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ATHENS, Ohio — Sophomore running back Rickey Hunt Jr. (Oklahoma City, Okla.) tore up the turf during the 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl. Hunt scored his first five collegiate touchdowns in the game to tie the NCAA bowl record for touchdowns scored in a game. Subsequently, he tied the Ohio program record for most touchdowns scored in a game. 

Hunt is ready to carry that energy into the 2024 season. He's excited to be back on the field with his teammates for spring camp. The 2023 Myrtle Beach Bowl MVP is eager to do something new in practice every day. Learning new plays is one of Hunt's favorite parts of the game, along with getting to hang out with his teammates.

Although Hunt spends a lot of time studying football, he's a student of other hobbies. When he's not on the field, Hunt can be found dabbling in music. He played the drums and a little piano, which he picked up at his parents' church. 

"(One of my favorite artists) is Tye Tribbett because he does a lot of things, if you want a little gospel or a little bit of hip hop," Hunt said. 

Hunt isn't a music major, though. He is currently studying sports management and sees music as an outlet. If he could perform on stage in a particular place, he would love to play in Florida because of the different opportunities available between music and management

Music helped Hunt while he adjusted to living in Athens over the past year. It was a massive change for Hunt to move to Ohio from Oklahoma. He had to leave behind his animals, family and church community, but it was a sacrifice he was willing to take to continue his football career and education. 

"I miss my family, that's most important," Hunt said. "But I like horses, I love to ride horses and that's my peace. Then church, I'm especially big in church." 

Once the running back spent some time in Athens, he found that it wasn't much different than home. He said he misses being a country boy, but he's found a way to use home as motivation. Hunt credits his faith and family for keeping his head on straight. Both keep him locked in on football and his education. 

The spring is just starting for the Bobcats, but Hunt is already locked in on achieving his goals in the fall. Hunt hopes to have the most rushing yards in the Mid-American Conference in 2024 as well as the state of Ohio. Above all, Hunt wants to be a leader on his team. He wants to have fun — and win a MAC Championship — with his team.

"I'm just ready to get the show on the road with my teammates," Hunt said.

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