SaberCats OS James Hundon Sees 'Catches & Moves' Like No Other
August 7, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
San Jose SaberCats News Release
By John F. (Hondo) Hahn
James Hundon surveyed the field. He envisioned what was about to take place. Only a few hours later would he catch enough balls to gain 100 yards and haul in another four touchdowns.
Football is Hundon's life, for now at least. It's SaberCats football that the 31-year-old has focused on the past two years.
Now, before another Arena Football League playoff game, Hundon comes to the Compaq Center Arena almost an hour before any of his other teammates arrive. He stands alone on the field. Breathes in the silence before the music blares and the fireworks spew smoke.
In his study of the field, he visualizes what patterns he may have to run that day and what they will look like; kind of a study in concentration of how he will approach the game that day. Dreaming of doing the things he needs to do to be the best receiver in the league.
"After I watch film (video) all week of my opponent, I visualize the moves that I can use on this person and try to take advantage of their weaknesses," Hundon explains with a seriousness of an old pro. "Whether they open their hips too soon, or they stand there and back pedal too long, it all makes a difference. There are different things that I know that I am good at that I can use to work my techniques against the defensive backs."
It's all about the little things, the little nuisances that can make a difference. Coaches call them tendencies of a player and how he reacts. James calls them "knowing your opponent" in every aspect.
This learning process began some time ago. From City College of San Francisco, he moved to Portland State University. After successful campaigns at both schools, he was a draft selection of the Cincinnati Bengals. After 36 games (4 starts) in four seasons with the Bengals as a wide receiver, it was a year off before he joined the XFL's San Francisco Demons in 2001.
"I've developed a lot, especially since I have become a SaberCat...working closely with Terry Malley has been the biggest help in my career," Hundon said of the team's offensive coordinator and general manager. "He has specifically pulled me aside and has talked to me about working guys bodies, and using my speed as an asset. I learned to press guys with speed. He really helped me in putting fear into the eyes of a DB. So, I have learned a lot more here."
Coach Malley agrees Hundon has come into his own with the SaberCats. "He has a lot of talent but he's had to improve to get to where he is," said Malley. "I think he has made some strides and I think he understands this game a little bit better. The fortunate thing is, he still has some jumps in front of him as far as areas he can improve"
Since coming in late last season, after the XFL run where he had 28 receptions for 357 yards, the 6-foot-1 Hundon played in just six SaberCats' regular-season contests and two playoff tilts. For all 23 games he has played in the last season and a half, he has 166 catches, 2,462 yards and 57 touchdowns. That equates to a touchdown on every third catch he makes.
"Heâs a bit old as far as football is concerned," said coach Malley, "but, he is young in that he hasn't tapped all his ability yet. He knows he still needs to learn ...I just think this has been a good situation for him."
The one thing you have to know about Hundon is his enthusiasm. He has an effervescent air, a contagious smile and a sense of humor all his teammates enjoy.
"This is the most fun in football I have ever had playing the game; next to 1992 season at City College in San Francisco we went 10-0," Hundon said of his football history. "This is my second best experience as a football player.
"With all that I have been through I was able to showcase what I am capable of doing; learning from the game and having a staff (coaching) that is very confident in me. You don't get that in the NFL unless you are a high draft pick."
"Since becoming a SaberCat, the coaches are behind me 100 percent; if I do something wrong everybody comes in, tries to correct what I do wrong and they give me their opinion. I will take it (what they say) and work with it...and I attribute that to my success here."
The body gets banged around pretty good in Arena Football. With crashes into the boards and playing continually on artificial turf, it can take a toll on a player.
"As far as his durability, he has played every down for us on offense and just gets it done," said head coach Darren Arbet. "When we need a first down, we go to him and not only does he have the speed, but he gets off the press coverage."
So with this new -found football life, where does James Hundon go?
"Right now I am a probation counselor for juvenile hall in San Mateo. So, when I retire from football I will work on a permanent position there and finish out my career as a probation officer."
He also believes he has a few more steps left on the field. "Experience and speed; along with knowledge of the game and understanding what I can and can't do has really helped me out a lot. I would like to play at least three more years."
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from August 7, 2002
- SaberCats OS James Hundon Sees 'Catches & Moves' Like No Other - San Jose SaberCats
- Semifinal Playoff Preview - AFL I
- Peterson Earns Weekly Award - Portland Forest Dragons
- Carolina Cobras Announce 2002 Team Award Winners - Carolina Cobras
- Marvin Taylor Named AFL Defensive Player of the Week - Chicago Rush
- Arena Football League Transactions - AFL I
- Trigg Signs Two-Year Contract Extension - Grand Rapids Rampage
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
