NFL prospect thankful for Sanders' next-level lessons

Shane Hooks is preparing for his shot at being in the league

Brian Schaible/BuffsBeat

Shane Hooks is trying to become the latest Jackson State alum to break into the NFL. After compiling nearly 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns over a two-year span, there's no doubt the former Tigers receiver was a huge asset for Deion Sanders and the offense.

In fact, he credits much of his success to Coach Prime and QB Shedeur Sanders, who tried to have him transfer to Colorado for his senior season. Hooks wanted the bigger lights of the SEC and chose to play for Auburn instead.

“I had the option to go there and I did want to go play with my boy, Shedeur," Hooks told BuffsBeat. "The connection we had was like no other. Going into my last year, I wanted to play in the best conference. It was always a childhood dream to go. So, that’s what I wanted to do.” 

It was clearly a tough decision for Hooks who greatly admires the Sanders family.

“That family, I love them. Coach Prime, Shedeur, Shilo, Bucky, all of them are family for life.”

Hooks recently had a very successful Tropical Bowl down in Daytona Beach. The Orlando, Fla. native play in front of a hometown crowd, catching four passes to earn an honorable mention offensive award. He'll now focus on the path forward to April's NFL draft.

Auburn’s pro day is in March and Hooks knows he'll needs to display his blazing speed to stand out for the NFL scouts. “I need to run a good 40 [yard dash]. Show them that I can run a 4.4 and then just go for there," Hooks noted. 

Outside of Coach Prime, Hooks has ties to another Pro Football Hall-of-Famer. He's the cousin of Indianapolis Colts great Edgerrin James.