SAN ANTONIO -- Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter confirmed Tuesday evening that his son, Notre Dame football commit and ESPN 150 wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr., suffered a broken left femur during U.S. Army All-American Bowl morning workouts at the Blossom Athletic Center.
Hunter Jr. is expected to miss anywhere from six to eight months with the injury, according to his father. It could take as much as a year for him to fully recover.
"It's a fracture, and it will require surgery," Hunter said of his son. "He's a tough boy. He's distraught right now, he's never had an injury before. I told him he'll bounce back. I know he will.
"He's seen me fight through injuries, so he knows it can happen. You just have to work hard."
Hunter caught a flight to San Antonio after getting the news that his son was carted off the field following 1-on-1 drills. Hunter Jr. was running a routine route when he went down in pain following the release.
The No. 5 receiver and No. 47 prospect in the ESPN 150, Hunter Jr. committed to Notre Dame in September, choosing the Fighting Irish over Nebraska and Arizona State. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound receiver also is a standout center fielder and is a potential MLB draft pick.
"I think what he's thinking is he's going to miss baseball," Hunter said.
Hunter added that he's been in contact with his personal doctors, and they are confident his son will make a complete recovery, with proper rest and rehabilitation.
Hunter Jr. recorded 71 receptions for 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior year, leading Prosper to a 10-3 record and a trip to the third round of the Texas Class 4A Division II playoffs.
"All of the doctors are saying he should be fine," Hunter said. "They're saying it's 99 percent [full recovery probability], but it'll take some time."
