Jontrey Hunter was highly consistent during his Georgia State career. But he also made spectacular plays on big stages.
When the Panthers took on LSU this past season, the score was tied at 7-7 late in the first quarter. The Tigers, led by Heisman Trophy winner Jaden Daniels, were looking to score again and possessed the ball at GSU’s 32-yard line on third-and-10.
Hunter dropped back in coverage in the middle of the field, but noticed a tight end to his right had found an open space in the defense while running a curl route.
Hunter ran over to make a play, but he didn’t panic, though. After the ensuing completion, Hunter wrapped one arm around the tight end to slow him down and punched the ball out with the other to force a fumble.
Even against one of the top teams in the FBS, he proved he can be a difference-maker.
“Just being more involved and focusing on my craft and locking in and doing what I have to do to get to where I’m at right now,” Hunter said at the NFL Combine. “Finally being here, it’s like a dream come true.”
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Jontrey Hunter Draft Projection
I project Hunter will be selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. Teams like the Browns or the Saints would be good fits.
“I feel like I’ll come in with a real open mind,” he said, “and I’m a real worker so at this point I’m really eager to learn and take my game to the next level.”
What Was Jontrey Hunter’s 40 Time?
Hunter ran the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds at his pro day, according to The Athletic.
Hunter didn’t run the 40 at the NFL Combine, but he was invited and participated in other drills. At 6-foot-2, 236 pounds, his vertical jump of 32 inches was 13th among linebackers and his broad jump of 9 feet, 3 inches tied for 15th.
Hunter said he was grateful to show what he can do at the combine.
“Coming from the Sun Belt, a smaller conference, and Georgia State is a smaller school, so I feel like it goes to show that the work’s been put in,” Hunter said. “I’m capable of doing it like everybody else.”
Jontrey Hunter’s Stats And Highlights
Hunter is one of the most productive linebackers Georgia State has ever seen. He leads the Panthers all-time with seven forced fumbles and ranks sixth with 234 tackles.
He made the All-Sun Belt third team in 2023 after tallying 96 tackles in 2023, which is top 10 in a single season at GSU. He added seven tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, four passes defended, and three forced fumbles.
That was while playing middle linebacker. He played on the outside for the first four seasons of his collegiate career.
In 2022, he racked up 55 tackles, six for loss, with two sacks, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions while returning one for a touchdown.
In 2021, he chalked up 40 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery. The year before, he had 33 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, a pass defended, a pick, and a sack.
Hunter likely had opportunities to transfer elsewhere as he continued to show what he could do. But decided to stay at Georgia State.
“It means everything,” Hunter said about remaining at GSU. “Once I got there, I stayed there the entire time. That’s my family there, so it really means a lot. … It’s a long process. It doesn’t happen overnight, especially coming from a smaller school, trying to get to that big stage. So you’ve just got to stay down and work.”
Jontrey Hunter’s NFL Comparison And Draft Profile
I project Hunter’s playing style in the NFL will be similar to C.J. Mosley of the New York Jets. Both are versatile players that have the speed and instincts to be near the ball seemingly constantly.
Among linebackers in this year’s draft class who played at least 20% of the most snaps in the country, Hunter was in the top 32 in Pro Football Focus’ grades for pass rushing and coverage as well as for defensive stops constituted as failures for the offense with 42. That just highlights his versatility and impact.
Hunter flows to the ball well. Among crowds at the line of scrimmage, he maneuvers in traffic with ease to track down ball carriers.
Hunter moved to inside linebacker this past season because he felt it was in his best interest to learn a new position. But he could compete at the next level from either spot.
While he occasionally was pushed back at the point of attack, he usually maintains good leverage against blockers and while tackling. He also was solid in pass coverage, as he allowed just 32 catches on 42 targets for 240 yards with no touchdowns.
Because of his experience, he appears poised to earn a role on an NFL roster.
“At the end of the day,” he said, “it’s just football.”
