2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dion Hunter, LB, Austin Peay State University

- Name: Dion Hunter
- Position: LB
- College: Austin Peay State University
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 228 lbs
- X (Twitter): @dionhunter44
- Instagram: @dukecity_dre
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
Ever since I was a little kid I used to watch football on the TV with my dad it was a way we bonded and I told him I was gonna be like the guys on the tv one day, so my dad got me on a football team the next week and coached me and never looked back!
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Some of the best moments I’ve had from football would definitely be building a brotherhood with all my teammates. Also my first collegiate start against Hawaii in Hawaii as a freshman it was an amazing feeling, also one of my best moments is when I played for the University of New Mexico when they unretired the jersey # 42 for me, the original #42 was worn by one of the best lobo players ever Bobby Santiago he was also from Albuquerque so it meant a lot to earn it and wear the #42 keeping it going for the city I’m from!
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
Moving forward I would love to achieve playing professional football and become the best version of a man and football player I could possibly be.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?
If I could pick any player I would have to pick Ray Lewis to me he was a complete line backer and played the game right, very physical tons of effort , and very smart scheme wise I would like to hangout just to see what his head space is like going into games and the intensity needed.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
I have a lot of family members that inspire me but who inspires me the most is easily my mom Diana Hunter, she’s so loving and selfless she’s always helping out my little brothers and I first, she showed me since a kid hard work pays off and if you want something in life it’s your job to make it happen.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
To me my favorite defensive scheme especially when it comes to college football would be a 3-3-5. Overall I like the scheme because, the 3-3-5 offers a balanced approach, providing coverage against the pass while maintaining the ability to stop the run and create pressure, it also gives you the ability to show your opponent a ton of different looks to confuse the offense and hopefully create turnovers all of which are essential in the modern, fast-paced college game.
What should we know about Dion Hunter the person?
First and foremost, I want teams to know that I’m a player who shows up every day ready to work. I have a strong blue collar mentality, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed; whether that’s making a big tackle or doing the little things that don’t show up on the stat sheet. I pride myself on my physicality; I love contact and thrive in situations where I get to make an impact on the game. Mentally, I’m tough and resilient I bounce back from mistakes quickly and use any adversity as fuel to get better. I understand that professional football is a grind, and I’m fully committed to putting in the work needed to succeed at the highest level. And lastly, I’m a team first guy who leads by example in the locker room and on the field, always striving to contribute to the success of the team in any way I can. Some things I think people should know about me as a person is that I’m a religious and a family man
What stands out about your film the most?
One thing that I think will really stand out in all of my film is my physicality is something I really pride myself on I try to be the most physical person on the field and any given time, I also think my hustle would stand out from my film always trying my best to get to the ball carrier and be the first one there also my film study knowing where the okay is going for the ball to be hiked.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Challenges are a part of life, and I see them as opportunities to grow and improve. In my personal life, I’ve learned that staying positive, maintaining a strong mindset, and focusing on solutions is key to overcoming difficulties. On the football field, challenges come in many forms, whether it’s competing for a starting position, learning very complex plays, or pushing through an injury. For example, two seasons ago I was dealing with a minor injury that could’ve sidelined me for a few weeks. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I used that time to study the playbook more intensely and work on my mental toughness, and get into the training room to get better and make sure it does not happen again. That experience taught me how to stay resilient and adapt, which are both key to excelling in the real world. I’m always looking for ways to improve and get better, no matter how tough things get, because I know that’s how you reach the next level.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A team would get a player who shows up every single day with a blue-collar mentality, ready to work hard and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder, and I’m the type of player who never takes a play off. Whether it’s in practice or in a game, I’m constantly striving to get better and put in the work, even when no one is watching. I’m a very physical linebacker who truly thrives on contact I love being in the middle of the action, making big tackles, and setting the tone on defense. I’m not afraid to do the dirty work, whether it’s taking on blocks, making key tackles, or doing whatever is necessary to help the team win. At the end of the day, it’s about winning as a team, and I’m all in when it comes to doing whatever it takes for the success of the team, willing to do whatever it takes for how ever long it takes for success of the group!
What do you love the most about the game of football?
If I were to answer that question on a smaller scale I will say tackling or laying a big hit is one of the things I love the most, however on a larger scale I would say what I love about this game the most is how it brings people from all kinds of different lifestyles and backgrounds together.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
One of the most underrated players I have ever played with is one of my best friends Cody Moon, we played at UNM together before I transferred to Cincinnati and he transferred to San Diego State we’re both linebackers and started college at the same time, I think he’s very underrated, even though he’s received awards in college football I don’t think he’s talked about enough. I still think he’s very underrated and doesn’t get the credit he deserves, he plays defense the way it was meant to be played very physically, tons of effort and doing whatever it takes to get the ball carrier down no matter what.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen