Interview: 3-Star 2022 Mater Dei DB Josh Hunter Talks Football and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2022 strong safety/nickelback Josh Hunter is so far ahead of the curve among his national peer group that it is not even fair. Hunter got a varsity call-up as a freshman during Mater Dei’s 2018 national championship run (MaxPreps) getting the feel for elite high school football. That success paid dividends in 2019 when the Monarchs finished the season 12-1 ranked No. 2 in the nation playing a college styled schedule. The 5-9, 175-pound, defender acted like an extra linebacker against the run in the box and went one-on-one against some of the nation’s best slot receivers tallying 40 tackles, 35 solo, with two tackles for a loss, two picks, and eight passes defended. His play has garnered scholarship offers from LSU and Oregon with more national interest rising.
In an RNG first-look, Hunter gives detail on his growing talents on the field with an overview on his early recruiting process.
Interview
Josh, all the players at Mater Dei have the technique down and are so well coached, and so it seems, you guys read the plays like you were calling them. During any week of practice, what is the level of instruction like for the Monarchs defense to be so prepared on Friday night?
“Our weekly process starts on Saturday, the day after our game. We go in at 8:00 a.m. going over our film on the last game to work at what we messed up. Usually me and some of the seniors would stay after to talk about the upcoming game. We have film sessions Monday through Thursday. Coach EJ lets us know everything we need to know and Coach Frank tells us about the guys we will cover. We study film at home to learn about the person we are guarding. Our defense gets the perfect calls in and we execute.”
The technique work comes in the offseason and through team camps. How are the mechanics of the game covered at Mater Dei with the defensive backs?
“We do a lot of different stuff. Our DB coach allows us to be free, lets us use our athleticism. We do a catch technique, press or play off. He lets us do what we feel is comfortable. They allow us to make mistakes to learn and get better.”
During the 2019 season, you were a versatile enforcer on the field getting down in the box as an extra linebacker and going one-on-one with receivers. If you will, describe your role within the defense.
“My role in the defense is like a robber. In the box, I hold the C gap. (Linebacker) Rajeon Davis did a great job making my job easy. If someone made a mistake, I was there to make a tackle as a last support. As a DB, I pride myself covering the best slot receiver. That is what Coach Frank gave me as an assignment. My job is to stay in front of the receiver and work my technique.”
How did your game improve last season?
“For me, after playing varsity as a freshman, it was so fast then, but it slowed down this year. I saw more things open up and I knew when the running back was running to a certain gap. I was better at knowing game situations. Against teams like Centennial, they only have a certain amount of plays, so I knew what was coming. I got better mentally at the game.”
Going against all the five-, four-, and three-star talents from across the nation had to build up your confidence. With physical giftings, the knowledge, and the confidence, what do you want to accomplish during the 2020 season?
“I want to become more of a leader on the defense. I’d like to step into the role of calling out the plays for the defense. I am trying to learn every position and learn all of their jobs so if they get confused I can help them. I want to become a better overall team player.”
Looking at the 2020 season, which positions will you be playing?
“It all depends on the coaches. I will stay at strong safety/nickel back, but wherever I am needed, I will play it. Being on kick return has been really fun the last two years and blocking punts is cool.”
That blocked punt went for a touchdown. I saw that.
“Thank you.”
With all that you do, what are you working on with your game this spring?
“In January, I had shoulder surgery. During my freshman season I tore my labrum. I played all of last season with it torn. I have been working on my body, getting it better. This summer, I will be fully cleared. I am able to run now using my arms. I am working on footwork and shoulder mobility, and gaining good weight and getting faster.”
If all returns to normal in time, are there any college camps you may compete at this summer?
“It depends. I like the USC and UCLA camps, those are staples. I’m not planning on any others right now, but one might pop up that I will go to.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Penn State, Notre Dame, Northwestern, Stanford, Washington, and UCLA.”
The two offers received are from two big-time programs. What was it like for you receiving offers from LSU and Oregon?
“It was life changing, as many would know. I am getting to go to college for free. That was my main reason to play at Mater Dei, playing against the best. It is great that my mom and dad will not have to pay for college. That is a big deal for me.”
This offseason, did you have a chance to visit any programs?
“We were planning on going to UCLA for their spring game or for a practice, but that was cancelled.”
Once everything opens back up, what is one thing you are excited to do again?
“I am excited to get a haircut. I need one badly. I am excited to see what the team is looking like. We have a lot of new members, especially on offense. I am excited to see if we do different things with the offense this year. We have a new DB who might play safety. I am excited to see my friends. I love movies, I am ready to go to the movie theater.”
Josh, I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success with your conditioning this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mater Dei HS/Hunter family; Josh Hunter in action