2024 FCS NFL Draft Scouting Report: Houston Christian EDGE Jalyx Hunt

Author:
Gerald J. Huggins II
Publish date:
Mar 9, 2024 12:10 PM EST

In this story:

Houston Christian EDGE Jalyx Hunt

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 252 lbs
Career Statistics: 133 total tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks, 1 interception, 5 forced fumbles
Accolades: Southland Defensive Player of the Year (2023), 2X All-Southland Conference Selection (2022-23), Buck Buchanan Award Finalist (2023), FCS All-American Selection (AFCA, Stats Perform, Phil Steele; 2023)

Background Report:

Jalyx Hunt grew up in Florida and later moved to Maryland; Hunt won AAU championships in the triathlon and long jump at the Junior Olympic Games in 2011. His high school years were split between Dutch Fork High School in South Carolina and University High School in Orange City, Florida, where he played football and excelled in basketball and track. As a senior, Hunt earned All-County honors as a wide receiver.

Choosing to play college football at Cornell as an unranked prospect, Hunt began his collegiate career as a safety. The cancellation of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a setback, but Hunt's transition to Houston Christian (formerly Houston Baptist) marked a turning point in his career. He made a significant impact on the defensive line, earning second-team All-Southland Conference honors in his first year. He was named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year and earned FCS All-American honors in his final season with the Huskies.

Scouting Report:

At 6-foot-4 and 250 lbs, Hunt possesses the ideal frame for an edge rusher, with notable length that enables him to disrupt passing lanes and effectively reach quarterbacks. His lean and athletic build suggests agility and speed, essential traits for maneuvering around the edge, though it also highlights a lack of bulk and a less developed lower body.

Hunt's exceptional arm length and effective hand placement allow him to maintain separation from blockers, leveraging his physical advantages. His agility and quickness make him a serviceable run defender and a constant threat in the backfield, thanks to his impressive initial burst and acceleration. However, diversifying his pass rush repertoire, lower-body anchor, and consistently utilizing his hands against the run are areas where Hunt needs improvement.

Projection: Round 5-6

Projected as an Adequate NFL Rotational Prospect, Hunt's athletic traits and potential for further development position him as a valuable asset for NFL teams looking to enhance their pass rush and edge defense. His ability to operate as a standup defensive end or potentially transition to an outside linebacker in an odd front defensive scheme highlights his versatility and the unique skill set he brings to the table.