Missouri's Hood a potential fit for Titans d-line

INDIANAPOLIS _ If Albert Haynesworth leaves, the Tennessee Titans will surely be in the market to add depth at defensive tackle. Could a guy like Missouri's Evander "Ziggy" Hood be the right kind of fit?

Hood, who had 15.5 sacks in his career for the Tigers, is the kind of inside pass rusher Titans defensive line coach Jim Washburn would probably love.

He has a high motor and says he wants the team to win above all else, and has a knack for forcing turnovers.

"Our coaches preached a lot of takeaways, so during practice we spend extra time ripping and stripping the ball and making sure we recover the ball," Hood said. "Our game plans going into every game was to try and get takeaways, who whoever was around the ball fall on it"

Hood is already well versed in running to the football, which is something Washburn and the Titans preach. He talked about having to chase speedy wide receiver Jeremy Maclin down the field in practice as the play unfolded, and said that hustle is a big part of his game.

"I always try giving my best, 110 percent, if not more 111. I always try to keep going. There are always times when you can make great plays, but when you hustle, you can make even better plays," Hood said.

Hood is being projected to go anywhere from the late first to the early third round and said he would love to be a Titan, given the opportunity. He is scheduled to meet with his list of interested teams Saturday night.

"It would be an honor to play for the Titans with that great defense that they have,” Hood said.

His given name is Evander Hood. So how did he get the nickname "Ziggy?"

"I'm half black and half Hispanic, and my grandmother on my mother's side couldn't say Evander, so she gave me the nickname "Ziggy" after the little cartoon character," he said.