KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Despite being a prolific runner in his first three college seasons at Toledo, running back Kareem Hunt frequently came out of the lineup on passing downs.
That changed when Hunt became a senior, after a summer spent working on his pass routes and receiving skills. Hunt caught 41 passes last season for Toledo, nine more than in his first three seasons combined.
“I feel like my offense didn’t really utilize me in the passing game early on in my career," Hunt said over the weekend at the Kansas City Chiefs rookie camp. “[He then started] working hard and doing 7-on-7 and summer workouts and winning my one-on-one battles, the routes and stuff like that. My coach was, like, ‘Yeah, we’ve got to utilize you more out of the backfield and get you in space.’
“I just want to be a guy who can be able to do it all. I don’t want to come off the field if I don’t have to."
Hunt’s receiving ability is a large part of what led the Chiefs to pick him in the third round of the recent draft. The Chiefs, after releasing Jamaal Charles, were looking for a versatile back who can play in any situation.
It’s also what may get him on the field early and often during his rookie season.
“I feel like I’ll fit in just fine," Hunt said. “I feel like I can fit into and play Jamaal Charles’ role a little bit. I know he’s a great back. He’s the leading running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, but I’m excited to get out there and show them what I can do and fill his spot hopefully, if they need me right away.
“It’s a lot of pressure because that’s a great running back. He’s definitely going to be in the Hall of Fame. Everybody knows Jamaal Charles. That guy is a one-of-a-kind athlete."
Playing time for a featured back is available to Hunt and others as the Chiefs find their way in the post-Charles world. Spencer Ware, last season’s leading rusher, will claim some snaps. Charcandrick West also returns and the Chiefs signed veteran C.J. Spiller in the hopes he can return to the form he showed early in his career with the Buffalo Bills.
But the Chiefs traded up to get Hunt, showing what they think of him. He’ll play, too, if he shows well in training camp.
“I definitely see myself as a home run back and I definitely see myself as a guy who can pound the ball in the four-minute [clock-killing] drill," Hunt said. “I definitely feel like I can do it all. Honestly, if you need a big play, I can hit a big play any time of the game. I’m a guy where you never know what to expect.”
Hunt sounded as if he appreciated the opportunity with the Chiefs. He indicated that putting on a Chiefs practice jersey over the weekend for the first time was a special experience.
“It’s a great feeling," he said. “I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. I’ve been dreaming of putting on a NFL jersey since I was probably in, like, the sixth grade. Honestly, it’s finally here and I’m going to take advantage of it and make the most of my opportunity.”