Jaylx Hunt selected 94th overall by Philadelphia Eagles.
In a moment that will forever be etched in Houston Christian University’s history, Jalyx Hunt became the first HCU player picked in the NFL Draft. The Philadelphia Eagles chose the talented linebacker in the third round with the 94th overall pick, setting the stage for Hunt to thrive at the highest level of football.
Hunt’s journey to the NFL Draft is a remarkable story of dedication, perseverance, and raw talent. After starting his college football career at Cornell University, Hunt chose to continue it at HCU, where he quickly made a name for himself as a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball.
In his final season with the Huskies,Hunt’s consistent performance (along with his presence off the field) was nothing short of spectacular.
Jason Bachtel, the head coach of the HCU football program noted as much.
“Jalyx is such a special person and talent, and his future is very bright. Throughout this whole process, Jalyx has been such a great ambassador for our University and football program,” Bachtel explained.
And Braxton Harris, the former head coach of the Huskies, agreed with what Hunt meant to the Huskies during the 2023 season.
“No one works harder and was more focused than him. He is a great teammate and leader, but most importantly, a great person, who has given so much to the HCU program,” Harris explained.
In 2023, Hunt recorded 46 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, an interception returned for a touchdown, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, and a blocked kick.
And he did all that in just 10 games. That impressive showing earned Hunt All-America accolades and the title of Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
Hunt’s success at HCU caught the attention of NFL scouts, and he was invited to participate in the prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl. The event allowed Hunt to showcase his skill set and to leave a lasting impression on the coaches and scouts in attendance. The Eagles very quickly recognized Hunt’s potential. And as Eagles GM Howie Roseman noted, they weren’t alone in knowing about Hunt.
“You think you get a guy from Houston Christian and nobody is going to know,” Roseman explained in a post-draft press conference. “Goes to the point. Everybody knew him. He was at [the] Senior Bowl.”
And that’s because, as Hunt himself pointed out in a post-draft press conference, he’s versatile and adaptable.
“I had a really good season my first year switching to the defensive edge position, hybrid position. That kind of got the eyes on me. Then this past year I played outside linebacker. When you watch my film you see things that you can’t really coach. You see my flying to the ball,” Hunt noted.
Roseman further explained, “Yeah, he’s got freaky tools in his body. He’s an explosive guy. If you watch his best plays, he’s doing things that are unique.”
Hunt’s draft selection is a significant milestone for HCU, as it showcases the talent and potential within the football program. As Hunt begins his NFL journey, he carries with him the support of the entire HCU community. His success demonstrates that HCU can help elevate its students to their full potential.