UT’s coaches for the Vols’ success.

He pointed to the long tenure of head coach Phillip Fulmer and his defensive staff members as a main reason.

“Coach Fulmer has been there 16 years so you’re pretty confident in the head coach they have,” Hood said. “You can be assured he’s going to be around a lot longer.”

Hood said he’s heard from many UT fans — family and friends included — who hope he will choose the Vols.

One UT fan who hasn’t pressured Hood is his father.

Hood said his father wants his son to make his own decision.

“It means a lot to me,” Hood said. “It shows he respects me. Even though I’m not a natural adult and shouldn’t be classified as one he’s letting me make my own decision.”

Hood has already seen that kind of support from his father during his high school career.

Before Hood’s sophomore year, he moved from his father’s house in Kingsport to his uncle’s house in Knoxville in order to attend Catholic.

“Selfishly he wants me in Kingsport with him going to Dobyns-Bennett (High School),” Hood said, “but he knows what’s best for me is at Catholic. He’s been able to support me emotionally and financially.”

Hood has already visited UT this spring and plans to attend the Vols’ Orange and White game on Saturday.

He said he will soon decide which schools to visit this summer.

[wadc45]

Rivals $

4/21

By Simmons...Florida State has offered.

[GoRU]

It appears nothing under the Hood for UT : Football : GoVolsXtra.com

The connection between the University of Tennessee and Catholic High School offensive tackle/defensive end Daniel Hood appears to be broken, although the reason is unclear.

Hood told the News Sentinel that he believed UT was still recruiting him, even though he hadn’t heard from the Vols lately. However, multiple UT sources said Hood is no longer being recruited.

Hood was originally told that he had an offer but it wasn’t guaranteed without a quick commitment.

“He said ‘Look, with this offer, it’s yours. The only thing that can keep you from getting this offer is if someone takes it from you,’ ” Hood said, recalling a conversation with UT coach Phillip Fulmer.

UT hasn’t since received any commitments from players similar to Hood — at least publicly.

Hood had minor arthroscopic elbow surgery last month but that isn’t thought to be a factor in his recruiting. Hood is already playing basketball and the recovery time from such a surgery is usually just a few weeks.

Hood has plenty of options. He said he has scholarship offers from Florida State, Georgia Tech, N.C. State, Louisville, Auburn, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Marshall, Colorado, Virginia Tech, Stanford and UCLA, among others.

UCLA was at the forefront after Hood visited the Los Angeles campus earlier this week during a family vacation to Las Vegas.

“Their weather is probably the best weather I’ve ever experienced in my life,” Hood said. “The campus is great too.”

Hood said he hasn’t yet whittled down his list of schools and that he’s still considering all official invites.

“No matter what happens,” Hood said. “I’m pretty set.”

[HotMic]

Scout $

7/22

From the South Carolina site. Hood was going to visit South Carolina this summer, but doesn't think he will be able to make it now. He talks about how much he likes the Gamecocks and the fact that his girlfriend may be transfering there. He thinks South Carolina will get an official visit.

[HotMic]

Scout: Tennessee standout talks favorites (FREE)

Tennessee standout talks favorites By Yancy Porter
Mississippi Scout
Posted Aug 11, 2008



Daniel Hood had a busy summer. His last camp experience took place on the campus at the University of Florida.
Continued...

[wadc45]

ESPN - Star receiver Brown top prize remaining in Tennessee - Football Recruiting

Daniel Hood, defensive end
Knoxville Catholic HS (Knoxville, Tenn.)
Considering: Auburn, Mississippi, Georgia Tech

Hood is one of those kids who could be a fan favorite. He plays with a high motor and for a big guy can do so many things to help a team. We have him listed at defensive end because of his ability, motor and build, but he could also be recruited as a blocking tight end and with some time to physically mature could also develop into an offensive or defensive tackle.

Where he lands and that team's needs will dictate where he eventually plays, but the bottom line is this is the type of kid you love to have on your team. He may not be the most athletic prospect, but his ability coupled with his versatility and effort level can help you win.

Hood has drawn much deserved interest from BCS programs. Even though he lives right down the road from the Tennessee campus, it looks like he will head out of state to play his college football. If you have not heard of him, be sure to check out his highlights because he is a fun player to watch and deserves a little attention.