Darrell Hunter was a three-sport athlete for his high school in Ohio. He averaged 17 points per game as a small forward on the basketball team, was a recording setting track star, and played football as well. As a senior, Hunter caught 37 passes for 677 yards and was named first team all-conference and all-district. He accepted a scholarship to the University of Miami (OH) where he saw playing time in every game as a true freshman. By his sophomore year, Hunter had already earned a job as a starting cornerback. He totaled 43 tackles on the season with 4 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. As a junior, Darrell recorded 30 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a team high four pass breakups on his way to second team all-MAC honors. As a senior, Hunter became the teams top cornerback after losing Alphonso Hodge to the NFL draft. He responded with another solid season, picking up 41 tackles and 2 interceptions while breaking up three more passes. Hunter has been credited with the fastest 40 time in school history and could be one of the fastest players in the 2006 NFL draft.

Darrell Hunter has a good combination of size and speed for a cornerback. He is credited with running the fastest 40 time in school history (4.25) and he was timed at 4.37 and 4.42 for NFL scouts at the school’s 2005 pro day. His combination of size, speed, and leaping ability allow him to physically match up against any receiver that lines up across from him. He has very good hips, body control and a fluid backpedal. He has good ball skills and sure hands. Darrell has a great deal of experience, having started the past three seasons. He has also proven to be a very durable player during that time. He needs to be more physical in run support and improve his tackling ability to become a more complete cornerback. He is also a bit raw in his coverage skills and needs to refine his technique. Another area Hunter could use some improvement in is his ability to read plays. He has experience returning kicks in college and could contribute in that capacity in the NFL as well. Darrell Hunter is not a finished product, but he has all the physical tools scouts look for in a cornerback and he could really move up the draft boards with good pre-draft workouts. He has the ability to develop into a very good starter in the NFL.