Toronto Argonauts Take Worthwhile Gamble With Kendall Hunter
By Paul Taylor
Two-time All-American and 2011 NFL draft pick Kendall Hunter joins the Toronto Argonauts, as he looks to rekindle his professional football career.
It’s fair to say last year was a disaster for the Toronto Argonauts. From the poor attendances, to the 5-13 record and Scott Milanovich’s decision to leave, things couldn’t have gone much worse in 2016.
However, the early signs are that 2017 will be a more positive experience for the Argonauts (not that this would take much). For a start, all indications point towards the winning combo of general manager Jim Popp and head coach Marc Trestman reuniting in Toronto.
In addition, as reported by Justin Dunk of 3 Down Nation, the Argonauts have signed Kendall Hunter. As per his sources, Dunk writes that the running back has agreed to a two-year contract.
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This represents an intriguing move, as Hunter looks to get his professional playing career back on track. Formerly a three-star recruit, he enjoyed a productive career at Oklahoma State, where he rushed for over 4,000 yards and was twice named First-team All American.
After being selected in the fourth round of the 2011, the 28-year old backed up Frank Gore in San Franciso. He proved to be an excellent second option, averaging over 400 yards and 4.6 yards per carry between 2011-13.
Unfortunately for Hunter, he was then derailed by a torn ACL in July 2014, limiting him to two appearances and just one carry since, with the New Orleans Saints during the 2015 season. This leads to some concern about his durability, having previously suffered a knee injury at high school and a torn Achilles late in the 2012 season.
Understandably, the acquisition of the Tyler, Texas native leads to question marks about the future of Brandon Whitaker. It’s worth noting that Whitaker was one of just two players to rush for over 1,000 yards in the CFL last season.
In that respect, re-signing Whitaker could give the Argonauts a potentially lethal one-two punch out of the backfield. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do, pending the expected announcement of Popp and Trestman’s arrival in Southern Ontario.
For now though, the Double Blue are putting their faith in Hunter, who is worth the risk. If he can rediscover anything close to his previous form in the NFL, they will reap the benefits.
Next: Marc Trestman Just What the Argos Need
What’s your take on the Argonauts signing Hunter? What type of production do you predict for him? Further, what does this mean for Whitaker’s future in Toronto? Share your thoughts in the comments section.