Hunter, Gators Ready to Focus on Cincinnati

The Gator football team may have had one of the most bizarre 24-hour stretches in school history earlier this week, but for Omar Hunter and his teammates it’s time to move on. For the Gator players that means getting their minds set on their Friday night Sugar Bowl match up with No. 3 ranked Cincinnati.

Omar Hunter is a redshirt freshman from Buford, Georgia who was part of a Gator defense that allowed just 253 yards per game this season and held seven opponents to ten points or less.

Hunter talked about the issues surrounding Coach Meyer, the return of defensive end Carlos Dunlap and the importance of Friday night.

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On whether he believes what he’s been told:

“I believe in what Coach Meyer is saying. He’s got to put his family first.”

Any concern not knowing what will happen with the program?

“I feel pretty comfortable that I do know what’s going to happen. Coach Addazio is going to run it. I feel confident with Coach Addazio until Coach Meyer gets back.”

His reaction to the return of Carols Dunlap:

“It’s going to be fun having Dunlap back. It’s going to be a great experience playing in the Superdome here in New Orleans. It’s going to be a fun game. Cincinnati is a really good team.”

Are any of your teammates less than happy that he was allowed to return?

“Everyone has welcomed him back with open arms. Everyone loves Dunlap. I love Dunlap and we’re glad to have him back.”

Did Meyer’s resignation and return have any sort of positive effect on him and his teammates?

“Actually it did, because Coach Meyer had to step away because of health issues and family. But obviously he cared enough that he said this team is family and he would come back as soon as he’s healthy enough to be back with us. That meant a lot to the guys.”

How tough was it to get excited about this game after the disappointment of losing to Alabama?

“It’s not tough at all because we have to play for these seniors. It’s their last game and we have to send them out on a good note.”

What are your thoughts on Cincinnati?

“They’re good. They’re like a Spurrier (offense), in that they throw it around really good.”

Will you be rooting for Alabama to win the BCS Title Game and make it four straight national titles for the SEC?

“I don’t root for anybody but Florida, only Florida. I’m going to watch it and Texas is who I’m picking.”

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Hunter and his defensive teammates will have a challenge on their hands against a Cincinnati offense that is one of the best in the country. The Bearcats have scored at least 28 points in every game, while Florida’s defense has allowed only one team (Alabama) to score that much.