Feature: Hughes Ready to Make Impact in Final Season
9/20/2011 8:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 20, 2011
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By Vince Barnaba, Maryland Athletics Media Relations
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The past five years have been a period of change and maturity for Trenton Hughes. On and off of the football field aspects of his life and his thinking have changed greatly. While he would like to play in the NFL after his days at Maryland are over, his experiences and lessons learned give him an alternative if those plans don't work out.
Hughes came to the University of Maryland in 2007 as a safety out of Kempsville High School in Virginia, having been recruited by many different schools including Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia Tech and Virginia. Hughes contributes the close proximity to his Virginia home as well as the camaraderie of the teammates for why he chose Maryland.
"When I came up here for my visit I really felt that this was a great group of guys and program," Hughes said.
After redshirting his true freshman year, Hughes first got on the field for the Terps in 2008. Both as a redshirt freshman and sophomore he saw most of his playing time come on the special teams units.
"My thought process about special teams from when I was younger is way different than what it is now," Hughes said. "Special teams used to be viewed as a bit of a hassle. After playing on it I've began to see special teams as an opportunity to play and help my team. I now take special teams very seriously and enjoy being out there."
This change of view on special teams can be attributed to the impact of older players such as former Terps LaQuan Williams (now with the Baltimore Ravens) and Emani Lee-Odai who saw most of their playing time on special teams. "LaQuan is an inspiration," Hughes said. "He is one of the reasons why my way of thinking changed about special teams. Any way I can help my team I am willing to do it. Helping your team out is all that matters in the end by any means necessary."
After playing four games as a redshirt freshman, Hughes played in all 12 of the team's games in 2009. In those 12 games Hughes recorded 11 tackles and played snaps on defense against Middle Tennessee State, NC State and Virginia Tech. Hughes used this as momentum and last year as a junior he started all 13 games.
"The first game against Navy was a big one for me," said Hughes. "Getting the chance to start all of the games and the exposure that went along with it was big for me."
Hughes said the biggest thing that he has learned at Maryland and what has helped him grow as a football player is poise.
"When I first got out there it was a lot for me. The game was very fast. I now am able to control it and am at ease when I am out on the field. I've learned that the biggest thing is always knowing your assignment."
Older teammates have served as role models and helped him learn and add to his game.
"I've looked at all of the older defensive backs that came before me and the way they carried themselves on and off the field. Kevin Barnes and Michael Carter and the way they watched and digested film were great for me to learn from."
Hughes went on to say there is more to being a cornerback than just going out and playing, it was through learning how to watch film and prepare for the game that he has matured and become a better player. When he was given a chance to start last season, Hughes excelled on defense, recording 39 tackles, nine pass breakups, a forced fumble and an interception.
Hughes described the feeling of intercepting his first pass as "the best feeling in the world" and reiterated that being able to help his team out by intercepting that pass made it all the better. Heading into his senior year there was much change in the football program, but Hughes said it all went very smoothly.
"It took awhile for us to digest the change but everything Randy Edsall brought to the program has benefited it greatly."
The family atmosphere at Maryland is a big reason why he is where he is today.
"My family has been great supporting me," Hughes said. "They are the reason why I am where I am today and I came to Maryland because it felt like a big family."
With his senior year having already started Hughes has set some big goals for both himself and the Terps for this year and beyond.
"I'd say that beating Miami for the first game of our season on national television the way we did is the best moment that I have had so far at Maryland. That got us off to such a good start. I want to move on from it and make it to the ACC Championship game and it all started with us beating Miami. The atmosphere was crazy and I have to give a lot of credit to the fans. The fans really helped us out. In big games you really need a good atmosphere and I really have to thank the fans for helping us out."
After this season is over, Hughes' final as a Terp, he plans to try and make it to the NFL. Through his play both on special teams and defense he hopes that to fulfill this dream. However after his playing days are over he hopes to put his family-science degree to work.
"I'd love to get into counseling and coaching. I feel as if there are a lot of opportunities out there for me."
Whether it be in the NFL or elsewhere, through what he has learned at Maryland Hughes has a bright future ahead of him.
Printed in the Maryland Gameday Program - Sept. 17
