Justin Hunter Says First NFL Season Tougher Than He Thought It’d Be

Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) reaches for a pass against the Houston Texans during the first half at LP Field. The Titans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Making the leap from college football to the NFL is something that will take it’s toll on a young rookie.

Some players adapt better — and more quickly — to the rigors of the NFL game than others.

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Justin Hunter is one of the others.

On Monday the former Tennessee Volunteer admitted to the Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt that his first season in the NFL was tougher than he thought it would be.

Hunter had the reputation of being soft when he came out of college, which is a label he had trouble shedding during training camp. Titans wide receiver coach Shawn Jefferson spent a great deal of training camp getting on to Hunter for his repeated drops and soft play.

Despite Hunter’s struggles, he showed promise in his rookie season.

Hunter was inconsistent at times, failing to record a catch in five of the 14 games in which he appeared and making only one catch in four other games.

But he did have two huge games that showed what he’s capable of doing. Hunter had six catches for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Raiders in week 12 and four catches for 114 yards and a touchdown against the Broncos in week 14.

Hunter finished the season with 18 catches for 354 yards and four touchdowns.

The former Vol said he hopes to bulk up in the off-season, as his small frame has been another area of concern.

Hunter will be a big part of the Titans’ plans moving forward and hopefully he can make great strides this off-season.

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