Kicking it with Florida DT Omar Hunter

November, 16, 2012




The old man took some time from bingo to talk to about his career at Florida:

[+] EnlargeOmar Hunter






When you look back at the start of your career, you had injury issues and weight issues. Do you ever sit there and wonder what could have been if you were as healthy as you are now or playing like you are now back then?

OH: Yeah, man, but it's all a process of growing up and maturing. I don't take anything that happened back -- I enjoyed it all. It's been a great experience and a great ride.

What moment during your career sticks out the most in your mind outside of winning a national championship?

OH: Probably the LSU game this year. With everything that I've been through, to be a part of a team that battles and pulls together to win as a team would probably be the highlight of my career -- beating LSU. The national championship my freshman year was great, but as far as a team win and being a part of this program, that memory (LSU) will always stick with me.

What were your emotions after that game?

OH: Man, I was so emotional I couldn't even describe it. So much pressure was lifted off of me and myself. My teammates, my defensive line, my unit, being able to play physical with one of the country's top teams and coming out with the win was definitely big for us.

Now that you see the direction this program is going in, is there any chance you try to seek one more year of eligibility?

OH: Absolutely not. My time at Florida is done. I've enjoyed every second of it, but I don't need to be back here. My time is up and it's time for a new generation to come along and make everyone forget about Omar.

So what's next for you?

OH: I've had thoughts about playing at the next level, and if that comes I'd love to play at the next level. Hopefully I can. I think I can. I've proved a lot under Coach [Dan] Quinn and Coach Muschamp and with this program, and it's really benefited me in a good way. If the next level comes, I'd love to do that. But if not, just find a job and move on with my life.

What was your major and what would you do with it as a career?

OH: It was psychology and I have no idea what I'd like to do.

Well, you're pretty personable and knowledgeable when it comes to football. What about coaching?

OH: I've thought about it, but then I see what these grad assistants go through and all the work that Coach Muschamp and his staff puts in and I'm like, "Nope. Absolutely not." I like to be around my family too much, man, and with the amount of work these guys put in it's incredible.

So this has to be kind of an exciting time in your life with few games left and then an unknown future, right?

OH: It is. It's fun and it's strange and it's scary. You mold all of those emotions into one. That's why your senior year is so special because the unknown factor is there. I just take it one day at a time and one game at a time. Hopefully, the NFL is the next step, but if that's not going to happen, I'm not going to worry or stress on that.



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