Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt of Willoughby South gearing up for second season

Year 2 for Kareem Hunt begins this week in Kansas City, and the record-setting running from Willoughby South isn’t resting on what he did in 2017 as a rookie.

That road to his second NFL season begins this week as Kansas City’s first OTA offseason workout is May 22 to May 24.

Hunt is excited to become even more involved in the Chiefs offense, and that’s saying a lot considering what he accomplished as a rookie.

Hunt led the NFL in rushing with 1,327 yards on 272 carries, and averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He also had 53 receptions for 455 yards. Hunt’s 1,782 total yards ranked third in the NFL in 2017.

He was the runner-up in voting for the Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Saints’ Alvin Kamara beat out Hunt, 28 votes to 21. Hunt did take home one rookie award, as he was voted NFL Rookie of the Year by the Professional Football Writers of America.

His first start in the season opener at New England on a Thursday night was historic. He finished the game with an NFL record 246 total yards, the most by a player in his debut. Hunt rushed for 148 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown, and caught five passes for 98 yards and two more TDs.

Hunt was recently on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” and was asked about a variety of topics:

On if he’s getting the respect he deserves >> “I mean, sometimes. I feel like I’m getting it now. Coming up (at Willoughby South and Toledo), I definitely didn’t feel like I was getting the respect I deserved. I just put that right here (in my mind) and went out there and just — now you have to show and be about it.”

On chiefs coach Andy Reid getting him more involved as a receiver >> “I definitely love that. Anytime I can get the ball I love it, especially in the open field and not having to go through the big boys in the trenches all the time, so I like getting the ball in the open on the field.”

On whether route running is in his skill set >> “Definitely. I want to be known as a guy who can do it all. (The Steelers) Le’Veon (Bell) is a great receiver out of the backfield and route-runner.”

On his relationship with the team’s new starting QB Patrick Mahomes >> “Our relationship is real close. Me and Pat, we’re always hanging out, having a good time, playing video games, stuff like that. One thing about him, I think he’s the most competitive person I know. He always is trying to compete and do something. He hates losing and he is just a guy you really don’t want to face. Honestly, he’s good at anything he does. He’s an athlete, definitely.”

As for his earlier comment on fighting for respect, Hunt is quickly earning that. The website ProFootballFocus.com recently released its Top 25 players under 25, and Hunt made the list at No. 13.

Chargers defensive end and former Ohio State Buckeye Joey Bosa was No. 1 on the list. Browns second-year defensive end Myles Garrett, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, made the list at No. 8.

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