Hughes attended Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he was a three-year starter and led Siegel in tackles with 106, tackles-for-loss with 25 and sacks with 13 as a senior in 2007. He was named the Region 4-5A Defensive MVP, All-Region, All-Area and All-County and participated in the Toyota East-West All-Star Classic in 2007. Also starring in basketball, Hughes averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding for Siegel High School.
Considered only a two-star recruit by Rivals.com, Hughes was not ranked among the best defensive tackle prospects in the nation.Scout.com, which listed Hughes as a three-star recruit, ranked him as No. 49 overall defensive tackle in the 2008 class. Jamie Newberg of Scout.com later admitted that recruiting services overlooked: "Right now, to me, he may be the best prospect in the state when it’s all said and done. And we just flat missed him."
Hughes had scholarship offers from Jacksonville State and Tennessee State, but committed to Tennessee after Phillip Fulmer surprisingly offered him. Fulmer compared Hughes to former Vols defensive tackle Justin Harrell, who transformed from a little-known recruit to a 2007 first-round NFL draft pick
Hughes originally signed with UT in January 2008, but failed to qualify academically. He spent several months at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia, before enrolling at Tennessee in January 2009. Hughes had bulked up from 275 to 310 pounds in little over a year, and emerged as one of UT's most talented defensive freshman (alongside defensive back Janzen Jackson).
Poised to make a huge impact in the trenches, Montori Hughes was a solid reserve as a freshman in 2009. The Vols lost both starting defensive tackles and Hughes is being counted on to be a big producer at one of those spots. Can he?
He is poised to solidify his career & football reputation with fellow freshman Janzen Jackson in 2010. Unfortunately depth on the defensive line will hinder the full potential of Hughes. Coming out of the dark ages of TN football, Hughes & Jackson are positioned to be the face of the once dominating defense once the Vols resume NCAA domination. Will this happen in 2010? No. With a strong showing from a healthy line-backing core it’s possible but, depth issues on the d-line could prove too much to over come. I would look more to 2011/2012 if these two aren’t in the league.
In time the Montori Hughes – Janzen Jackson combo could result in a flashback to 2009 with Dan Williams – Eric Berry. Leave it to Mr. Kiper to judge whether this dynamic duo will convert to $ & high NFL draft rankings. Hughes & Jackson each are 1 cut above 2 of the greatest to play the position in Orange & White. Who are, the late Reggie White & Eric Berry respectably. Could the similarities transfer to the gridiron? In a few short months we will know. One thing that is guaranteed, as a 2010 IMPACT player, Montori Hughes will make opposing offenses pay anytime he steps on the field.
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