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NEW ORLEANS – Louisiana offensive lineman Robert Hunt became the first former Sun Belt Conference football standout drafted as the Miami Dolphins selected the former Ragin' Cajun as the 39th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
 
Hunt is Louisiana's third-highest selection in the NFL Draft behind Charles Tillman, who was picked by the Chicago Bears 35th overall in 2003 and Anthony Clement, who was chosen 36th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in 1998. He is the first Louisiana player selected since 2018 when Tracy Walker was selected in the third round by the Detroit Lions and Simeon Thomas was selected in the sixth round by the Cleveland Browns.

The Burkeville, Texas, native capped his final season for the Ragin' Cajuns with his second All-Sun Belt recognition after once again anchoring an offensive line that paved the way to one of the best offensive seasons in school history. Louisiana was among the FBS leaders ranking sixth in rushing offense (257.4) and 10th in scoring offense (37.9). Hunt was a stalwart for the Cajuns with three years of starting experience, including the last two seasons at right tackle. He played and started in all 14 games in 2019. Hunt received an invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl but did not participate. He was recognized as a midseason second-team All-America selection by Pro Football Focus.
 
Hunt started 45 games on the offensive line during his Louisiana career, blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers in Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell.

Hunt's selection marks the 13th-straight year the Sun Belt has had at least one player taken in the NFL Draft.
 
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