Tulane defensive tackle Adin Huntington has put some outstanding stuff on tape throughout his college football career. Huntington transferred to the Green Wave program from Louisiana-Monroe ahead of his senior season. Last year, the Stafford, Virginia native recorded 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss for the Warhawks.
Huntington recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Huntington discussed his decision to join Tulane out of the transfer portal, his production at Louisiana-Monroe last season, appearing on the Senior Bowl watchlist, and so much more.
JM: It's been quite the journey for you. You're now at Tulane after previously playing at Louisiana-Monroe and Kent State. What drew you back to the transfer portal and to Tulane?
Adin Huntington: I had a great opportunity to play at Louisiana-Monroe. I came there under a great coaching staff and although we didn’t always meet our goals as a team, I learned a lot under them.
I had a great season in 2023. I wanted to capitalize on that by taking an opportunity to mold myself into a better football player. I wanted to play at the highest level, and Tulane is giving me a chance to do that.
I’m trying to get myself ready for this next step in my life. I have dreams of playing in the NFL. I graduated, and that played a big role in my decision to enter the portal as well. It was another opportunity to pursue life after football.
I’m currently completing my Master’s. Pursuing different programs for education-related purposes was another reason I hit the portal. Tulane is giving me a chance to grow both as a football player and as a student.
I’ve been learning different cultures and coaching styles. Sometimes when you get to that next level [NFL], you may have played under the same staff in the same system. I’ve had a chance to learn different systems, techniques, and philosophies. I’ve added a bunch of versatility to my toolbelt.
JM: You’ve done exactly that. You had a fantastic season at Louisiana-Monroe in 2023, as you said, totaling 8.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. You also forced three fumbles. That's a lot of pass-rushing production. How would you describe your arsenal?
Adin Huntington: I play fast and physical. That comes first. This is still a kid’s game at the end of the day. I go out there and have a bunch of fun by playing fast.
The best aspect about my game is, when you train a certain way, or hit a certain pass-rushing move, those things come so naturally to me. It’s second nature at this point. I don’t have to think about what I want to do.
If the offensive lineman shoots his hands too low or too high, my response is automatic. I spend a lot of time studying film throughout the week. I have a good idea of what offensive tackles are trying to do against me. It’s engraved in my mind.
A lot of that production was good film habits and playing fast. I try to play free. I do my best to avoid pressing the issue. I’m at my best when I’m playing free. That’s when I make plays. It’s a blessing to play football.
The @seniorbowl is looking at Tulane (for second straight week) vs. K-State. @GreenWaveFB DT Adin Huntington is a name for draft sickos to keep tabs on. ULM transfer is a sawed-off yet explosive rusher who coaches say will run 4.7's at Combine. ✍️#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/AvlFogfux1
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) September 7, 2024
JM: You have 11 tackles this season for Tulane. You're at a phenomenal program now, like you said earlier. How do you think working under this coaching staff is helping you grow as a player in your senior season?
Adin Huntington: For a young staff, it’s one with a lot of wisdom. It’s rare to see first-year head coaches go to a program and win a championship. It’s even harder to repeat that success the following year.
This staff has done an incredible job building on the culture that was installed by the previous staff. There was a strong culture when they arrived here and they’ve kept that going.
Tulane is a high-level program. In my opinion, this staff is littered with Power-Five coaches. There’s a lot of knowledge on this staff. They’ve coached a ton of outstanding football players at the next level.
Being here with this staff right now, I feel like I’m learning a different side of the game. At this point, it’s a lot more mental. I’m growing the mental side of my game more than the physical right now.
What separates the good players from the great players is the mental aspect. It goes back to the film study, understanding protections and how offensive linemen are trying to attack you, being aware of tendencies on down and distance, etc.
That’s how I’ve expanded my mind and my game. It goes way behind, okay, it’s third down, go rush the quarterback.
JM: That’s an outstanding answer. You also appear on the Senior Bowl watchlist. What would getting that invite to compete in Mobile mean to you?
Adin Huntington: It felt great to get that recognition. It meant a lot. At the end of the day, I have to play myself towards receiving that opportunity. I thank God for the initial recognition and opportunity, but I have to earn it the rest of the way now.
I have to play a great season. The rest will take care of itself. I’m motivated to get that invite. I take the watchlist with a grain of salt, but I’m appreciative of the recognition. I have to continue playing my brand of football.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?
Adin Huntington: We have six regular-season games left on our schedule. I believe we’re going to play two or more games after the regular season comes to an end. We’re talking conference championships and playoffs. We hope things go in our favor.
I want to finish my senior season strong. I’m off to a slower start than I expected, but I also started slow last season before exploding down the stretch. I have to keep playing my game. I love playing football.
I want to dominate when these opportunities come my way. I’m working towards the NFL.