John Hughes (American football)

John Hughes (born April 27, 1989) is an American football nose tackle for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted in the third round (87th overall) by the Browns. He played college football at Cincinnati.

High school
John Hughes attended Gahanna Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio. Hughes played tight end at Gahanna Lincoln and was initially recruited by colleges as either a tight end or defensive end. A three-star prospect according to Rivals.com, Hughes accepted a scholarship from the University of Cincinnati. Hughes is the only player ever to be drafted in the NFL from Gahanna Lincoln.

College career
Hughes accepted a scholarship from the University of Cincinnati, playing defensive tackle for the Bearcats. With his coaches acknowledging his rare combination of size, speed, and power, Hughes switched to defensive tackle upon his arrival at the University of Cincinnati. A four your contributor and two year starter for the Bearcats, Hughes became a disruptive force along the defensive line. In his senior season alone, Hughes recorded 12.5 tackles for loss and 5 quarterback sacks. Upon completing his collegiate career, Hughes was awarded the Ray Sheakley Most Improved Leader Award as well as the John Pease Outstanding Lineman Award.

Pre-draft
Hughes was invited to the 2012 NFL Combine upon completion of his impressive collegiate career. Hampered by a hamstring injury, Hughes had limited participation at the Combine. Overlooked by many NFL Draft pundits, Hughes drew interest prior to the draft from most of the NFL franchises.

Cleveland Browns
Hughes was drafted 87th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Hughes has made an early impact in Cleveland and is a major contributor at defensive tackle, starting in two of his first several games. Hughes earned his first professional sack against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 16, 2012.