OLB/DE Solomon Hunter Wraps Collegiate Career, Preparing for NFL Draft
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Let the story of Solomon Hunter guide those who go through trials and tribulations in their life, perhaps looking at the road ahead in a bleak way. Hunter’s story is that of perseverance and after many twists and turns, and is on the doorstep of achieving a lifelong dream, playing professional football.
Hunter’s story starts off at Roosevelt High School in San Antonio. After a senior season with 85 tackles, four fumble recoveries, one pass broken up and one interception, he was recruited to play linebacker at Louisiana Tech under defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, Miami Hurricanes current head coach. When Diaz left for the same role at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs defense changed, Hunter was redshirted in 2014 and then went the junior college route heading to Cisco (TX). Within the move to the junior college level, was helping out his family. His mom suffered a stroke, being at Cisco allowed him to be closer to home to help as needed.
On the field, Hunter started off his collegiate career blistering JUCO offenses at middle linebacker, but for team needs was moved to outside linebacker after a couple of games. He persevered tallying 34 stops, 32 solo, with a sack, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and broke up two passes. In a make or break sophomore season with Cisco, Hunter broke the competition with 100 tackles ranking 19th in the country. Hunter landed at Alabama A&M. The Bulldogs moved the then- 6-3, 235-pound, defender to end watching him put an end to 27 plays, eight solo, with 3.5 tackles for a loss, a QB hurry, and a forced fumble.
As things should get easier, the path forward was still full ups and down leading to a transfer to Tusculum. His never give up attitude was needed with the Pioneers in 2019 after an 1-5 start. The now 6-3.5, 245-pound, end kept at it on the field and with his leadership helping turn the fortunes of the team around to a 5-6 finish. Along the way, Hunter racked up 30 tackles, 21 assisted with 4.5 tackles for a loss, and a half-sack.
With his collegiate eligibility completed and a degree in graphic design completed, Hunter does what he is accustomed to doing, taking on the next challenge – this time, preparing for the NFL Draft and what may come in the professional ranks. For an update on his senior season and his pre-draft workouts, I caught up with Hunter for an in-depth one-on-one.
Interview
Solomon, how did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“It went well. It started off slow, getting used to a different scheme. Our scheme, it was more of a stunt scheme instead of getting vertical. We were twisting and stunting, it took time to get used to. Our coach switched it up, but it got easier. Every team in the conference was scared of our defense once we got a hang of it; we had the top defense in our conference. We did a lot with our defensive linemen and the defense as a whole. I feel like I could have done more in certain areas; I talked to my head coach, he said I did a great job. I am hard on myself. I always want to do more.”
How were teams scheming against you?
“A lot of teams would do slide protection against us; we were gap killers as a defensive line. A lot of teams were not able to run the ball against us.”
What defensive scheme did you guys run?
“We ran everything. We were a multiple front defense. We ran a 3-4 and some 4-3. It depended on the team we were playing. We are always twisting. I would pop into A or B gap, on third downs I would rush to the outside.”
How were you used within the defense?
“I was used in good ways. My coach put me in position to make plays. I did great overall. Being at A&M, I was a 3-tech in a 4-tech. I was finally able to play a 5-tech. I learned how to play the position; I had never played a 4-tech I until I got to A&M. Originally, I was supposed to play outside linebacker before I had to sit out my first year.”
Taking on top tackles game after game, how did you expand your talents on the field during your senior season?
“Since I stunted so much, I would hit the gap as hard as I could to get that knock-back. Towards the middle of the season, learned to choose one guy instead of taking on both; that makes it easier to blow up one guy. I learned that from my D-line coach.
“Another area that grew for me was being an overall leader. I led by example, and I would go all out. I would always practice like it is a game going full speed 24/7. We started off the season rough, but I stayed positive with my actions and leadership. Some of the guys would stay after practice with me. We stayed and worked on the chute. My willingness to do extra and to do more paid off overall for myself and for the team.”
You mentioned the knock-back and you guys were doing twists and stunts. When it came time to take on an end, what were some of your favorite moves?
“My favorite move – I am still working on my moves. I was using my hands more to push the linemen back and put pressure on the quarterback or to close the gap. Overall, I like using the stab rushing the passer or the chop-rip. I like the club-rip and push-pull.”
Every player experiences a challenge or some type of adversity during the season. What challenge or adversity did you face during the 2019 season?
“For me, that would have been at the point when we were 1-5 or 1-4; you could give up or keep fighting. Coach (Jerry) Odom (head coach) was preaching for us to keep fighting. He would say, “tough times don’t last forever, but tough people do.” He made me keep fighting. I am not the person who quits. I always gave it my all and gave it all my energy.
“Once we started having fun on defense, everyone started balling. We didn’t look at the offense, we were focused on ourselves – we were scoring as a defense and leading. At the midpoint of the season we were leading the way. That was our low point and the adversity we went through to become better.”
If we were putting on your game reel from the 2019 season and I wanted to see your top performance, which game of yours and I watching?
“I’d say Catawba.”
Why would you pick Catawba?
“Because of the way I played the run. I had a great overall game. I was reading my keys, doing what I am supposed to, and flying around sideline to sideline making plays. Mars Hills, I had a good game against them as well. They usually have good running backs, but we shut them down.”
Is there an overlooked part of your game that may not show up on the stat sheet?
“Yes. Playing smart. If you have a QB that will run around and escape the pocket, forcing him back in the pocket not just running up hill giving him a lane. Against (UNC) Pembroke, they had a good QB who runs. I was not overrunning my lanes but running up field, stopping, and making him uncomfortable throwing the ball. I did a good job at that this season. My QB hurries and getting after the QB is something that might not show up on the stat sheet. I was always in the QB’s face this year. Squeezing against the run and forcing the QB to cut back is another.
“My on the field leadership. Most games I am yelling out the play. On third and short, I am pointing out little things from film, telling the linebackers to watch the screen – things like that.”
Going into the weight room. What kind of weight are you throwing around when you workout?
“My last max on bench was 405 at A&M and my power clean was 315.”
You have speed as well, what was the last 40-yard dash time you put down?
“My 40 is a 4.6.”
As you prepare for your Pro Day, what are the focus of your workouts?
“I am working on using my hands more so it comes natural. My speed – I want to be faster. Every coach and agent are telling me I have a good get off, but I want to be faster.”
Does Tusculum have a Pro Day?
“No, they don’t have a Pro Day. I am trying to get set up.”
One of the big next steps are the Senior Bowls. Which Senior Bowls have you been invited to so far?
“I have been invited to HBCU, Dream Bowl, National Bowl, and Podium All-Star Bowl.”
Which one you will compete at for scouts?
“HBCU Spirt of America Bowl.”
Nice. When did you officially graduate from college?
“I graduated at Alabama A&M in the spring of 2019.”
That’s awesome. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
In which area of study did you earn your degree?
“Graphic Design.”
You went through a lot of adversity to get to this point, looking back, what are you most proud of with your accomplishments both on and off the field?
“I faced a lot, I am most proud of the fact that I did not quit, the fact that I got two degrees under my belt and that I am the person I am now. I am proud that I made it this far. I am ready to get to the next level. I am happy I have this opportunity to grind, put in the work, and have a Pro Day. I am happy that I have people around me who want to see me make it to the next level.”
Solomon, we are happy to see you make it to the next level and for working so hard to get to this point. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the Senior Bowl and with your Pro Day workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Alabama A&M; No. 49 Solomon Hunter gets the sack
Photo credit: Tusculum; No. 9 Solomon Hunter pre-snap
Photo credit: Hunter family; Solomon Hunter (right) in the weight room