Hunter Shines in Shrine Bowl

SPARTANBURG - Future Tiger scores on a 66-yard fumble return in the second half.

LB Stanley Hunter Profile

Stanley Hunter is use to making a statement in big games and he made another statement Saturday afternoon as he put on a near MVP performance for the Sandlappers in the Shrine Bowl.

The former Byrnes standout easily could have been the defensive MVP for the South Carolina squad with his impressive performance as he recorded nine tackles and scored on a 66-yard fumble return.

“First of all I would like to thank the coaches for picking me for this game,” Hunter told CUTigers.com afterwards. “It was just a compliment to our defense. Our defensive line played pretty good I think. Cliff Matthews and the whole line were getting back there and getting pressure. I was just fortunate enough to get the recovery for a touchdown.”

The talented defender made tackles all over the field Saturday afternoon, including several in the North Carolina backfield.

“I tried to," he said. "I was just trying to get to the ball like we do at Byrnes. That is what I am use to. They put me in a good spot. I felt comfortable. I didn’t have a doubt in my mind. I knew I could get to the ball. I didn’t get to the ball on every play, but I tried to.”

The Palmetto standout enjoyed the Shrine Bowl experience this week.

"It really was just amazing," Hunter said. "Just coming in and not really understanding what the whole Shrine Bowl was about. We went to the hospital on Sunday to open up the week. Just being a part of it and being with all the great athletes was an honor.”

Hunter also said that playing this week against the best players in the Carolinas should help Hunter when he makes the transition to Clemson.

“It will help me a lot. It will help me understand how much the speed picks up as far as the offense goes. Those tackles and guards come at you quick. It is going to be fun."