Interview: 2023 Dillon QB Lucas Hunter Helping Wildcats Roll into South Carolina Playoffs

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Another year on the gridiron for Dillon High School, another year of being one of the elite high school football teams in South Carolina. One of the big differences on the field in 2020 is the arm talent in the pocket coming from backup 2023 quarterback Lucas Hunter. The 6-2, 195-pound, gunslinger transferred in the offseason from North Carolina’s Pinecrest High School fitting into the Wildcats’ offense like a seasoned veteran. The 3A squad is 5-0 on the year laying 53 points per game on the opposition each time they touch the field guided initially in the blowouts by junior quarterback Jack Grider.

With the playoffs starting on Friday for the Wildcats, Hunter stopped by the RNG Lab to give us insight on his season with a quick overview of his recruiting process that already includes an offer from Faulkner.

*Click link for July 2020 RNG interview with Lucas Hunter

Interview

Lucas, the Wildcats have been lighting up the night’s sky with all the points going up on the board posting 53 per game on average. What’s clicking for the team this season?

This year, our run game has been great. We have a three-star running back and another running back that is up there too. He is as good as the other backs out there. All our receivers are good, all the passes are getting caught. When my receivers catch the ball, they are scoring.

What style of offense are you guys running?

We run a Spread.

How are defenses trying to cover your receivers?

I’m seeing two-high. We have fast receivers; they don’t want to get burned deep. We are seeing a lot of zone and some man with one-high.

With the game experience this season, how are you seeing your skills improve overall?

I am seeing them improve a lot from last year, this is only my third year playing quarterback. Thanks to my quarterback coach and my coaches at Dillon, I am improving a lot. My pocket awareness is improving. I am very confident back there, I am not having to move out of the pocket, my touch, my accuracy, and my spin on the ball has gotten better.

How has the mental part of your game improved this season?

It is improving a lot. I watch film every day, and with my quarterback coach to see what he is seeing that I am not. My coaches prepare us throughout the week. I have been a lot more focused this year.

Which game this year has been your best and why did you pick that one?

I’d say the Georgetown game. We won that one 52-0. That was my best because I did not have that many snaps, but I had some touchdowns, good throws, and I was very accurate.

The playoffs start on Friday. Silly question, but how is the team looking in your eyes?

We are looking really good. I think we will win state this year. There is a tradition of going to state every year here at Dillon. Our running backs and offense is looking good. We are doing really well.

Hanahan is 6-1 with a high-powered offense as well. What kind of game are the fans in the stands going to get on Friday?

They are going to get a high scoring game. Both teams have explosive offenses with players that can take it the distance. They can expect Dillon to win.

I like it. Let’s talk recruiting. You have the offer from Faulkner, which schools are now showing interest?

TCU, Arizona State, Auburn asked for my highlights, Duke, Youngstown State, and there are some schools are following me on Twitter, but I have not sent anything big from them yet.

In 2021, which schools might you go visit?

I’d like to go to Florida, Oklahoma, UNC (North Carolina), and North Dakota State is up there.

Lucas, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck against Hanahan and in the playoffs until we talk again.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Hunter family; Lucas Hunter