On Mondays over the summer, The Juice Online is going to highlight individual players on the 2014 Syracuse football team. This week, we’re profiling quarterback Terrel Hunt.
There is a much different feel about junior quarterback Terrel Hunt this season.
At this time last year, Hunt was one of several candidates vying for the starting quarterback position, along with Charlie Loeb and Drew Allen. Allen ultimately won the starting job to begin the season, but just three games into the season, Hunt was thrust into the starting role against Wagner.
Hunt seized on his opportunity, throwing for 265 yards and three touchdowns, and never gave the starting role back.
This season, he heads into camp as the undisputed starter and leader of the offense.
“Before, Jerome [Smith] was in command, and now, I have to be the guy who says to fix something when it’s broken,” Hunt said following Syracuse’s spring game. “I have to be the guy to take the shot and know that it’s going to happen.”
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After taking over the starting job, Hunt had an up-and-down season, but grew into the role, and was named the MVP of the Texas Bowl after leading the Orange to a 21-17 win.
But Hunt knows there is plenty to improve upon.
“(I’m working on) just staying in the pocket and getting my elbow up on long balls,” Hunt said. “Just working on my mechanics a lot more.”
All of that has led to Hunt being more poised and confident.
“It’s a lot different to go in, playing with no worries in your mind, not worried if I’m going to get pulled,” Hunt said. “Now you’re just going in to get the job done. Now you’re just going in feeling confident.”
Inside slant: Hunt addressed the two areas he needs to work on this season: The long ball and pocket presence. Too often, Hunt left the pocket early or tried to make too many plays with his feet. While his speed is a great asset, Hunt needs to learn how to use that to complement his game, not dominate it.
Vitals:
- Birthdate: August 1993
- Hometown: Rosedale, NY
- High School: Christ the King
- Position: Quarterback
- Class: Junior
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 215 lbs
Career highlights: Hunt threw for 1,638 yards and 10 touchdowns, and rushed for 500 yards and seven touchdowns after assuming the starting role in the third week of the season. He was also named MVP of the Texas Bowl after throwing for 188 yards and rushing for 74 yards and two scores in a 21-17 win.
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