Complete list of 2005 verbal commitments Ragin Cajuns land commitment from STM quarterback John Hundley
LOUISIANA La. - After all of the recruiting wars, the endless phone calls and the constant questions, it came down to one simple fact for John Hundley.
"I just wanted to play here," said the highly-recruited St. Thomas More quarterback. "I like Lafayette, and I decided that's where I wanted to play."
Hundley, one of the South's top quarterback prospects and Louisiana's number one pro-style quarterback in most scouting services, gave University of Louisiana head coach Rickey Bustle a verbal commitment Monday.
The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Hundley is the Ragin' Cajuns' 15th verbal pledge for the 2005 recruiting class, but is easily the most high-profile commitment and single-handedly brought notoriety to the class with a month remaining before national signing day.
"It really wasn't that difficult a decision," said Hundley. "I like the coaching staff there a lot, I've gotten real close to coach Christophel (Cajun offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Rob Christophel), and it's easy for my family to come and see me play."
Hundley is ranked No. 1 in Louisiana and No. 28 nationally on the Rivals.com recruiting service listings of "pro-style" quarterbacks. The only other state quarterback listed among Rivals.com's national top 60 signalcallers is East St. John standout and Texas commitment Ryan Perrilloux, whom the service ranks No. 1 among "dual-threat" quarterbacks.
But St. Thomas More coach Jim Hightower said Hundley's running ability doesn't get the credit it deserves.
"He's obviously got the size, the great arm and the throwing touch," said Hightower. "But he's got nimbleness and awareness in the pocket, and he's got escapability that might not be apparent on first viewing. He's a very capable runner who moves around well, and he's really a big, strong guy."
Hundley completed 142-of-249 passes for 1,845 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions as a senior. He also rushed for 512 yards on 97 carries and scored five rushing touchdowns for the Cougars.
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Dan McDonald
dmcdonald@theadvertiser.com