Demetrius Hunter Chases NFL Dream at Colorado
Colorado Buffaloes center Demetrius Hunter transferred to Boulder for one reason: the NFL Draft. After four seasons at Houston, the veteran lineman found a land of opportunity under head coach Deion Sanders and offensive line coach Gunnar White. Now, he is out to prove that hard work and merit still matter in American football.
Can Demetrius Hunter Win the Starting Center Job?
Before Hunter can boost his draft stock, he must beat out Lafayette transfer Sean Kinney for the starting job. Kinney dominated at the FCS level, appearing in all 24 games over two seasons and earning Freshman All-American honors. The competition has been fierce throughout spring practice and summer camp.
But Hunter holds the edge where it counts. He brings four years of Big 12 experience to the trenches. Colorado coaches know he will not be caught off guard against top competition. Kinney has two years of eligibility remaining, while 2026 is Hunter's final shot. Expect the coaching staff to trust the veteran and develop Kinney for next season.
Why NFL Scouts Should Watch Demetrius Hunter
Hunter is not just experienced. He was the anchor on Houston's offensive line for two seasons. His pass protection numbers tell the story of a man who does his job. He allowed just two sacks during his entire Houston career. In 2025, he gave up zero sacks and zero quarterback hits across 345 snaps.
Then there is his durability. Hunter has never suffered a major injury in college, even while logging massive snap counts. Availability is the best ability, and NFL teams want players who show up every Sunday. That reliability makes Hunter an appealing draft option.
How Gunnar White Develops NFL Talent at Colorado
Offensive line coach Gunnar White has been a game changer for the Buffaloes. He turned transfer guard Xavier Hill into an NFL prospect who signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. He developed center Zarian McGill into a prospect good enough to earn a Denver Broncos rookie minicamp invite.
<White also coached standouts Jordan Seaton, Zy Crisler, and Yahya Attia last season. His track record speaks for itself. Under White's guidance, Hunter will get the coaching he needs to make the NFL leap before his time in Boulder is done.
What Makes Demetrius Hunter's NFL Chances Real?
Hunter has the experience, the durability, and the coaching to succeed. He earned his opportunity through years of grind in the Big 12. He protected his quarterback with consistency that scouts cannot ignore. Now, in his final season, he has every chance to live out the American dream on Sundays.