Former Mizzou RB could make impact on baseball diamond this spring

Tyler Hunt is embracing the underdog role one more time at Missouri.

The former football walkon worked his way up to scholarship player status on Gary Pinkel’s roster after beginning his post-high school career as a junior college baseball player.

As a senior running back, Hunt carried the ball 42 times for 185 yards and a touchdown during the 2015 football season.

Having closed the book on that football dream, Hunt decided in December that he’d give baseball one more try as a member of the Missouri baseball team.

And according to Tigers coach Tim Jamieson, who spoke with the media on Thursday in advance of next week’s season opener against Seton Hall, he has a real chance to contribute in 2016.

Former Mizzou running back Tyler Hunt could earn a role out of bullpen as RHP but Jamieson pumped brakes some. Still getting re-acclimated

— Dave Matter (@Dave_Matter) February 11, 2016

Tanner Houck, who is arguable the Tigers’ best player, also gave the fellow pitcher some positive remarks during the media session:

Tanner Houck said Mizzou running back (now pitcher) Tyler Hunt has looked good in practice. Said Hunt is rusty but has a lively arm.

— Austin Kim (@AustinKKim) February 11, 2016

Here’s a look at Hunt in the Tigers’ 2016 baseball getup:

https://twitter.com/DavidCMorrison/status/697930388157571076

No matter the outcome of the upcoming season, successfully walking on and contributing to teams in both the nation’s best football and baseball conference is quite an accomplishment.

Nick Cole

Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.