Danielle Hunter up to the challenge of becoming a Vikings starter
By Adam Carlson
Danielle Hunter had an excellent season for the Minnesota Vikings in 2016 and could find himself in a position to become a starter going forward.
Since being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft, defensive end Danielle Hunter has continued to impress everyone with his high motor and frequent displays of freakish athleticism.
Not only that, but as he grows within the team, his impact continues to increase. The dynamic young man led the team in sacks during the 2016 season with 12.5 and will likely increase that number again if he gets more playing time in 2017.
However, earning that playing time will not be easy. Veteran defensive end Brian Robison has been a cornerstone of the Vikings defense for several years now, but that doesn’t mean Hunter is content sitting behind him on the depth chart according to the Pioneer Press.
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"“(Robison) said he’s not going to make it easy. But that’s definitely something that I’m competing for, the starting job,” Hunter said. “(Defensive line coach Andre Patterson), tells me it’s all about competition, and I’m just going to go out there and compete and see what happens.”"
In today’s NFL, too many players demand playing time, positions, or trades, so it is refreshing to hear a player be open to competition to let the best man win. And it should be one heck of a competition between Hunter and Robison.
"“I’m trying to improve in every aspect. I can get faster, bigger, stronger, stuff like that,” Hunter said at the club. He also has other goals going forward. “I’m working for the Pro Bowl every year.”"
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Of course, Hunter was not a part of the Pro Bowl, but watched the game in the stands after being invited by his Minnesota Vikings teammates, who considered him as a snub and more than worthy to be in attendance.