Interview: 2022 WR Hunter Vivaldi Has Speed to Burn, Even Against Texas 6A Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
It is one thing for any ol’ high school receiver to make defenses look silly, it is another thing to blow past Texas 6A defenses like it ain’t no thing. That is what Class of 2022 Bryan High School standout Hunter Vivaldi did throughout the 2020 season. The 5-10, 160-pound, target was a blur posting team-highs in receptions (41), yards (604), and touchdowns (5) during his eight-game season. Even more impressive, of the 41 receptions, 30 of them were on third down moving the chains for a first.
After posting the breakout year, college interest is coming in from teams such as Yale, Dartmouth, Illinois State, Marshall, Louisiana Monroe, Columbia, Tabor (KS), and Toledo. To talk about his season and workouts this winter, Vivaldi stopped by the RNG Lab.
Interview
Hunter, you were putting on a show during the 2020 season leading the Vikings in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. What was working for you allowing you to take apart 6A Texas secondaries?
I was putting in a lot of work on and off the field. I worked really hard that past summer, on my quickness and on getting in and out of my breaks. It helped during the season.
What offensive set were the Vikings running?
We ran a Spread a lot of the time. I played a lot of wide out this year. Next year I plan on playing more in the slot.
Watching game film, one can easily tell your quarterback, Malcom Gooden, had all the confidence in the world with you. How did the two of you build that trust and chemistry?
Oh man, it took a lot of work. He’s just a sophomore too. We put a lot of work in over the summer. He balled out. I could not be prouder of him. Next year we will be even better. We only got seven games together because of the virus.
Not sure which team it was, but they had a white jersey and red pants, you were unkind to their corners. Do you remember your stat line in that game?
Oh man. One was Cedar Hill, they went to the state game this year, and the other was Harker Heights. Against Cedar Hill, I believe I had six receptions for 85 yards. Against Harker Heights, I had three touchdowns in that game. I believe I had 115 yards maybe, maybe more.
How were most defenses going against you?
That’s funny, because at first, they see a small guy and they try to press me, They’d try that for two drives and then back off.
How did your overall game improve last season?
Knowing how to find the open grass and being deceptive to the defensive backs. Knowing when and where to cut was a big improvement. My blocking improved a lot. I got stronger and I got a lot faster. My hands improved too, I only two drops on the season.
Nice. Have you had a chance to run a 40 this offseason?
Yes, sir. I ran a 4.5-flat laser. I ran that at a Bullet camp.
Do you compete in track?
Yes.
Which events?
This year they will have me in all the relays, the 4×1, 4×2, and 4×4. I am curious to see my 100 time this year. This is my first time really doing it.
What have you been doing this offseason to push your skills ahead?
I have been focusing on my explosion. My first initial 5 to 10 yards. I am doing a lot of footwork drills and skill orientated stuff.
What are some of the workouts you’ve been doing to increase your strength and athleticism?
I have a trainer in College Station, Coach Eddie. I just found him; he is great. I have been doing squats, treadmill runs, and plyometrics.
You mentioned one camp already, are there any other camps you may go to coming up?
I am getting ready for the college camps, praying that they open up. The Oklahoma one is one college camp I want to go to and I want to go to some others. There is another Bullet Camp coming up too.
Are you playing 7v7 this winter?
Yes, sir. I play with Texas Ice.
How is 7v7 going for you?
We have played in two tournaments. The first one was a practice one for us and the second one went well. The second day did not go the way we wanted, but we balled out. It is going really well.
Hunter, thank you for your time today. Wishing you success with your 7v7 and track season until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Creole Hammer Photography/Vivaldi family; Hunter Vivaldi (2020)