THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, April 24, 1996 TAG: 9604240547
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JIM DUCIBELLA, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
Hugh Hunter caught the eye of NFL scouts because of the things he could do with his body. The New York Jets transported Hunter from prospect to sixth-round draft choice Sunday because they came to admire his head, his heart and his humanity.
It began in March at the Combine in Indianapolis. Hunter, the former Wilson High School and Hampton University star defensive end, met Jets' defensive line coach Ray ``Sugar Bear'' Hamilton. The more they talked, the closer Hunter and Hamilton became.
``We talked lots of football, about what the Jets do and how that compared to what Hampton does on defense,'' Hunter said Tuesday. ``But he wanted to know much more. He asked about my family background, where I grew up, what I wanted to do after graduation if football didn't work out. When I told him I was graduating with a degree in criminology in May, he got excited, told me guys from the FBI and CIA were always visiting NFL training camps recruiting guys to become agents.''
Hunter pulled no punches with Hamilton. He told him he'd been a ``juvenile delinquent'' as a child and that only the loving work of his family, coaches and friends kept him from choosing that life. He told Hamilton that was one reason he worked with juvenile delinquents now, to keep them from repeating his mistakes.
He admitted that, at first, he attended Hampton just to play football, but he came to realize the value of a college degree and he was proud to be receiving his on time.
``He could see my hardships as a child and the fact that I overcame them,'' Hunter said. ``I told him what I believe, that people blame their family for their problems, but a lot of it has to do with them as individuals. That you have to have it all to be successful in life - discipline, values, work ethic.''
Hunter was the only defensive lineman the Jets drafted last weekend. He leaves for minicamp Thursday knowing that the Jets already have hopes and plans to use him, at worst, in pass-rush situations.
``Six or seven other teams talked to me about moving from end to linebacker,'' said Hunter, who is relatively light for end at about 265 pounds. ``The Jets have said from the start I can play end for them.''
And he plans to reward their confidence in him.
``There's a very good opportunity there,'' Hunter said. ``The team's not that bad. They just need a couple more players. The situation reminds me a lot of when I first got the Hampton. They went from 2-9 to winning three straight CIAA championships.
``Maybe adding one or two more rookies this season will help them get over the top. I'd like to be one of them; not start or anything my rookie year, but work hard and make a big contribution.'' ILLUSTRATION: Hugh Hunter believes to be successful in life you need
``discipline, values and work ethic.''
by CNB