Interview: Cisco JUCO 2017 LB Solomon Hunter All In for Sophomore Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When college coaches scour the junior college ranks needing an immediate boost at the linebacker position from their 2017 recruiting class – Solomon Hunter is the fit.

Besides coming in at 6’3.5”, 228 pounds, with a reported 4.57 time in the 40-yard dash, Hunter has one other thing most incoming recruits do not have going for them, a season under his belt at the Division-I level. Hunter made his way to Cisco via Roosevelt High School to Louisiana Tech.

The former Manny Diaz recruit, spent a redshirt season with the Bulldogs learning the ropes of college football in Ruston. Before his official freshman season, Hunter transferred to Cisco flashing his skill set against Texas junior college talent. In eight scheduled games Cisco played in 2015, Hunter had 34 tackles, 32 solo, one sack, one tackle for a loss, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, and two passes broken up.

The stats do not tell the complete tale. Another trait the Texas native has is leadership. After a 12 tackle game to start the season, Hunter moved from inside linebacker to outside linebacker to help fill a needed spot on the team. In the process he may have sacrificed personal glory on the stat sheet and potential All-Conference or All-American honors, but did what was needed for the team.

Hunter’s potential is not lost on Division-I coaches. Interest is steadily coming in with more sure to come once the football is teed up to start the 2016 season. Among the many wanting early season film includes Utah, Central Florida, Texas-San Antonio, Florida A&M, Kansas State, and Memphis.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Hunter before Cisco begins fall camp to get an update on his off-season workouts with a recruiting news update.

Interview

Solomon, you have a big season coming up in several different facets. What have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your sophomore campaign?

“I’ve mainly been working on my sideline to sideline speed, staying fast, and focusing on linebacker drills. I’ve continued to work on my strength in the weight room.”

Last we spoke you had ran a 4.57 in the 40-yard dash. Have you been timed in the 40 this off-season?

“No, but we’ve been doing a lot of conditioning and speed drills. I’m feeling more explosive than ever.”

Have you maxed out on any of your football lifts lately?

“We have not really been maxing out, just working on getting stronger. On my bench, I rep out 315 five times (roughly 368 max). My power clean is around 295.”

When we last spoke you were also around 210. What are you weighing now?

“I’ve put on good weight this off-season. I was at 218 and built back up after spring ball to 228.”

Nice. I can’t wait to see you in action this year. When does fall camp start for you guys?

“August 6.”

Dumb question, but are you getting excited?

“Yeah, I can’t wait. I want to get back in pads right now. We still have conditioning to do to get ready, but I’m ready to go.”

How does the team look going into the season?

“We look real good. I can’t see us losing this year. With all of our defensive and offensive weapons, all we have to do is come together as a team a little bit more. I think we’re going to have a great year.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are getting pumped up to play?

“Yes. I’m excited to play Trinity Valley (Aug. 27) and Blinn (Sept. 10). Those two games were competitive games last year. I love to compete so I am ready to play those teams. Our defense is hyped up to play them too.”

As the season nears and things start heating up, which teams are showing you early interest ready to see your early reel?

“Utah, I’ve talk to their linebacker coach, Coach (Justin) Ena. He is supposed to come down during one of their bye weeks to see me play. UTSA and UCF are two other schools. I’ve been getting a lot of interest from a lot of schools. Florida A&M, Memphis, and Kansas State are showing me interest as well.”

Did you take any unofficial visits this off-season?

“No. I stayed around here and focused on working out and my school work.”

Do you have any visits planned for the season yet?

“No, not yet.”

Have you received an offer yet?

“Prairie View has offered me.”

You just mentioned you’ve been working hard in the classroom this summer. When the fall semester is over will you be able to transfer to a four-year school at the break?

“Yes sir.”

That’s great. Solomon, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Hunter family; Solomon Hunter going through personal off-season workouts.