Texas Tech DT Lee Hunter Shines at Media Days
Just in case you forgot or have been hiding under a rock the last several months, Hunter is a 6’4″, 325-pound defensive tackle who transferred from UCF. He earned Second-Team All-Big 12 honors in 2024 and led all FBS DTs in tackles in 2023. Originally signed with Auburn, he now anchors Texas Tech’s defensive front.
He spoke to the media during Big 12 Media Days — here’s what he had to say.
What are you most looking forward to when the pads come on?
“Do my job and help my brothers and team be successful by getting to the quarterback”
Where did the “all in” mentality come from?
“When somebody comes into the picture, and shows you your worth. Your ready to go to war for them. That’s all I can explain about that question. I’m just thankful for Texas Tech they came into my life and showed me my worth”
Why did you decide to transfer from UCF?
“They didn’t show me my worth, then someone came into the picture and showed me my worth. Blessed and thankful for Texas Tech”
What kind of potential does this defense have?
“Great potential, but potential doesn’t mean anything if we don’t execute”
What’s been the key to staying durable through 38 career games at such a physical position?
“Biggest thing for me to stay healthy, is to live in that training room. You live in that training room and those football gods will reward you”
Have you had a welcome to Lubbock moment yet?
“I ordered some DoorDash, and a fan delivered it to me — this was about a week and a half after I moved to Lubbock. They were like, ‘OMG, it’s The Fridge! Can I get a picture?’ And I’m just thinking to myself, ‘What did I just get myself into?’ And that was my welcome to Lubbock moment.”
Thoughts on dirt storms in Lubbock
I expected this to be his true “welcome to Lubbock” moment — but his response was even better. It offered a genuine glimpse into the kind of person Hunter is.
“Those dust storms are insane, but I really enjoyed it though. Cause it was something I’ve never seen. So you never know what you’re going to get out of Lubbock. But the dust storms are pretty exciting, I can sit in my living room and see all of Lubbock, I was just sitting looking out of my window and heard whistling and dust fly hitting my windows, just thinking to myself should I go downstairs so I just started watching dust storms.”
Biggest difference between Tech and UCF that you noticed
“It’s really big program, you have a bunch of former players that come back, and tell you what it means to wear red, to wear black, and what the double t means.”
You have been called a coach on the field, any chance that you envision yourself doing?
“After football, I want to be a coach”
Do you take little parts from coaching right now, and store that info out?
“You’re never too good to take wisdom from somebody that’s been in your shoes before, I take wisdom from a lot of people. I put a lot stuff in my toolboox and take it and run with it. It will make me a better person as I grow into older person”
What motivates you?
“My mom and my daughter. They’re my drive, that’s my why, thats my chip on my shoulder. and that’s who I do it for”
How has coach Fitch been to you since stepping on campus?
“Great coach, great mentor. Someone I needed in my life to help me reach my full potential. Coach Z is good at what he does.”
Becoming a 1st time father during Covid
“It started out rough, but you know being a dad. Everything isn’t going to be perfect. It was tough, but we got thru it and now we are here”
Personal goals for yourself
“I’ve never set goals for myself.” We win, I do my job and I get drafted”
Best food places to eat in Lubbock?
Bucket of Love, Chicken. and Whataburger.
Overall thoughts
Watching Lee Hunter speak, it’s clear how much he values his coaches and teammates. His message was simple: do your job, win games, and let everything else take care of itself. With an easy smile and a locked-in mindset, Hunter looks ready to help Texas Tech break through to the Big 12 title game — and maybe beyond. He’s a cornerstone of this defensive front, and if the Red Raiders make noise this season, expect Hunter to be at the center of it.
