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Rising NFL Draft Pro Prospect – Kendall Hunter Scouting Report
Photo - RB Kendal Hunter - Oklahoma St
One skilled position player we have scouted often over the past few seasons is running back Kendall Hunter of Oklahoma St. This past fall he returned from a 2009 injury that left his pro potential uncertain entering his final season. He had an excellent 2010 season, in addition to performing very well at the Senior Bowl 2011. He helped his cause significantly and is prepared for a strong performance at the NFL Combine where his speed number and positional drills, in addition to his medical exam will have along way in determining his final draft status. We intend to interview him and post it on the web site.
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Kendall Hunter #24 - 5’7” 199 lbs. - Oklahoma St. -
Hindu Theory - Ahmad Bradshaw
Quick powerful tailback completed a strong late career, displaying the skill set to develop into an NFL running back. Kendall is a compact runner who fits the change of pace back type role and probably additional duties for the pro game. He is a powerful compact tailback who shows quick footwork through the hole to pick and slide and create running lanes. He is a strong runner built low to the ground who hits the hole with authority and has the ability to make yardage after contact. He is one of the more unheralded prospects in this good class who displays excellent initial quickness that gets him through the line of scrimmage. He has the ability to make good running decisions with fine cutting skills to change directions and hide behind big linemen. He shows the quickness and natural running ability to get outside and make yardage on the perimeter with good speed to break a big play. He needs development as a receiver to compete for a third down role, but he has the makeup to fill that position in time. As a runner, he shows the ability to cut back sharply and make a key run with the quick acceleration to get through the hole to get the 2nd level. He shows the power and toughness to run between the tackles to make the difficult yardage with the ability to string a few moves together. He shows fine vision, balance and the ability to make defenders miss and run through them regularly. He makes consistently good running decisions with the burst of speed to get through the hole and become a battering ram with his crouched style of running. He runs with good body lean and is basically a pick and slide type of runner with the power to break tackles and finish his runs well. His durability is a concern after an injury riddled 2009 season, though his production over his entire career has been outstanding.
The Numbers: As a senior, he rushed for 1548 yards on 271 carries for a 5.7 yard average and 16 TDs, playing in every game. He had some fumbling problems over his career with 8 overall and losing 6 fumbles. Over his final season, he lost 2 of 3 fumbles and is an area of concern for earning pro playing time. As a junior, he missed five games and rushed for only 382 yards on 89 carries, but had a strong finale in the Cotton bowl, rushing for 94 yards. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1555 yards and 16 TDs playing in every game. At the NFL Combine, he will face a critical medical exam, though it should verify what scouts already know about his current health.
The Skinny: He is elusive in the openfield and shows the ability to follow blockers and finish with a strong surge. As a blocker, he shows quick reactions and toughness to face up with a linebacker, but his marginal size and inexperience in the role leaves some critical questions. He must show the ability to perform that role which is vital if he is ever to win a starting or key backup role. His receiving skills are still raw and he needs reps in that area, though he shows the talent to continue to improve in that role. He has the natural running skills to surprise in camp and win a key role in an offense. He has the overall ability to be a good starter or terrific backup and move up the depth chart with experience. Good 2nd day selection with definite make it grade and the skill set to be a fine addition at a position where second tier prospects surprise every season in the NFL.
Draft Projection: 3rd Round