Year | College | Gms/Sts | Rcv Yds |
Rcv TDs |
Punt Return Yds |
Punt Return TDs |
All Purpose |
Total TDs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | Tennessee | 12/12 | 1,083 | 9 | 5 | 0 | 1,088 | 9 |
2011 | Tennessee | 3/3 | 314 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 314 | 2 |
2010 | Tennessee | 13/2 | 415 | 7 | 16 | 0 | 431 | 7 |
Perhaps the top physical talent in this year’s draft class, Justin Hunter is a former high school state long jump and high jump champion who burst onto the scene at Tennessee by averaging almost 26 yards per catch as a freshman. A torn ACL prematurely ended his sophomore season, and while his numbers as a junior were impressive much of his productivity (515 yards, 7 TDs) came in four non-SEC games; he scored only two touchdowns in league play and averaged 71 yards in eight conference games.
Still, it’s Hunter’s Randy Moss-like athleticism that punched his ticket to the NFL. He has speed, agility, and great hands as well as natural ball skills and the ability to adjust to the ball wherever it is thrown. Hunter also has experience at all three receiver positions, so the Titans should be able to line him up wherever they feel he best fits. However, he did not display his considerable skills on a consistent basis at Tennessee, with lapses of effort and concentration that led to drops and a lack of productivity. Hunter also possesses a lean frame, which prompts durability concerns at the next level. That’s how he slid into the second round.
Hunter has the size and speed—and, apparently, the “play when I want to play” attitude—to warrant the comparisons to Randy Moss; a pair of Bengals, current star A.J. Green and the late Chris Henry, are also noted as having games similar to that of Hunter. He has the potential to usurp Kenny Britt as the Titans’ go-to receiver, or at least complement him in the Tennessee passing game. If the light comes on and Hunter does live up to his talents, the Titans have themselves a steal.