It’s been an incredible last season for Ryan Hunter, who moved from Kansas City to Los Angeles after two years with the Chiefs. The offensive lineman is feeling attacked in his first training camp with the Chargers, who give him a second chance to prove he has his place in the NFL.
Last year, after training camp, the Chiefs released the Franco-Ontarian whose parents are from Témiscaming. For two weeks, Hunter waited anxiously for another team’s call, until the Chargers showed up.
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He finally spent the season with the organization, on the reserve team.
“I found it very long, the two week wait. It was the first time I found myself out of work at the start of the season. Mentally, I told myself that there were a lot of people in the league who were in the same situation. I just wanted a team to give me another chance to show that I’m good enough to play in this league, ”he said in an interview a year later.
“The Chiefs told me it was a tough decision for them, but it’s really exciting to have an opportunity with a new team, with new games, new coaches and new teammates. I have the opportunity to extend my career for several years. “
Guard and center
With the Chargers, Hunter trains both as a guard and a center. In Kansas City, he was used more as a blocker or guard. The terminology of a new playbook was a challenge, but this time he is looking forward to starting the season with his team, just like everyone else.
“Many of the teams work the same way, whether it’s in practices or in meetings. It was not difficult to be comfortable in my new environment.
“The hardest part was getting to know the playbook during the season, rather than having months to do it like I have been able to do this year. I’m very excited to start camp with the Chargers, ”he said.
New sheriff in town
Within the team, a strong wind of optimism reigns. Not only did young quarterback Justin Herbert make a splash in his debut season last fall, but a new regime is in place with Brandon Staley as head coach.
He’s only 38 years old and had only worked in a variety of assistant roles before he stood out as the Rams’ defensive coordinator last season.
“He’s definitely different from the head coaches I’ve known before. He brings a lot of energy and the players respond very well to this kind of coach. The players want to play for a coach like that. He set up a great environment, ”praised Hunter.
If, however, the experience with the Chargers proves inconclusive, the one who grew up in North Bay believes he will have the opportunity to stand out elsewhere.
“It’s a chance to make a good impression. I really feel ready. With the return of preseason games this year, I have a chance to show not only to the Chargers but also to the 31 other teams that I have improved as a player. If that doesn’t work out with the Chargers, I want to make my place in a regular roster elsewhere. “
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