Chucky Hunter Poised to Step Up on Defense for TCU Horned Frogs


chucky hunter

Kevin Jairaj – USA TODAY Sports

As the TCU Horned Frogs attempt to make some headway in the Big 12 in 2013, they will need their defense to step up to meet the challenge of the high-powered offenses in their conference schedule. For that to happen, Gary Patterson may have to get some production from under the radar players on the defense and Chucky Hunter is ready to step up next fall.

The defensive tackle isn’t always able to make much of an impact in the Big 12 because of the wide open spread attacks that are prevalent in the conference. During his sophomore season, he made just 36 tackles, including six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. While the stats weren’t jumping off the paper, he made a major impact in ways that didn’t appear on the stat sheet.

Hunter was able to control the middle of the line with his strength and massive frame. He consumes offensive linemen and demands multiple blockers that frees up the other defenders in the TCU front seven to make plays. His ability to collapse the pocket forces opposing quarterbacks off their spots in the pocket, even if he doesn’t bring the quarterback down.

TCU would like to see Hunter turn that pressure into more stats in 2013. With Davonte Fields suspended for the first two games of the 2013 season, Hunter will be even more important in the early going. He will have a major responsibility to hold down the defensive line when TCU takes on the LSU Tigers and their massive offensive line.

If he steps up and takes his game to the next level, he will help the Horned Frogs’ defense get stronger in 2013. In the process, he will raise his own profile and become one of the top defensive talents in college football.

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