When you think of the Toledo Rockets, NFL Draft talent is not one of the first things that comes to mind. Those slick navy blue unis or the 2008 upset at Michigan come to mind first for most but the Rockets have sent 61 players to the NFL via the draft. Just last year, Toledo had its first first-round pick in 31 years and second all-time with Quinyon Mitchell heading to the Philadelphia Eagles.
After the likes of Dequan Finn, Peny Boone, Vinny Sciury, and RJ Delancy among others heading to the transfer portal and nine players who tried to earn their way to the NFL, the Rockets may be flying under the radar. However, this year, there are a few names to keep an eye on like Tucker Gleason, Jacquez Stuart, Jerjuan Newton, Anthony Torres, and Darius Alexander.
Perhaps the biggest name to watch, according to Jim Irsay of the Senior Bowl, is Maxen Hook.
The Senior Bowl Says to Remember a Toledo Defensive Star
Hook has a wealth of experience with the Rockets. As a true freshman, he played in all six games for Toledo in 2020. He took over the strong safety role in 2021 with 13 appearances and 11 straight starts to end the year. Hook broke out for 95 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, a sack, and broke up three passes.
In 2022, it was more of the same. In 12 starts, Hook amassed 81 tackles, three TFLs, two interceptions, and broke up four other passes. Those two interceptions were in back-to-back wins over Eastern Michigan and Ball State. Then, last year, he was hampered a bit by injury. Despite that, he logged 69 tackles, three interceptions, broke up four passes, forced a fumble, and recovered a fumble.
In total, he’s earned a Third-Team All-MAC once and is coming off back-to-back First-Team All-MAC selections. He was on the preseason Bronko Nagurski Award Watchlist last year and will likely be the same this year.
What the Experts Say
Jim Nagy, the Executive Director of the Reese’s Senior Bowl recently gushed about Hook:
Most fans know highest drafted Group-5 player this year was Toledo DB, @seniorbowl alum, & #FlyEaglesFly CB Quinyon Mitchell but 𝙁𝙀𝙒 know that we almost had two Rockets DBs in Mobile last February.
Reached out to HC Jason Candle in mid-January about adding instinctive SS Maxen Hook but he’d already committed to return to school because an injury was going to keep him out of pre-draft process.
Connected with @MaxenHook when I spoke to Rockets’ team on draft weekend and it’s easy to see why he’s a staff favorite.
He comes across like a grownup and he’ll have his MBA before he enters the NFL so there’s no doubt he’ll crush team interviews next spring.
Majority of NFL clubs we spoke with on our grade-sharing calls last year had solid mid-round grades on Hook and we think he could ascend this fall if fully healthy.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE
NFL Draft Diamonds Had a 2024 NFL Draft profile written up for the talented safety:
Maxen Hook is a 4th-year junior safety with two years of starting experience. He is utilized all over the field, playing both safety positions, nickel, inside linebacker, and walked-up at edge. Possesses solid height and great weight on a well-built frame.
At all positions, looks like the leader of the defense as he makes checks and shifts teammates around. Looks natural in his stance and shows a fluid back pedal. As a deep defender, gains depth quickly using great foot quickness and balance; rarely gets beat from behind.
Great mental processing and football intelligence as he reads quarterback intentions and weaves with their eyes while recognizing route concepts in both 1-high and 2-high coverages. Considerable range utilizing great COD skills to open up swiftly and cover good ground. Great ball skills to track the ball in the air, and adjusts to get underneath the ball and make interceptions.
Exceptional acceleration in space matched with good transition quickness to fly around the field especially when rolling down in coverage. Shows the ability to carry fast RBs downfield in man coverage. In the box (rolled-down safety, LB, edge), shows great lateral agility when sliding across the OL. Shows an aggressive demeanor when shooting gaps in run support to constrict his lane.
A reliable tackler in the box utilizing proper form and technique, and solid functional strength to bring ball carriers to the ground. Takes excellent angles to the sideline, and fires across the field like a bullet in pursuit to make plays with his non-stop motor. Shows fringe physical toughness to defeat all kinds of blockers. Needs to utilize his hands to shed blocks and prevent receivers and tight ends from dominating him on contact.
Cannot get around OL in the run game when they get their hands on him. Displays the athleticism to mirror receivers in man coverage but his lack of physicality when engaged is concerning. Has a habit of lunging when tackling in the open field which causes him to miss too often.
Hook elected to return to the Rockets in 2024 to lead what looks to be one of the best defenses in the MAC yet again.
Keep an eye on Hook and Rockets this year. Now that the College Football Playoff is open to the Group of 5, could the MAC send its champion? Who knows! But if they do, Hook will be a big part of it.
