Robert Hunt: Bud Kaminski, OT, The Program
Louisiana-Lafayette offensive lineman Robert Hunt brings an interesting playing career to the NFL Draft. Hunt began his time at ULL as an offensive guard, serving as the team’s starter at the left guard position. But he switched to offensive tackle for his final years with the program, perhaps because the Ragin’ Cajuns featured a starting quarterback who was a left-handed passer. Putting Hunt on the right side of the line left him in position to protect his quarterback’s blind side.
While on the field, Hunt is a very aware blocker in pass protection, but he also brings “throw you out of the club” power to the position. He moves very well laterally, and anchors extremely well against power moves and bull rush attempts. He has good footwork too, as he displayed with this hinge block on the backside of an outside zone running play:
One of the things I enjoyed the most about studying Hunt was how his power seemed to impact the players across from him. It did not make it into my breakdown of him, but watch this play against Appalachian State:
I loved this play from Hunt. He is tasked with pass protection and there is pressure coming off the edge, but it seems the mere thought of him striking the edge rusher has that defender coil back in fear, rather than continue his path.
That is reminiscent of Kaminski, the personal protection for ESU Timberwolves’ quarterback Joe Kane. Kaminski protected Kane’s blind side for a number of years, and relished in the trench fight. He loved to talk before, during and even after the play, and if you rewatch the final play of ESU’s win over Georgia Tech you will hear Kaminski with his in-play commentary. Watching Hunt, particularly on this play, reminded me of the ESU tackle.