Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/421584
coach Brian Kelly had publicly raved about Hunter for more than a year, but the world had yet to see what he could do on a college football field. Kelly's elaborate praises became a genre of their own. "He practiced aggressively, would be the word I would use, yesterday," Kelly said before Hunter 's debut against the Orange. "He felt pretty good at treatment this morning, and we will aggressively move him again today and expect that that continues. "It's no longer an experiment. It's going to be an experience for him." After his one‑catch (the 13‑yard touchdown) and two‑rush (for 13 yards) experience against Syracuse, the younger Hunter has added five more catches for 45 yards through 10 games. Fellow sophomore wide receiver Will Fuller 's breakout sea‑ son (61 catches for 853 yards and 13 touchdowns through 10 games) has made it difficult for Hunter to get an abundance of snaps, but his ability to make the most of each opportu‑ nity has forced Kelly and Denbrock's hand. "I've got to find a way to get him in the game more," Denbrock said dur‑ ing Notre Dame's October bye week. "I've given myself that as my charge moving forward, to make sure I get him on the field more." For so long, Hunter could not get on the field at all. Now, he no longer spends his days in the trainer 's office, does not play the role of other receiv‑ ers, and has proven to be more than simple myth. If — perhaps when — Denbrock finds a consistent role for the play‑ maker, the Hunters' eyes — senior 's and junior 's — likely will not stay dry. ✦