If Nick Olds or Garrett Hoskins are not open, Eastern Michigan University quarterback Alex Gillett is likely to try finding Trey Hunter.
Hunter, a senior wide receiver, certainly has the talent to get open and the capability to make the critical catch.
Hunter, a communications major, was born and raised in Pemberville, Ohio, a town of about 1,300 people and just minutes from Mid-American Conference schools Toledo and Bowling Green. He originally was playing soccer growing up and did not start playing football until the seventh grade.
“It seemed like everybody in the school was doing it so I just got into it,” said Hunter, a 6-foot, 205-pounder.
Hunter attended Eastwood High School and played football, basketball and ran track and field. He worked on both sides of the ball in his three years on the football squad.
In his senior season, he was named a captain and named to second team all-league after catching 28 passes for 411 yards with one touchdown.
On defense, he recorded four interceptions and made 47 tackles. He played on special teams during kickoffs and also ran 20 times for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
After his senior year, Hunter chose to go to Eastern to stay a little closer to home.
“I chose EMU because it’s close to home, but it’s far enough away, and I liked the people up here,” Hunter said.
Hunter was red-shirted his freshman year in 2007 and was a regular on special teams the next season, earning his first varsity letter. Hunter’s first year as a wide receiver was 2009 as he played in all 12 games and started in five.
His first collegiate touchdown came in the season opener against Army when he caught a 20-yard pass from Andy Schmitt. He went on to record 12 receptions for 82 yards and achieved his second letter.
The 2010 season was a different story for Hunter as he contended with injuries that reduced him to playing in just six games. He caught his career long reception of 49 yards against Ohio and ended the season with eight catches for 100 yards for his third letter.
Hunter’s senior year got off to a splendid start in spring training camp after earning the Iron Eagle award for the wide receiver position.
The award is given to one player at each position for getting the highest point total in a seven-week conditioning program. The award shows his dedication to the team, and it is something teammates see in him every game.
“He brings a lot of leadership, good work ethic and he can play a variety of positions,” senior defensive back Martavius Cardwell said.
Like any football player, Hunter has learned from the ups and downs of playing the sport. Whether he makes the big catches to help win the game or sees his team through in the bitterest defeats, it is in these moments that he sees lessons to be learned.
“It teaches you a lot of things, like not everything’s going to be great, but it makes you a stronger person,” Hunter said.
Through those peaks and valleys, Hunter knows he can rely on his teammates to be there for encouragement and support.
“My favorite thing about the team is just my teammates in general,” Hunter said “They are always there for you regardless of the good and bad anytime.”
This year he has played in five games and made three starts with six receptions for 42 yards.
