Tennessee Titans wide receiver Justin Hunter (15) takes a break during a preseason NFL game in this file photo.NASHVILLE – The C.A.R.E. package for rookie wide receiver Justin Hunter arrived at the Tennessee Titans’ headquarters late last week.
“It was from Coach [Butch] Jones,” Hunter said, referring to the University of Tennessee’s new coach. “It was a box of T-shirts, college shirts, lots of UT stuff, lots of orange.”
But Hunter never so much as practiced under Jones, did he? Didn’t he decide to turn pro about the same time Jones was hired to replace Derek Dooley?
“He tried to get me to stay,” said Hunter on Saturday night, about an hour after he caught the first professional touchdown of his career in the Titans’ 27-16 exhibition victory over visiting Atlanta. “I think he was pretty bummed when I didn’t.”
Jones might be even more bummed after watching Hunter against the Falcons. Entering the Titans’ third preseason game of the year with two total catches for 14 yards, the 6-4, 203-pounder caught a 3-yard slant-in from backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick midway through the third period to move the home team ahead 20-6.