Hunter Suffers Broken Foot, Will Miss Bowl Game

Dec. 10, 2006

Clemson, SC – Clemson senior Thomas Hunter, an honorable mention All-ACC tight end, suffered a broken foot in practice on Sunday and will not play in the Music City Bowl. Hunter will graduate from Clemson on December 21 and thus his career as a Clemson player has ended.

This is the third broken foot suffered by a Clemson player this year. Earlier Michael Hamlin and Chansi Stuckey suffered the exact same injury. Hamlin suffered the injury at Boston College and Stuckey suffered the injury during and October practice at Clemson.

“This is very disappointing because Thomas was a big part of our offense,” said Clemson Head Coach Tommy Bowden. “He has had a very productive year and a very productive career. He has been an outstanding representative of our football program.”

Hunter will graduate with a degree in biological sciences. He plans to take some postgraduate courses at Clemson in the second semester, then pursue a career in hospital administration.

“This is difficult to accept,” said Hunter. “It is a tough way to end your career, but I have no regrets. When I came here all I wanted to do is run down the hill. I got to play in over 40 games and be a part of some very big games here. This probably won’t sink in until we get to Nashville and I am watching from the sidelines.”

Bowden said Alex Pearson would see increased playing time as a result of Hunter’s injury.

Hunter had 16 catches for 305 yards this season for a team best 19.1 yards per reception. His 305 receiving yards were the most by a Clemson tight end since Bennie Cunningham had 312 in 1975. He had a career high three receptions for 35 yards in his final game against South Carolina. He had a career high 79 receiving yards against Maryland on two receptions, including a 71-yard reception in the fourth quarter that was the longest reception in Clemson history by a tight end.

Hunter played in 44 games over the last four years, 17 as a starter. He started all 11 games this year and averaged 40 snaps per game. He ended his career with 29 receptions for 425 yards.