2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Austin Hunt, LB, St. Andrew University

• Name: Austin Hunt
• Position: Inside Linebacker
• College: St. Andrew University
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 235
• Twitter: @Austinhunt42
• Instagram: @hunt.42

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?

I would consider myself close to the top in my position because of my work ethic and my knowledge for the game. This hunger for more knowledge of the game is the why I am here today and that is due to my work ethic because that’s the biggest key in football because you can’t teach effort. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I started football a little bit later than most people. My uncle first introduced me to the sport in 5^th grade when I was eleven years old. I really didn’t fully understand the sport until I got into high school. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL should know about me is I’m a person that leads by example. You get what you get with me and more. I’m the guy on the team that everyone looks up to, even off the field. This is my greatest strength as a player. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

The cause I would donate for is breast cancer due to the fact that my grandma died as a result of breast cancer. Also, my girlfriend’s mother also had breast cancer and had to go through treatment for it and was a rough experience for her. I just want to try to bring change and bring more to the effort because many people I know have loves ones who has or had or died from breast cancer. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have heard would be from my former college linebacker coach when he told me when I first came into my university that “It’s not the top wolf you have to worry about it’s the hungry ones below” and it really stuck to me because no one really pays attention to the one below that are hungry or waiting for that opportunity and are going to take it when they get the chance.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero would have to be my mom without a shadow of a doubt. She always provided for me and still does to this day. When we were going through hard times, I remember her getting a second job just to provide for the family and making sure me or my brother didn’t go out without the stuff we needed for school or sports no matter the cost. She is my idol and I learn my work ethic through her. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

The most underrated person in our locker would have to be Marvin Farmer. He is one of our offensive line guards and this guy is a tank. He always has been a tank when he came to the program. Me and him would go head up at one hundred percent all the time because we wanted to make each other better every single day. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

One of my biggest pet peeve would be lazy people who don’t understand the talent they have or the position that they are in. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever would have to be my math high school teacher Mrs. Johnson because she was always there for me and would usually give me a Gatorade called citrus cooler, which was discontinued and was my favorite Gatorade. Also, her son, Harper, is my little buddy and I try to go to his football games or baseball if I ever get the chance too. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

I would say one of the hardest moments in my life would be my Papa passing away just recently. The reason for this is because he was my last grandparent also when I would go home from school, I would always stop by his house to see him and talk to him for a little and how he couldn’t wait for me to graduate college. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

St. Andrews university is a place of family. From my professors to my teammates, we have a close bond, and it has always felt like a second home to me. This is what makes St. Andrews a special place and allows the freedom and opportunities to do things such as research projects or fishing or building a garden is also what makes it special. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

I would have to say Jersey Mikes subs because just something about there subs that are so good and fresh. I could literally eat that every single day. 

What is your favorite snack food?

I would have to say fudge rounds. I’m a big chocolate guy. 

What is your degree in?

My degree is in Biology with a Specialization in Medical Science.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

This is a risk you should be willing to take because you don’t get to many opportunities like this one.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

if I could compare my play I would have to go with Luke Kuechly due to physicality and abilities to read a play and predict what is happen before it does.

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

I would have to safe my favorite game would be the three point contest. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

The first person I would have dinner with would be my Papa that passed away recently to tell him how I’m doing and how school is going. The second person I would have dinner with would be my grandma just to see her again and talk about most of my life and football and school. Last person I would have dinner with would be Ray Lewis to get some of his knowledge shared to me and for him to share his life experience with me.