Cahokia all-area receiver Hunt gives verbal commitment to Mizzou

CAHOKIA -- With several college football programs in the nation interested, Cahokia senior Jimmie Hunt ended the drama early and quickly this past weekend.

A first team all-South Seven Conference and all-area wide receiver last fall, Hunt gave a verbal commitment to attend the University of Missouri beginning in the 2010-11 season.

The 6-foot-1, 192-pound Hunt caught 34 passes for 905 yards and 17 touchdowns for a Cahokia squad that finished 11-2 and reached the Class 5A semifinals in 2008.

Among the other schools showing interest in Hunt were Kansas, Tennessee, Nebraska, Vanderbilt and Oregon. But while attending the University of Missouri camp-combine on Saturday, Hunt let the Missouri coaching staff know he was going to be a Tiger.

"Missouri was where I was leaning anyway. Now I can relax a little bit, continue to work hard in the classroom and hopefully lead us (Cahokia) to a state championship this season," Hunt said. "Missouri just felt right. The coaches are great, its a great school academically and the football program continues to be on the rise. The goal is to win a national championship and I think I can be a factor in helping them do that in the next few years."

Hunt plans to major in pre-dentistry with the hope of becoming an orthodontist. Verbal commitments are non-binding.

While Hunt's primary position is wide receiver, he could play defensive back. A year ago, Hunt was the Comanches' second leading tackler with 93, including 67 solo.

"The coaches have told me I'll play wide receiver, which is good because we run the same style offense at Cahokia as they do," Hunt said. "But I'll play where ever they want me to play. I just want to help us win football games."

Cahokia coach Antwyne Golliday was elated for Hunt, as he is the latest in a recent number of Comanches to sign with NCAA Division I schools. Senior quarterback Patrick Ivy is also drawing interest from several BCS conference schools.

"It's been a little crazy around here with college coaches calling and coming in, but that's a good thing. It shows our kids are getting a chance to move on and get a good college education," Golliday said. "I'm very happy for Jimmie (Hunt). The kid is a winner and leader. Missouri is getting a good one."

While Hunt is confident in his ability as a player, he knows the hard work is just starting.

"My goal right now is to be a leader for this (Cahokia) football team this season," Hunt said. "But I know that in order to play at the college level, I need to keep improving every day. All over there are guys getting stronger, bigger and faster who are looking to take your position. I've just got to work that much harder."