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Up close: Kendall Hunter

O-State running back Kendall Hunter scores on a 36-yard run against Iowa State on Nov. 1. Hunter is known as a quiet leader. STEPHEN HOLMAN/Tulsa World

 
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer
Published: 11/12/2008  2:14 AM
Last Modified: 11/12/2008  2:53 AM

 When told that this week's Q&A subject would be Kendall Hunter, an OSU media relations staff member responded by saying, "Good luck with that."

Coach Mike Gundy has said it on countless occasions, "Kendall doesn't talk."

One of Gundy's funniest lines of the season: "If Kendall and Barry Sanders (also known for being tight-lipped) were talking to each other, neither one of them would say anything."

While the 5-foot-8, 190-pound Hunter is relentlessly reticent, he does speak volumes with his play on the field. The sophomore running back nicknamed "Spud" by running backs coach Curtis Luper — has rushed for a 10-game total of 1,332 yards. Hunter gets 6.7 yards per attempt, and his 133.2-yard average is ranked No. 4 nationally and is the Big 12's best by 53 yards per game.

Three dates remain on the Cowboy schedule — Saturday's 7 p.m. contest at Colorado (KTUL channel 8), the Nov. 29 Bedlam collision with Oklahoma in Stillwater, and a bowl game.

If Hunter sustains his average, the Tyler, Texas, native would finish with 1,732 yards — the third-best single-season rushing performance in school history. Sanders ran for 2,628 yards in 1988 and Ernest Anderson totaled 1,877 in 1982.

"You knew coming into the season that Kendall would probably be a pretty good back — maybe a 1,000-yard back," OSU co-offensive coordinator Gunter Brewer said.

"You expected a good year, and now he's having a great year. He's turned out to be a very good, very durable running back."

Are you shy or do you simply not enjoy interviews?

"It doesn't bother me. It's OK. I'm just chilling."

Are you just a naturally quiet guy?

Pretty much, unless I'm with my friends or my girlfriend. She's from Tyler. She comes to most of our games.

Is it important for you to be an All-Big 12 selection and an All-American?

"It would be good to accomplish."

You had 107 carries as a freshman last season. This year, you're on pace for 259 rushing attempts. How are you holding up physically?

"I'm good. I love competition. Even when I played little ball, I loved competition.

You share an apartment with wide receivers Dez Bryant and Damian Davis.

We play video games all the time. It's a big thing. Usually football. Sometimes basketball. I could play video games all day.

Is Dez Bryant a good roommate?

Dez is always trying to cook.

What does he cook?

Nachos. I don't eat them, but I talk about them.

You are on pace for more than 1,700 yards. Are you aware of Barry Sanders' yardage total in 1988?

Yeah. A lot.

HUNTER FACTS



Position: Running back

Class: Soph.

Height: 5-8

Weight: 190

Hometown: Tyler, Texas



Bill Haisten 581-8397
bill.haisten@tulsaworld.com
By BILL HAISTEN World Sports Writer

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COMMENTS 
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5 comments have been made for this team so far. Tell us what you think below!
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Ken3, ... (11/12/2008 6:53:23 AM)
Spud is the MAN!!
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OSUArthur, Fayetteville (11/12/2008 8:09:18 AM)
This cracks me up! I love it when guys let their performance do the talking. That must be one of the most interesting dynamics: Dez and Spud rooming together.
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NNN, Tulsa (11/12/2008 9:09:52 AM)
Awesome interview. Keep up the good work Kendall!
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Have that, America (11/12/2008 9:26:30 AM)
This year has been really good for him...cant wait to see next year!
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Rhymeister, Tulsa (11/12/2008 2:01:17 PM)
I like Luper's nickname for Hunter, he is a Spud in terms of size but a stud in running the ball. There was a smaller guy a few years back who was "Plug", Earnest Anderson.

To me Hunter is more like Sanders than Anderson in his breakaway ability but needs to put on another 10 to 15 pounds by next season because the pounding a RB takes is tough on the body but luckily Kendall hasn't had any injuries this season. He's truly a joy to watch.
 

 
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