Welcome to our series chronicling the #22Bullies (The New South Florida) USF recruiting class of 2022. The series will breakdown every single recruit and transfer that signed/committed to officially become a part of Head Coach Jeff Scott’s third recruiting class. Help us welcome LB DeAunte Hunter to the Bulls!
LB DeAunte Hunter (Lowndes High School)
Committed to the Bulls on Early Signing Day, Hunter represents one of two linebackers added to the 2022 class along with an addition from the transfer portal to the position group. Hunter is currently ranked as the 102nd best linebacker in the 2022 class by 247Sports.com, garnering offers from Syracuse, West Virginia, Kansas, Kansas State, Ole Miss and more during his recruitment. DeAunte will enroll with the Bulls in the summer.
During his high school career, Hunter racked up 94 total tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, 4 sacks, and 2 interceptions.
Run the Tape:
Elite speed/burst off the edge as a 3-4 OLB. Lethal when blitzing, especially against slower offensive lineman who can’t keep up with Hunter’s speed. Prototype size for the position barring he adds muscle through a college strength & conditioning program. Strength when setting the edge/stopping the run is underrated due to his frame. Comfortable tackler for his size who gets low to take on ball carriers. Utilized across the defensive front in high school.
Mike’s Take:
This is one of those recruits that you get excited about as they head into the next level. Hunter could be one of those pieces on defense that gives opposing offensive coordinators fits due to his athleticism at the position being that much better than soon to be offensive linemen that cannot keep up with his speed/burst no matter where he is coming from. Look for Hunter to be a key piece for the defense in the coming years as the defense looks for more guys like Hunter that are explosive playmakers no matter where you line them up. Welcome to the Bulls DeAunte!
#22Bullies USF Football Class of 2022
| # | Name | Pos. | School | 247 | Rivals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Williams | LB | West Bloomfield | 0.8891 | 5.7 |
| 2 | Jhalyn Shuler | LB | Coffeyville C.C. (KS) | 0.8634 | 5.6 |
| 3 | Eddie Kelly | DE | West Orange | 0.8633 | 5.7 |
| 4 | DeAunte Hunter | LB | Lowndes HS (GA) | 0.8540 | 5.5 |
| 5 | Byrum Brown | QB | Rolesville HS (NC) | 0.8497 | 5.6 |
| 6 | Jackson Long | TE | Beech HS (TN) | 0.8477 | 5.5 |
| 7 | Javohn Thomas | WR | Sickles HS | 0.8423 | 5.5 |
| 8 | Gunnar Smith | QB | Lake Mary HS | 0.8405 | 5.6 |
| 9 | Jacquez Williams | DT | Jenkins HS (GA) | 0.8302 | 5.4 |
| 10 | Jayson Littlejohn | TE | College of the Sequoias (CA) | 0.8283 | 5.4 |
| 11 | Jhalin Hobbs | DT | Lennard HS | 0.8281 | 5.4 |
| 12 | Tavin Ward | CB | Palmetto Prep (SC) | 0.7884 | 5.2 |