Purdue signed a touted collection of defensive linemen. And one of the best of the bunch is Dontay Hunter of Central High in Westerville, Ohio.

Hunter comes highly decorated, earning first-team all-league honors as well as first-team all-district and second-team all-Ohio accolades. Hunter is rated a three-star end by Rivals. And according to MaxPreps, Hunter tallied 113 tackles, including 101 solo stops, with 12.0 sacks, as a senior. He also had an interception and forced a pair of fumbles in 2018, as Westerville Central advanced to the 2018 Ohio state playoffs. GoldandBlack.com caught up with Hunter for an Entrance Interview.

GoldandBlack.com: Why Purdue?

Hunter: Words can’t even describe how I feel about the school. As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew Purdue was the place for me. I loved everything about it.

GoldandBlack.com: If not Purdue, where would you have gone?

Hunter: Honestly, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I know that sounds rehearsed, but it’s not. No other school made me truly feel like I was wanted. So, if not Purdue, I don’t know.

GoldandBlack.com: Did Ohio State recruit you?

Hunter: They did. They came after me pretty hard. But they decided to take Zach Harrison instead of giving me a chance.

GoldandBlack.com: Have you met fellow Boiler and Columbus, Ohio, native Markus Bailey?

Hunter: I have a couple times. He told me what I need to be prepared for.

GoldandBlack.com: How would you describe your style?

Hunter: I would say I am a very quick off-the-edge, strong, powerful defensive end. I can really do anything on the defensive line. I can even play linebacker if I need to.

GoldandBlack.com: What position will you play?

Hunter: Kentucky calls it the "jack" position, like an edge rusher, speed rusher who can drop back.

GoldandBlack.com: What is your height and weight?

Hunter: 6-4.5, 245.

GoldandBlack.com: What is your 40 time?

Hunter: 4.72.

GoldandBlack.com: What is your bench and squat?

Hunter: I bench 330, squat 440.

GoldandBlack.com: Will you redshirt or play next season?

Hunter: They expect me to be ready to play.

GoldandBlack.com: How big could you possibly get?

Hunter: Possibly like 260, 265 maybe. Noting heavier than that.

GoldandBlack.com: What other sports do you play?

Hunter: Basketball and track. But I didn't play basketball this year. I took it off. I decided to do indoor track. I was pretty good at basketball. I played the 2, 3, 4. I was an all-around player, I could shoot, slash, drive, great defender.

GoldandBlack.com: What events do you do in track?

Hunter: I run the 60-meter dash indoors. Outdoors, I do the 100, 200, 4X100 and 4X200.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you have any siblings?

Hunter: I have a 14-year old brother. He is about 6-4.

GoldandBlack.com: Is he a player like you?

Hunter: Absolutely.

GoldandBlack.com: What do your parents do?

Hunter: My dad owns a trucking company, he is a boss in transportation. My mom is a speech/language pathologist.

GoldandBlack.com: Have you ever had a serious injury?

Hunter: My freshman year, I broke my elbow. That is about it.

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GoldandBlack.com: How did your team do last season?

Hunter: We were 6-4 under a new coach. We were working our way through it. We made it to the playoffs and lost in Week One. It was a pretty good season.

GoldandBlack.com: What number will you wear next season?

Hunter: I believe I will wear No. 12. It is sentimental to me for family reasons. And every time I wear it, something good happens. That is my number, that’s Dontay.

GoldandBlack.com: How long have you been playing football?

Hunter: Since I was about 4 years old. I played every offensive position and linebacker and end on defense.

GoldandBlack.com: Have you gotten to know any of your classmates?

Hunter: Just talked to GK (George Karlaftis). We already have a little handshake we are gonna do after we get a sack. We are ready. That’s the plan (to get after it).

GoldandBlack.com: How would you describe yourself in one word?

Hunter: Relentless.

GoldandBlack.com: What NFL players do you pattern your play after?

Hunter: I have been watching the Bosa brothers (Joey and Nick) a lot, but in the NFL I would have to go with Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt along with Von Miller. I really watch them all. They are just great athletes.

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