To read Part II of this interview -- where Hughes talks about developing his game, competing for playing time and adjusting to life in the NFL -- click here.
Michael Kranzler: You came to Oregon State as a receiver. What led you to being moved to cornerback?
Brandon Hughes: I couldn't catch, simply put. They recruited me as a receiver and I came in, I made some plays, but I didn't make enough of them and Coach [Mike] Riley and the staff saw me as a better corner in the future, better than I would have been at receiver, so they made me switch.
MK: You also worked as a reporter for OSU's student newspaper, "The Daily Barometer." Did you ever cover the football team?
BH: No, I did about two or three stories. They were all kind of mundane, but I think the biggest story I did was that Corvalis was implementing a new pedestrian crosswalk law. I just happened to be the guy they gave that story. It was more beat writing.
MK: What did it mean to you to be elected as a team captain before your last year at Oregon State?
BH: That was awesome. We had such a great team with a host of leaders who could've easily gotten that spot, one of the four, but I was fortunate enough to stand out and be elected by my teammates. I always considered myself to be a good leader, but to have my teammates reinforce that by voting me as a captain, there's nothing more I could ask for. It was awesome.
MK: Why do you think the Chargers released DeJuan Tribble the day after drafting you? Do you feel that you will provide an upgrade over him?
BH: I didn't know DeJuan Tribble. I'm sure San Diego had its reasons; I don't know.
MK: Is there anything you want to say to Charger fans, or that you would like them to know about you?
BH: I would hope that the faith that the San Diego Chargers' general manager and owners showed when they pick me, I'm able to reflect that through my play.
To read Part II of this interview -- where Hughes talks about developing his game, competing for playing time and adjusting to life in the NFL -- click here.