FAMU receiver Chad Hunter preparing to return a punt against Norfolk State.
Sydne Vigille | The FAMUAN
In a highly anticipated conference matchup between the Florida A&M Rattlers and the North Carolina Aggies, Chad Hunter contributed 105 yards on eight receptions and a touchdown to lead FAMU’s comeback from a 21-6 deficit to win the game 22-21.
The Rattlers are currently on a four-game winning streak, and during thisstreak Hunter has exploded by having at least 100 receiving yards on an average of 16 yards per reception in three of his last four games.
Head coach Willie Simmons is leading the Rattlers to one of its best starts in recent memory, going undefeated in conference (4-0) play and 5-2 overall. When asked about the recent production of his leading receiver and how it’s contributed to the team’s success, coach Simmons claims he should have begun with this game plan from the beginning.
“It’s my fault that is hasn’t been seven weeks in a row. He’s obviously one of, if not the best receiver in the conference. He’s been doing this since he got here and we need to get Chad the ball.”
This is the second time this season Hunter has received player of the week consideration from the FAMUAN, the first coming against North Carolina Central University in a 55-14 rout, putting up 135 yards on seven receptions with three touchdowns.
When discussing the wideout’s attitude toward the game, coach Simmons praised him for his resilience and grit as a football player throughout this season battling injury and still putting up significant numbers.
“He’s just a football player, he’s battled some health issues as well. He’s pushing through pain just like Ryan is. But he just has that attitude that he’s going to go out there and dominate. Four games in a row with touchdown receptions, it’s no secret the way he works.”
Hunter is leading the team in receiving touchdowns, receiving yards, and receptions with five TDs, 446 yards, and 30 touches respectively going into the bye week.
Coach Simmons applauded not only the talent of Hunter, but the ability of the entire receiving core this season, giving quarterback Ryan Stanley some of his best weapons to date.
“[Hunter] is definitely a huge part of our game plan but not only he: Xavier Smith, Marcus Williams, Azende Rey, who had a great game last week, and the running back core that we have.”
“Like I told Ryan, he has a lot of weapons at his disposal that he doesn’t have to try and win the game himself, and I think he feels really confident with Chad that he’s going to make a big play for us when we need it and as we saw the other day, when we need those big plays, find 84”
The Rattler’s face a needed bye week to recuperate before their home game against Morgan State to try and stay undefeated in the MEAC and go 6-2 overall.