Jerry Hughes

Jerry Hughes, Jr. (born August 13, 1988) is an American football linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Texas Christian University, and was recognized twice as a consensus All-American. He was selected by the Colts in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Early years
Hughes received three varsity letters in football while attending Austin High School in Fort Bend County, Texas, where he played running back. As a senior in 2006 Jerry rushed for 1,412 yards and totaled 19 touchdowns to capture First-team All-District 20-5A honors. Hughes also earned First-team All District as a Kick Returner. Hughes also lettered in baseball where he played third base and pitcher.

Considered only a two-star recruit out of high-school by recruiting service Rivals.com, Hughes failed to draw a lot of attention and only received a few scholarship offers. He picked TCU over Iowa State, Arizona State and North Texas.

College career
Hughes accepted an athletic scholarship to attend Texas Christian University, and played for coach Gary Patterson's Texas Christian Horned Frogs football team from 2006 to 2009. Patterson recognized Hughes' natural athleticism and assigned him jersey number 98, usually reserved for defensive lineman. Before the season, Patterson worked Hughes in at defensive end, and he was able to earn playing time there as a freshman.

Once at TCU, Hughes was one of just four true freshmen to play for the Horned Frogs in 2006. He recorded his first career sack in a 31-17 win over Army. He played in all 13 games as sophomore in 2007, and recorded at least one tackle in each of those contests.

Taking over as a full-time starter as a junior in 2008, Hughes recorded 15 sacks, 18.5 tackles for a loss, 6 forced fumbles, 2 interceptions and returned one of those picks for a touchdown. He led the nation with his 15 sacks. He garnered first-team All-Mountain West Conference (MWC) and MWC Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was recognized as a consensus first-team All-American.

In 2009 Hughes had a career-high 54 tackles and 11.5 sacks (tied for 7th in NCAA). This Season, the Horned Frogs rank first in total defense, allowing just 233 yards per game and are sixth in the nation with 12.4 points allowed per game. He was a first-team All-Mountain West selection again, and was recognized as a unanimous first-team All-American. Additionally he was named the MWC Defensive Player of the Year for the second time in two years.

His career totals now include 28.5 sacks, 139 total tackles, 39 tackles-for-loss and seven forced fumbles. At TCU, Hughes is on schedule to complete his bachelor's degree in communications in four years.

Awards and honors

 * Consensus first-team All-American – Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation, CBS Sports, College Football News, ESPN, Rivals.com, and Sports Illustrated (2008)
 * Unanimous first-team All-American – Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation, CBS Sports (2009)
 * Ted Hendricks Award (2009)
 * Lott Trophy (2009)
 * Lombardi Award finalist (2009)
 * Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist (2008, 2009)

2010 NFL Draft
Since Hughes was selected by the Indianapolis Colts 31st overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, he has recorded a total of 6 tackles in only 2 games as a rookie. He is the first TCU Horned Frog selected in the first round of an NFL Draft since LaDainian Tomlinson went fifth overall to the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft, and the first TCU defensive player selected in the first round since Bob Lilly, who was selected 13th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1961 NFL Draft.

Indianapolis Colts
On November 16, 2012, Hughes was fined $21,000 for a late hit against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10.