Fresno State Athletics
Todd Hunt Grows Into Versatile Player, Leader
10/23/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 23, 2015
By Travis Blanshan
tblanshan@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif.. - Growing up thousands of miles away from California, Fresno State senior defensive lineman Todd Hunt did not know what was in store for him, but was always ready for whatever came his way.
Hailing from Stamford, Conn., Hunt was always around sports growing up. It was there in athletics that he met a fellow young sports-lover named Max Wittek.
Hunt and Wittek became close friends growing up playing Pop Warner football together and having sleepovers regularly on the weekends.
"Max is like a brother to me," said Hunt about his childhood friend. "I have known Max since I was in the fifth grade, and his mom dad are like my parents."
They created such a tight bond through their years together that when Wittek and his family decided to move all the way to California for his senior year of high school, Hunt tagged along with them as the Wittek's adopted him.
"My mom knew them really well and trusted in them and me enough to let me move out here," said Hunt.
Arriving in the Golden State, the pair attended the prestigious Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, Calif., where they played for the Monarchs and head coach Bruce Rollinson. A breeding ground for top-notch talent, Mater Dei is one of only two high schools in America with two Heisman Trophy winners. Mater Dei is the alma mater of 1964 winner John Huarte and 2004 winner Matt Leinart, as well as standouts Colt Brennan (Hawai`i) and Matt Barkley (USC).
Joining a long list of distinguished players to suit up in the red and white, Hunt had to delay his debut as he was forced to sit out the first four games after having to go through a trial with the CIF to become eligible to play since they deemed his move `athletically-motivated.' "
Finally making it on the field, he earned Orange County All-Star and All-CIF defensive player honors, which led to a scholarship offer from Fresno State. After visiting campus and enjoying the atmosphere, he decided he wanted to be a Bulldog.
Hunt spent his first few seasons as a `Dog learning and getting stronger. Hunt earned his chance to start once in 2012 as a redshirt freshman coming off a knee injury earlier that spring and over the 2013 and 2014 seasons he has been a mainstay in the starting lineup. His numbers have increased every year and his hard work is coming to fruition this year in his senior season where he leads all Bulldog defensive linemen in tackles with 28 through seven games.
Spending the majority of his time at end, Hunt has shown his versatility through his time as a Bulldog, sliding over to nose guard when needed this season. With the help of former `Dog Tyeler Davison, who played nose guard for the Bulldogs from 2010-14 and was a fifth-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in 2015, Hunt has been able to make the transition seamlessly.
"I learned a lot from Tyeler," said Hunt. "Even though I never expected to play nose guard, I learned a lot from him and he helped me adapt to playing the position."
Making all 14 starts a year ago at defensive end, Hunt showed his toughness and leadership throughout the season and was rewarded by his teammates before this year as he was named one of three captains for the 2015 season.
"That was the best honor to be bestowed upon me," Hunt said. "To have the respect of the guys to vote me to be one of the captains. That really meant a lot to me and showed that they cared about me as much as I care about them."
Despite a less than ideal start this fall, Hunt has held steadfast and focused using his leadership to keep everyone's spirits up and positive.
"We never lose the faith whether we are winning or losing," said Hunt. "We have only played half the season and still have a bunch of games left, so anything could happen. We feel really good about the rest of the season and take it day-by-day."
Another bright spot for the fifth-year senior happened last week as he welcomed his first child, Jackson James Hunt, into his family.
"It was the best thing ever," exclaimed Hunt. "We were expecting him to be born on Sunday, but he decided to come early. I was in the hospital for two days and had no sleep and my mind was all over the place, but had to get focused for the (UNLV) game despite how tired I was."
Having his best game of the season against UNLV, Hunt filled up the stat sheet finishing with a season-high eight tackles (five solo), one tackle for loss, a sack, a pass break-up and a quarterback hurry.
With five regular season games remaining, including one against Wittek and Hawai'i on Nov. 14, in his final campaign as a `Dog, Hunt does not know how much more football he has left. One thing is certain though, Hunt will always stay ready.
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