Justin Hunter Plans To Catch 60 Passes In 2014
By Zach Ragan
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter is one of the trendy picks to breakout at wide receiver in 2014.
Hunter, who is entering his second season in the league, had an OK rookie season. He finished the season with 18 receptions for 354 yards and four touchdowns.
The majority of Hunter’s production came during two games late in the season. Against Oakland and Denver, Hunter had a combined 10 receptions for 223 yards and two touchdowns.
That proves two things.
First, that Hunter is capable of being a number one wide receiver for the Titans.
And second, that consistency is an issue for the former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver.
Hunter’s had the praise heaped on him this off-season, with the understanding that he has to become a more physical,consistent receiver before he can truly breakout.
Judging by Hunter’s expectations for himself in 2014, he believes he can be a consistent performer.
. @justinhunter_11 just said on Sports Night his goal is to catch 60 passes this season. #Titans
— 102.5 & 106.3 The Game (@1025TheGame) August 6, 2014
If Hunter is able to achieve that goal, it would be huge for the Titans. It would also mean that he is starting for Tennessee.
Hunter is currently listed on the Titans’ second-team offense, behind veteran Nate Washington.
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Most folks assume it’s just a matter of time before he overtakes Washington. That’s because Hunter is a more natural fit in offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt’s vertical offense.
Right now the only thing holding Justin Hunter back from being a Pro-Bowl caliber wide receiver is Justin Hunter.
He has all the tools. He’s got size, quickness, leaping ability and polished route running skills.
The only thing he lacks is toughness.
Hunter has never quite been the same since he tore his ACL against Florida in 2011. He’s been a bit timid going over the middle since his injury, which has resulted in some dropped passes.
The mental game is just as relevant to success as the physical game. If Hunter can become a mentally strong wide receiver, then the sky really is the limit for the former Vol.