National Football Foundation

One of the nation's most dominating linebackers, Hunter Hillenmeyer has excelled both in the classroom and on the field despite having to learn a new position in the off-season.

A three-time Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll and perennial Dean's List member, Hillenmeyer has been the model of excellence and consistency. Possessing a double major of Economics and Human & Organizational Development, he is scheduled to graduate next May near the top of his class. 

Despite making the difficult change from outside to middle linebacker in the off-season, Hillenmeyer continues to rule the SEC defensively. Following campaigns of which he posted tackle totals of 68 and 72 respectively, through six games in 2002 he ranks third in the conference with 81 tackles - including a career high 19-tackle performance vs. South Carolina. Currently, he ranks among the team's career leaders with 230 tackles and 15 tackles-for-a-loss. 

A regular volunteer for the Special Olympics and Boys and Girls Club of America, Hillenmeyer also speaks at various team events including the Peabody Parent's Weekend Luncheon. He was selected in the fifth round (166th overall) of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers but ended up signing with the NFC North rival Chicago Bears. Hillenmeyer made 382 career total tackles and registered seven sacks and two interceptions in nine seasons with the Bears.

He received an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and owns a company called OverDog, which allows fans to compete against pro athletes in video games over a mobile app.