Ziggy Hood: Scouted by Seattle

Scout.com's Chris Steuber has a nice Q & A with Missouri defensive tackle Evander "Ziggy" Hood. Among other things, Hood talked about his time at the Senior Bowl with Seattle's staff.

CS: You mentioned that teams asked you the same questions. The main purpose of those interviews is to conduct general background checks on a player. But was there a team that got more detailed in their approach and actually asked you to break down a defensive situation?

Hood: In most of my interviews they basically conducted a background check. I had a very positive meeting with the Detroit Lions and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but in my meeting with the Seattle Seahawks, I sat in with the General Manager, Head Coach and most of the coaching staff. They really drilled me and tried to find out if I had a high football IQ. I think I impressed them, but looking back I felt like I was poorly dressed for the meeting. I had just woken up from a nap and I had no idea what I should wear. I was just trying to get to the meeting on time. I thought that was more important than the clothes I was wearing.

CS: That’s interesting, because the Seahawks could use some help in the trenches and you’re a player who could definitely give them a boost. What did the Seahawks contingency ask you that made you believe they were interested?

Hood: They wanted to understand my football knowledge, as far as me knowing my assignments and my teammate’s assignments in a specific defense. They wanted me to point out where I’d be if a certain play was called and try to pick up different schemes of the offense and defense. It was pretty intense.

 

Looking at the highlights (standard disclaimer about highlights here!), I like his quickness, ability to penetrate, good sifting through blockers, and a neat inside spin against that ridiculous Oklahoma offensive line at the end of the video. As a disruptive defensive tackle projected as an early second/late first-rounder pre-Combine, Hood's one to watch.

Overview from NFLDraftScout.com:

Hood started 32 of 48 career games, but won't wow scouts with his athleticism. But his size, technique and tenacity make him an intriguing prospect for the 2009 draft. Voted honorable mention All-Big 12 in 2007 by league coaches, Hood finished with career highs in every category -- 49 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and three forced fumbles. He struggled as a senior with opposing offensive line schemes keyed on stopping him. Hood finished with only 23 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in 2008. His effort was unquestioned and a solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl solidified his stock as one of the more consistent defensive tackles in the 2009 draft.