Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/109499
physical therapy and started seeing progress, then I started getting in better spirits," Hunter said. "I started praying more and just giving it all to God. I'm doing everything as far as trying to keep my muscles strong around it while it's healing so I don't have to waste time doing that after it heals. "For people who just have a cast, they have to sit there for three months and let it heal first. I'm already doing things as it's healing. That's why I feel like I can make the comeback." Hunter had a connection to Notre Dame that he didn't even realize until his initial unofficial visit to campus. Irish co-defensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Kerry Cooks, who recruited WR Torii Hunter Jr. Hunter, introduced his wife Valencia, to Hunter 's mother, Katrina. The two women had grown up around Pine Brook, Ark., and they competed against each other in athletics while at rival high schools. "When I got to Notre Dame it was a surprise they knew each other," Hunter said. "It's pretty crazy — small world." H i s f a t h e r, To r i i Hunter Sr., is a 17-year veteran Major League Baseball outfielder set to begin his first season with the Detroit Tigers. Other than being a positive role model for his son, Torii Hunter Sr.'s experience with a litany of injuries has provided timely inspiration. "He broke his ankle in 2005, and he missed 64 games," Hunter Jr. said. "He came back before everybody thought he would. He worked real hard and didn't take anything lightly. He's had three knee surgeries, and he's healthy again. If he can do it, I can do it. Seeing him do it helped me a lot." "I think he is a reflection of his mother and father," Prosper coach Kent Scott added. "His dad has been super supportive. He makes a donation to our scholarship fund every year. He's very involved in his kids' lives, but not like a helicopter dad. He wants to see his kids make their own way. "It was no secret that Torii wanted to go somewhere with great athletic tradition, but he also wanted a place with athletic vigor that would challenge him." And he appears up for challenges. ✦ 6-1 ✦ 172 ✦ Prosper H.S. ✦ Prosper, Texas Notable: Born on June 7, 1995 … Runs a 4.51-second 40-yard dash … Vertical leap is 36 inches … Has a 3.79 GPA and made the National Honor Society and the Academic All-District Team as a senior … Father is Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter Sr. … As a junior outfielder in 2012, Hunter Jr. hit .393 with six home runs, 27 RBI and 13 stolen bases … Plans to major in business. Rankings: Rated as a four-star player, the No. 38 wide receiver nationally and the No. 41 prospect in Texas by 247Sports … A four-star recruit, the No. 41 receiver in the country and the No. 42 player in the Lone Star State per Rivals.com … Tabbed as a four-star talent and the No. 41 receiver in the land by Scout.