Following his first season as a starter, Lee Hunter is looking to take another step up.
2023 was a standout year for the defensive tackle from Mobile. Elevating from backup to primary contributor, Hunter finished with 69 tackles (third most on the team), 11 TFL and three sacks on his way to an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection. His 74.0 PFF season grade was UCF's second-highest grade on defense and tops among the defensive linemen.
"I'm feeling good," Hunter said following a recent spring practice. "I'm learning to become a better student of the game. God blessed me with football ability. I still work on my craft, but I'm learning to become a student of the game."
Hunter said working with new defensive coordinator Ted Roof has been "good." Areas of emphasis include better communication with teammates.
Asked who has stood out in the early practices, Hunter likes freshman cornerback Chasen Johnson. The former Sanford-Seminole has been seeing reps with the first team defense.
"He looks very good as a freshman," Hunter said.
Asked what he learned during UCF's inaugural Big 12 season, Hunter said it's a more physical conference than people give it credit for.
Hunter says UCF definitely has a chip on their shoulder going into this season.
"Nobody wants to go 6-7," he said.
