Kendall Hunter Scouting Report

Even as Oklahoma State's third rushing option behind Dantrell Savage and quarterback Zac Robinson, Kendall Hunter had a very encouraging freshman campaign. He barely got over 100 carries, but Hunter averaged 6.5 yards per rush and found the end zone a total of five times. The 2008 campaign was the breakout year for Hunter. He was the team's main rusher and again averaged 6.5 yards per carry. However, this time he got 241 carries and reached the end zone 16 times on the ground. Hunter also started to emerge as a pass catching threat and added another touchdown on a reception.

At 5-8 and 190 pounds, Hunter is obviously smaller than an NFL team would like from an every down back. That would make him a change of pace back at the next level and NFL teams wanted to see if he could stay healthy throughout the 2009 season. He did not. In mid-September, Hunter suffered an ankle injury and only played in eight games. When he did come back from injury, Hunter was not at full strength and he ended the season with just 382 rushing yards on 89 carries.

The injury forced Hunter to return to school for his senior season and he has had great success. Not only has he stayed healthy for the first ten games of the season, but he has put up some superb numbers. On 226 carries, Hunter has rushed for 1,356 yards and 16 touchdowns. He has been less involved in the receiving game this year, but he has returned some kickoffs and has proven that he can be a workhorse despite his small size. OSU's success this season has put Hunter back in the spotlight and his stock is quickly rising and he could be a second or third round selection.

2/10 Update: Hunter stayed healthy for the rest of the 2010 campaign and continued to be a very productive rusher. That boosted his draft stock a little bit, but it was his play during the Senior Bowl that jumped him up into a solid second round selection. Hunter did everything well during the week of practice, but it was perhaps his ability to block pass rushers that was most impressive. Many did not expect that skill out of a player who measured out at 5-7.