Hunter Cantwell
| Hunter Cantwell | |
|---|---|
| College | Louisville |
| Sport | Football |
| Position | QB |
| Class | Sophomore |
| Career | 2005–present |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 230 lb (104 kg) |
| Nationality | USA |
| Born | December 30, 1985 Paducah, Kentucky |
| High school | Paducah Tilghman High School, Paducah |
Hunter Cantwell (born December 30, 1985 in Paducah, Kentucky) is currently the backup quarterback for the University of Louisville, a member of the Big East Conference.He is 6-foot-4, 230-pounds, and attended Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper, Jr., many NFL scouts, and former Louisville head coach Bobby Petrino believe Cantwell has NFL talent, even though he is only on pace to start 1 year at quarterback for the Cardinals. He has shown tremendous ability to step in and play well in the big games when QB Brian Brohm was hurt or resting in a blowout.
High School
Cantwell prepped at Paducah Tilghman High School in Paducah, Kentucky, where he became the school's all-time passing leader, completing 458-756 passes, for 7,272 yards, and 70 TD. He set the Kentucky 3-A state playoff record for passing yards in a game (409), while going 31-8 as a starter. Rivals.com gave him a 2-star rating, however Cantwell was not offered a scholarship by any major program.
College career
Cantwell walked on to the Louisville Cardinals football team prior to the 2005 season. On November 25 2005, QB Brian Brohm injured his leg in a game against Syracuse and was going to miss the rest of the season. He stepped in and completed 3-5 passes for 66 yards, leading the Cardinals to a 41-17 victory. On December 2 2005, Cantwell started the season finale on the road against the Connecticut Huskies, completing 16-25 passes for 271 yards and 1 TD, leading Louisville to a 30-20 win. The Gator Bowl against Virginia Tech Hokies brought out the best in Cantwell, as he threw for 216 yards and 3 TD, however Virginia Tech won the game, 35-24. Regardless, Cantwell was voted the game's co-MVP.
On September 16 2006, after Brian Brohm suffered a thumb injury against Miami, he stepped in and completed 3-4 passes for 113 yards and 1 TD, leading #12 Louisville to a big win against #17 Miami, 31-7. Cantwell would start the next 2 games for the Cardinals, both on the road, against Kansas State and Middle Tennessee State. Against the Wildcats, he completed 18-26 passes for 173 yards and 1 TD, leading Louisville to a 24-6 win. Against the Blue Raiders, Cantwell completed 17-32 passes for 340 yards and 3 TD, leading the Cardinals to a 44-17 road romp.