SMU’s Hunt Selected By Bengals In NFL Draft

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DALLAS (SMU) – SMU defensive end Margus Hunt has been chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2013 NFL Draft. Taken with 21st pick of the second round and 53rd overall, Hunt is the highest pick from the Hilltop since Rod Jones and Reggie Dupard were selected 25th and 26th overall, respectively, in the 1986 NFL Draft.

Hunt is the eighth Mustang to be drafted in last five years, joining current Washington Redskins Aldrick Robinson (2011), Josh LeRibeus (2012) and Richard Crawford (2012), Tennessee Titan Taylor Thompson (2012), Pittsburgh Steelers Emmanuel Sanders (2010) and Kelvin Beachum (2012) and New Orleans Saint Thomas Morstead (2009). Joining these eight former Mustangs on NFL rosters are free agent signees Cole Beasley and Sterling Moore of the Dallas Cowboys, Bryan McCann of the Arizona Cardinals, Matt Szymanski of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguar Chris Banjo.

As a senior in 2012, Hunt was named MVP of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl and first-team All-Conference USA. In his final collegiate game, Hunt notched two sacks and three TFL, forcing two fumbles that led to field goals and recording one sack for a safety. On the year, he played in all 13 games, making 12 starts and leading SMU with eight sacks and 11 QBHs. He broke the NCAA career record when he blocked his ninth career FGA early in the year and added another FGA block at UTEP. In his career, Hunt blocked 10 FGAs and seven PATs. Following the season, Hunt earned an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

The NFL Draft continues Saturday.