Davenport makes it official with Carson Newman
Published 2:48 am Friday, February 9, 2018
- Star Photo/Bryce Phillips Hampton senior Hunter Davenport signs his name with Carson Newman where he will play football for the Eagles.
For the past four years, Hampton senior Hunter Davenport has caught the attention of many as he sped down the gridiron for the Bulldogs football team.
Now Davenport will take his speed over to Carson Newman where he signed to play football for the Eagles.
“I love the atmosphere there,” said Davenport. “It is a great school. It is a winning program there. They run the ball a lot, and that is what we did here at Hampton, so I am going to like it there I hope.”
Ever since he was a little boy playing flag football, Davenport had dreamed of playing football after high school.
“It is just a dream for everybody,” said Davenport. “Everybody wants to make it to the next level, I just kept chasing that dream, and I finally got it.”
While at Hampton, Davenport racked up 3,762 yards rushing while recording 59 rushing touchdowns. Davenport also played a role in the Bulldogs passing game as he pulled in 800 yards receiving and recorded 11 receiving touchdowns.
In 2017 during his senior campaign, Davenport had 1,618 yards on the ground while running in 21 rushing TDs. He also had 252 yards receiving.
Hampton head coach Michael Lunsford attended Wednesday’s signing and said it is always great to see a Bulldog get the chance to play collegiate ball.
“We encourage all of our athletes to go on and try and do the best they can do and reach the highest level they can get to,” said coach Michael Lunsford. “Carson Newman is a bigger signing than we have had in a while. It is exciting for the community and exciting for us as a football team. It is exciting for Hunter.”
“He had speed that you couldn’t teach,” coach Michael Lunsford added. “He just has so much athleticism. Hunter just doesn’t know how good he can be yet. He is still growing. He has a bright future in front of him.”
Also on hand Wednesday was Cloudland head coach Mike Lunsford, who coach Davenport during his freshman and sophomore years at Hampton.
“When I was watching him when he was a young kid, of course, it was me and Michael both, we knew he was going to be special,” said Lunsford. “He had somethings you are just born with. Now Hunter, especially these past two years, he worked really hard for Michael. What he did this year with the young line and all the injuries, is probably the biggest accomplishment.”