RB Kendall Hunter, San Francisco 49ers

HT: 5-7, WT: 199, Born: 9-16-1988, College: Oklahoma St., Drafted: Round 4

2013 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of May 6th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: M Bush (153), M Schaub (154), Kendall Hunter (155), J Franklin (156), D Woodhead (157)
Position: R Hillman (146-RB55), M Bush (153-RB56), Kendall Hunter (155 - RB57), J Franklin (156-RB58), D Woodhead (157-RB59)
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PPR Average draft position

Current as of May 6th. [Full PPR ADP list]

Overall: L James (152), H Miller (153), Kendall Hunter (154), M Floyd (155), D Hopkins (156)
Position: B Powell (147-RB56), L James (152-RB57), Kendall Hunter (154 - RB58), P Thomas (160-RB59), M Bush (161-RB60)
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2013 Schedule

2012 Game Summaries

Week 1 - There is no doubt Gore is the lead guy in San Francisco, but Hunter certainly got his looks on Sunday, including a carry inside the red zone that Hunter almost scored on. 1st and goal from the nine, Hunter was able to get the edge and appeared (to the replacement official) reach the end zone. Ultimately the replay official overruled the play, but it is worth taking note Hunter will get his looks occasionally inside the red zone even with a healthy Gore. Hunter appeared to be more of a spell for Gore, helping keep him fresh for the duration of the game, but as the season progresses look for that role to increase.

Week 2 - Kendall Hunter was merely a backup to spell teammate Gore on the ground. Hunter was even lucky to get the 5 carries he did as the 49ers could afford to run the ball so much. Hunter is a smaller, slightly quicker but less powerful player than Gore and has looked above average on his touches as a backup RB but there simply isn’t room in this offense for a backup RB to be productive without a miracle play.

Week 3 - Hunter was a non-factor in the run game, gaining 0 yards on 4 attempts. He was consistently hit at the line and wasn’t able to get away from defenders.

Week 4 - Hunter’s extraordinary vision has earned him extra carries. Hunter routinely spelled Gore and made each of his carries count. Hunter earned his first carry on his team’s third drive. Hunter, who seems to enjoy running behind Joe Staley, took a toss to the left and earned 11 yards. Hunter was patient, allowing Staley to get to the second level. Hunter was able to square-up his pad level, stay in the crease and pick up the first down. It’s worth noting that four of Hunter’s eight carries generated first downs. Hunter was rewarded for his hard work with a one-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The game was already in hand, but Hunter’s effort did not waver.

Week 5 - Hunter saw the majority of his carries in the fourth quarter after the game had already become a blowout. He took advantage of the same great blocking that Gore had, sprinting through large holes and using his speed to constantly get to the secondary. Hunter also showed more power, hitting defenders and breaking through arm tackles, though by the time Hunter had most of his production, the Buffalo defense had been completely worn down. Nevertheless, the combination of power and speed that appeared in flashes during previous games was on full display.

Week 6 - Hunter had a nice run in the first quarter on third and short, and then didn't touch the ball again until the game was getting out of hand in the second half. He isn't going to be a big part of the game plan when the 49ers trail.

Week 7 - Hunter's first carry was a very well blocked draw up the middle when he let the blocking develop for six yards. He followed that up straight away with a toss sweep to the right when he cut through the defense to gain 10 yards. Hunter was given a sweep that was dead from the very beginning as the Seahawks tackled him at the line of scrimmage. Hunter's first reception came on play action as he was wide open in the flat. He caught the ball before turning and using his pace to beat defenders to the first down marker. Hunter was given a toss sweep again on the same drive, but was hit in the backfield before being tackled for a loss. After Frank Gore's longest run of the day brought the team into the redzone, Hunter received the ball at the seven yard line but ran into a pile of defenders and offensive linemen as soon as he got the ball. The back caught a pass on a crossing route on first and 10 before being hit by Earl Thomas and driven backwards into the ground for only a two yard gain. After a big gain on a toss sweep was negated by holding, Hunter came back with another big gain for 10 yards on a run straight up the middle of the defense. Hunter hit the hole hard and showed off his acceleration.

Week 8 - Hunter showed the ability to play at a high level throughout this game, showing the same power in his runs as Gore and also exhibiting some extra speed. Taking advantage of the same great push by the offensive line, Hunter was often able to pick up chunks of four and five yards. The game was largely out of hand by the fourth quarter and Hunter was the main back to run down the clock. Even with Arizona aware that San Francisco was going to run, Hunter was able to pick up good gains on hard, determined running in between the tackles.

Week 10 - With the 49ers tied or behind most game, Hunter was limited to spelling Gore on rare situations. When Hunter did get a carry, he showed a good amount of shiftiness while following blocks, but could not match the complete determination of Gore.

Week 11 - Hunter had a strong game, running with as much power as his counterpart. Repeatedly Hunter attacked the hole and kept his pads low, not displaying the same lateral agility as Gore but breaking strong tackles. His touchdown run came on a read-option, and taking the ball Hunter burst through the middle, meeting the tackler head-on and running through, then diving in to the end zone while another defender was wrapped around his back. Though his touches were limited, Hunter took advantage of each carry.

Week 12 - Hunter showed good patience and power on his runs, usually sweeps or toss plays to the outside. His long run of 21 yards was just that, a sweep that allowed Hunter to sprint through a large tunnel created by his blockers. Hunter was able to make a good cut in to the hole, and then as he sprinted through the second level he made another cut to the sideline to run for more yards. Hunter looked fast and strong on his runs, but a twisted ankle in the second half ended his day.