Click for Chris Hunter Highlights
Every year, there are a handful of top players who fly under-the-radar with college recruiters. 2016 Lakes WR/DE Chris Hunter is just such a player, but that may be changing in the near future.
Hunter, a 6’3″, 215-pounder, is a two-way standout for for the Lancers posting over 45 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver and over 60 tackles and 19 sacks from his defensive end spot.
While both numbers are pretty gaudy, he said he sees himself more on the offensive side of the ball, if given the choice.
“I like to have the ball in my hands and make plays down the field,” Hunter told Northwest Elite Index shortly after helping lead his team past Kennewick for a berth in the 3A state semi-finals. “I can do whatever a team needs me to do, but I’m probably at my best catching a short pass and then using my size and speed (4.5) and my ability to make guys miss in the open field to make a play.”
Because of his quickness and athleticism, he’s also a terror off the edge for the Lancers.
“I like to rush the quarterback, no doubt,” Hunter said. “My speed is really tough for tackles to handle, but I’m not a small guy, so I think I sorta surprise them with my speed and quickness.
“I’m also pretty good with my hands, I can get blockers off me pretty easily, so that helps too.”
As far as recruiting is concerned, Hunter has yet to haul in an offer and it has his head coach, Dave Miller, who has been through plenty of recruiting processes, stunned.
“I don’t usually get too adamant about a kid, but Chris is so good and I think a lot of people are missing on him right now,” Miller said. “He’s big and a versatile athlete and I think he’s a top-level college recruit. I mean, how many guys can play wide receiver and defensive end and never come off the field during the game?
“This kid is a special athlete and he’s going to make someone pretty happy.”
So far only handful schools have come calling although one has begun to pick things up in recent weeks.
“Idaho has been recruiting me the most, but Washington told my coach they are planning to come down and see our game (vs. Eastside Catholic) in the Tacoma Dome this weekend,” Hunter noted. “I’ve also heard from Washington State and Utah as well and I have visited Eastern (Washington) and Central (Washington) for games.”
In addition to his exploits on the football field, Hunter is also a solid player on the basketball court and he runs the 100 meters, 110 hurdles and he takes part in the high jump for the track team.
NEI will continue to keep track of Hunter as he makes his way through the recruiting process and we will update news on him as it happens.
