Justin Hunt: Marshall wide receiver is an underrated NFL Draft gem

Oct 24, 2015; Huntington, WV, USA; Marshall Thundering Herd wide receiver Justin Hunt celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the North Texas Mean Green during the first quarter at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Certainly there will be a lot of skilled players taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. Could Justin Hunt from Marshall University be one of the most underrated wide receivers in the 2017 NFL Draft? Here’s his story, you be the judge.

Coming out of Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tennessee, Justin Hunt was only a two-star recruit. However, Hunt was still getting looks from teams like Arkansas, Ole Miss and Memphis. Ultimately, he chose the school that gave him a scholarship and that was Marshall University.

Aspiring to be like his favorite athlete, Julio Jones, Justin Hunt has entered the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s hoping that any team will take a chance on him, as he know’s it will pay off because he knows he can play in the NFL. When he’s not on the football field or focusing on his marketing degree, he’s studying and watching film on Amari Cooper of the Oakland Raiders.

Despite only playing in 23 career games and starting in only 9 games, at Marshall. Hunt has worked incredibly hard on and off the field. His pro day is March 8th at Marshall and he’s hoping for a big turnout from various NFL scouts and coaches. Hopefully, there is because there’s more to Justin than just a stat line. He carries great size at 6’3 and weighs around 200 lbs., and according to the Marshall team website, he’s got a 35-inch vertical. Not bad for a guy who’s incredibly productive in the red-zone and can go vertically up the field on just about anyone that covers him.

Strengths:

Great size at 6’3 — 200 lbs.
Nice body control in jump ball situations.
Smooth runner, especially going vertically.
Strong, reliable hands with good vision in the open field.
Comeback routes are easily his best route.

Within the past two or three days, I’ve spoke with Justin and he’s an exceptional young man. He’s hungry for success and is willing to learn. All he’s looking for is an opportunity in the NFL. Whether it’s running routes and catching passes or playing special teams, Hunt is willing to do whatever it takes. He describes his skill-set as “running smooth routes with speed. Getting open in zone/man to man, a good blocker, can track the ball, smart and a competitor.”

As I mentioned above, the comeback route is his best route and that makes sense because it’s his favorite route to run. Who knows? Maybe in a few months he’ll be catching passes from Cam Newton. Justin said that “he would love to catch a pass from Cam Newton.” Not sure how that will turnout being that the Atlanta Falcons are his favorite team but I’m sure, Justin will be happy with catching a pass from any quarterback in the NFL.

Weaknesses:

Looks stiff in running some routes and coming out of his breaks.
Has the size vertically, needs to add some bulk to his frame.
Faster release off the line-of-scrimmage. (takes too many steps)

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Not every player pans out in the NFL and for Justin, if he doesn’t it make, his alternate career choice is the Air Force. I wouldn’t be too worried about him earning his wings, just yet. There is a place for him in this league, it might take time but time didn’t stop him at becoming a starting receiver at Marshall.

After playing football for 10 years, Justin describes his biggest weakness as “rushing some of his routes.” However, he describes one of his biggest strengths as “his brain and being a natural at the position.” Learning the game quickly will be a big advantage at the pro level, whether that be on special teams or offense. Being underrated for much of his career, Justin describes it as “people telling me everyday I can’t do this or you’re not good enough. Underrated is me..”

Teams in the 7th round of the 2017 NFL Draft will be looking for depth at the wide receiver position who can also make an impact on special teams and they will gladly find that in the Marshall product. Justin, I wish you nothing but the best as you train at Ignition in Cincinnati, Ohio and the entire process of the 2017 NFL Draft! It was a pleasure getting to speak with you and I’d like to officially welcome you to the Underrated!

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