Senior Gameday Program Feature - Jimmie Hunt
10/23/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jimmie Hunt
by Ben Yarrington, Mizzou Strategic Communications
In high school, a lot was asked of Jimmie Hunt.
Hailing from Cahokia, Ill., Hunt was a tremendous two-way player, and saw time at safety, wide receiver, cornerback, running back, linebacker, and as a return-man. The senior wide receiver has since found his niche at Mizzou, finding success as Mizzou's primary slot receiver.
After receiving offers from quality schools in the Pac-12, Big 12 and SEC, Hunt chose Mizzou for the same reason that many other student-athletes do: the family atmosphere.
"It felt like home," Hunt said. "Everybody was cool and welcoming, and I was able to be myself here."
Hunt's decision to attend Mizzou was made easier by a question his coaches posed to him as a recruit.
"Mizzou recruited me for both sides of the ball - as a safety and wide receiver - and they asked me which position I would rather play," Hunt said. "I told them receiver. Now, I love hitting people, but I like to score touchdowns way more."
Ever since that decision, Hunt has been off and running, catching more than a few passes along the way.
Since joining Mizzou in 2010, Hunt has done a tremendous job improving his game. Every year following his freshman campaign, Hunt has at least doubled his number of receptions from the previous season. This season, Hunt's work has been cut out for him, as he looks to fill the void left by most of Mizzou's departed 2013 starters at wide receiver.
Having a chance to prove themselves has served motivation for Hunt and the rest of Mizzou's wide receivers.
"People are always going to talk, but it's about what we did in the offseason that is really going to translate over to the regular season," said Hunt. "It's about mastering fundamentals, and that's what we try to let the younger guys on the team know."
Hunt's mentorship of the younger receivers will prove key as Mizzou will graduate all three of their starting wide receivers this year: Hunt, Bud Sasser, and Darius White.
While Hunt is busy mentoring the star Tigers of tomorrow, he's also busy making plays and providing major contributions to the current 2014 team. Hunt has already recorded his season-high in touchdowns this year, and is just four receptions and 25 receiving yards away from career highs in both of those categories, as well. Hunt's success has come as no surprise to quarterback Maty Mauk, who recently compared Hunt to former Missouri standout slot receiver T.J. Moe.
Hunt's success in the slot can be attributed to his football I.Q., his physicality, and his versatility as a receiver.
"Being able to read coverages and find holes in particular defenses is important. It's a little more difficult to do that on the inside compared to the outside," said Hunt.
"You're also going through so much traffic, so you've got to be a lot more physical with the linebackers and safeties."
Of course, Hunt added that he would play wherever the coaches ask him to play, showing how much he wants to be on the field to help.
After Mizzou, Hunt hopes to make it to the NFL. In addition to that, he is also focused on his future career in health sciences and medical sales.
"It's a rapidly growing field, so there are a lot of opportunities there," said Hunt. "You can also help a lot of people by doing that. I can bring some of my positive energy from football and from our coaching staff at Mizzou to a different type of situation altogether."
Hunt's humility and pragmatism are clearly traits that he has had throughout his entire life. However, true to his nature, he is quick to give credit to others for his achievements. Hunt recognized the coaching staff at Mizzou for his growth during his time in college.
"They teach you to be accountable to yourself, and they make sure you're dedicated to yourself, the program, and the people around you," he said. "That will ultimately be reflected down the road in life, whatever career you may end up in."
One thing is for certain: much like those characteristics above, Hunt definitely has a bright future ahead of him, regardless of what career path he heads down.
