Hunter is a hit for Regina defense

IOWA CITY - Consider him Iowa City Regina's silent but violent leader.

Justin Hunter switches from an unassuming and quiet senior to a hard-hitting pillar in the Regals' defense when he steps on the football field.

Hunter will step back into his role when Class 1A top-ranked Regina begins its quest for a sixth straight state title with a home opener against rival Solon Friday night. Action is scheduled to start at 7 and will be televised on KCRG 9.2.

Hunter has led the Regals in tackles the last two seasons. He stepped in as a sophomore and made an immediate impact for a program that takes pride in its defense.

'We've had some phenomenal football players and to be the leading tackler the last two seasons is pretty amazing when you think about it,” Regina Coach Marv Cook said. 'He's just a tough, physical kid.”

Cook said he has seen the damage that Hunter has caused. He keeps the equipment manager busy with an occasional bent facemask or broken breast plate on his shoulder pads, according to Cook. Hunter seeks out contact and doesn't shy away from delivering a crushing hit.

'It's awesome,” Hunter said. 'It's one of the best feelings in the world, knowing that you just knocked someone down and made a good play for your team.”

The 5-foot-10, 205 pound linebacker has 173 career total tackles, including 137 solo. He had 70 overall last year and 81 ½ in 2013. He has played with all-state performers as the Regals earned their fourth and fifth consecutive crowns, but he's made the most stops, including 10 ½ in last year's championship win over West Lyon.

'It's pretty cool,” Hunter said. 'Certainly at linebacker, you should really want to get those tackles at the line of scrimmage.”

Cook said he had high expectations for Hunter, but depended on how fast he acclimated to the varsity level. He had a good pedigree. His older brother, J.D. Hunter, played football for Regina and a sister was a standout softball.

'We knew what we had coming in at a young age,” Cook said. 'It was a matter of when he was physically ready to do it. His sophomore year, he had a great summer in the off-season and came in ready to go.”

Hunter had something to prove, coming off limited action as a freshman that produced 22 tackles. He focused on effort, which led to Cook's praise of how he rallies to the ball, chases down plays, hits hard and tips passes.

'I just tried to work my tail off every day,” said Hunter, who had an 18-yard fumble return for a touchdown in a win over West Branch that season. 'I wanted to get in there and contribute to the team. I try to do my job defensively and do what the coaches ask of me.”

He prefers letting his actions speak louder than any words, although he will get vocal, if needed, like when calling out formations or getting teammates in the right position. Cook said players follow Hunter's example, knowing his commitment and wanting to avoid disappointing him.

'In my opinion, he doesn't need to be vocal,” Cook said. 'He commands respect. He has earned it. He leads that way.”

Hunter's career high in tackles last year came in the overtime loss to Solon. He had 11 total stops, including six solo. He is ready for an electric environment against the Spartans, ranked seventh in 3A.

'The Solon rivalry, it's unbelievable,” Hunter said. 'It's always a great atmosphere every time we play. I think we're prepared and we just have to go out there and get it done.”

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