Doug Hogue Scouting Report

Doug Hogue started his collegiate career at Syracuse as a running back. As a true freshman in 2007 Hogue rushed for 251 yards and a touchdown on 77 carries. He even started four games when Curtis Brinkley went down with an injury. His best game came in a start against Buffalo when he rushed for 83 yards and his lone score on the season. The following year Hogue was once again a backup to Brinkley, but was much more productive with a year of experience under his belt. On the year Hogue only carried the ball 35 times, but those carries resulted in 232 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Hogue also caught 11 passes for 108 yards and a score.

In the spring of 2009 Hogue made the move to linebacker, where he started all 12 games. Despite the lack of experience, Hogue led the Big East in tackles-for-loss and ranked second in sacks. The unexpected success in 2009 led to high expectations in 2010 and Hogue did not disappoint. It has been the Syracuse defense that has led to their surprising season and Hogue has been the catalyst. Through the regular season the 6-2, 226 pound Yonkers, New York native tallied 89 tackles, 9.5 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble. For his efforts he was named to the All-Conference First-Team.

For a player who has only spent 24 games at linebacker, Hogue will only get better. He has good speed and great instincts…whether it be hunting down the ball carrier or the quarterback. Hogue has solid hands, which he developed during his days as a running back and he could even be a short yardage ball carrier in the NFL. However, his true position at the next level is as an outside linebacker and some team that has time to teach Hogue and allow him to learn more about the position will be getting a steal in the fourth or fifth round.

2/10 Update: Hogue failed to make much of an impact during the East-West Shrine Game, but he will have another opportunity at the NFL Combine. His raw talent and versatility should lead to some quality workouts. How well scouts believe that will translate into production on the field is another issue and the thing that will keep Hogue in the mid-to-late rounds.