Just when Western Kentucky thought it was about to make an explosive play, Maxen Hook ensured that it didn’t happen.
Toledo was facing off with WKU in a matchup between two of the better teams in the Group of Five this past season. The Hilltoppers were driving down the field on the first possession of the game and had the ball at Toledo’s 40-yard line. WKU quarterback Caden Veltkamp faked a handoff after a shotgun snap, took three steps backward, and threw deep.
The ball was intended to go to Veltkamp’s teammate near the goal line. But instead, Hook jumped ahead of the receiver and intercepted the pass. The Toledo safety then returned it to his team’s own 20-yard line.
Hook is best known for his ability to defend the run. But he can make plays in pass coverage, too. And that combination of skills is earning him some attention going into the NFL Draft.
Maxen Hook NFL Mock Draft Projection In 2025
I project Maxen Hook will be selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
I believe a safety like Hook, who has a proven track record of playing at a high level and one who is superb against the run, would be a solid addition to an NFL team. He’s also played some special teams in his career, which could make him even more appealing as a prospect.
What Was Maxen Hook’s 40 Time At The NFL Combine?
Maxen Hook ran the 40-yard dash in 4.55 seconds at the 2025 NFL Combine. That ranked 12th among 15 safeties who participated.
His vertical jump at the combine was 34.5 inches, which was 10th among 15 safeties, and his broad jump was 10 feet, 4 inches, which was seventh among 13 at his position group.
Maxen Hook’s Height & Weight
Maxen Hook was measured at 6 feet, 0.5 inches and 202 pounds at the NFL Combine.
Maxen Hook’s Stats & Highlights
Hook was a Group of Five first-team All-American in 2024, and he has a long list of accomplishments over the course of his career.
He was a four-time All-MAC selection, making the first team in each of the past three seasons while appearing on the third team in 2021.
As a senior, Hook tallied 107 tackles, which ranked fifth in the MAC. He added six passes defended, two interceptions, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one tackle for loss.
A year prior, Hook recorded 69 tackles, seven passes defended, a career-high three interceptions, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He racked up 81 tackles, three for loss, with one sack, six passes defended, and two interceptions in 2022.
Hook, who was a three-star prospect from New Palestine, Indiana, totaled 94 tackles, 3.5 for loss, with three passes defended, a sack, and a fumble recovery in 2021. His first collegiate season, he played in six games and tallied four tackles.
Where Is Maxen Hook From?
Maxen Hook’s hometown is New Palestine, Indiana. He played football at New Palestine High School.
Maxen Hook’s NFL Comparison & 2025 NFL Draft Profile
I believe some elements of Maxen Hook’s game are comparable to Harrison Smith. I don’t anticipate Hook will have the same career as Smith, but both are physical defense backs who bring a lot to the table.
Hook’s speed and physicality gave Toledo’s defense an element of chaos that proved difficult for opposing offenses to prepare for.
Among FBS safeties who played at least 485 snaps in 2024, Hook was fifth in Pro Football Focus’ tackling grades. He tied for 26th in PFF’s overall grades and was 19th in its run defense grades.
Hook is an excellent open-field tackler. He had a missed tackle rate of just 6.4%, which was the eighth-lowest in the country.
Hook’s a smart player with great closing speed, as he tied for 26th among FBS safeties with 26 defensive stops which were constituted as failures for the offense, according to PFF. He often knows where quarterbacks are going to make their throws and where the ball is going before it happens and gets to the right spot in a hurry.
In coverage, Hook allowed 17 receptions for 248 yards – a 68% reception rate. Over his four-year career where he played 2,653 snaps, he gave up just 57 catches for 770 yards.
Hook would have to land in the right situation for his abilities to be maximized, but that’s like every player. And if he is set up to succeed, he could be a solid starter in the NFL.
