Claudia Collins
Chandler Cornerback Sammie Hunter committed to the University of Utah while in his hometown in South Carolina on Saturday morning. The 5-foot-10, 175-pound athlete was deciding between the Utes and the Iowa State Cyclones, however, it was Utah’s persistence that sealed the deal.
“Not a lot of people know this but Utah was the first school to ever start talking to me.”
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Sammie says Utah stuck out throughout his recruitment because the coaching staff always stuck to their word.
I went on an unofficial after I had surgery and they told me to come to the camp and they will offer me. They wanted to see how I could move again and I went to the camp and they offered me. It’s really a dream come true going to Utah.”
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“They were really straight up and honest and said I could come in and compete. They didn’t really discriminate with class or age, just that the best player was going to play. That’s what stood out to me.”
Sammie speaks highly of the relationship he built with Utah cornerback coach Sharrieff Shah. He described his coaching style as “intense” but admires his approach.
“When I was on the official visit, it was like a cookout and me and him were dancing and stuff for a couple of songs. He’s just a cool coach but he said he was going to demand the best from me every day, on or off the field.”
Hunter expects to make an impact at the nickelback position when he joins the Utes. Until then, his goal for his senior season is to make sure his name is known across the state.
“I really think I’m the best corner in Arizona and next season I want to prove it.”
