Sept. 13, 2012
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Former All-Southeastern Conference linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer is Vanderbilt’s selection to the 2012 class of SEC Football Legends, conference officials announced today.
Hillenmeyer, a product of Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville who went on to enjoy a long career with the Chicago Bears of the NFL, will be honored Nov. 30-Dec. 1 in Atlanta. Each of the SEC’s 14 teams will be represented with program legends that will be recognized at the SEC Championship Legends Dinner on Nov. 30 and during pre-game festivities of the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 31.
As a senior co-captain in 2002 playing middle linebacker for the first year, Hillenmeyer put together a sensational campaign that was capped by consensus All-SEC honors. Hillenmeyer paced the NCAA that season with 168 total tackles and 116 solo tackles.
Hillenmeyer finished his Commodore career with 23 starts at linebacker. He garnered 249 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four fumble recoveries and 6.5 quarterback sacks wearing the No. 47 Black & Gold jersey.
Hillenmeyer also was a superb student-athlete as a Vanderbilt undergraduate. In 2002, he was selected as one of six Division I-A National Scholar Athletes by the College Football Hall of Fame and National Football Foundation. He was also elected as a first team Academic All-American.
Drafted by the Green Bay in the fifth round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Hillenmeyer eventually played eight years with the NFC Central rival Chicago Bears. He became a starter at outside linebacker for the Bears in his second year, continuing in that role into the 2010 season.
Hillenmeyer continues to reside in the Chicago area.
Other former standouts from SEC Eastern Division teams in the 2012 Legends class are cornerback Steve Tannen of Florida, quarterback David Greene of Georgia, running back Sonny Collins of Kentucky, defensive back/running back Johnny Roland of Missouri, safety Ko Simpson of South Carolina and wide receiver Peerless Price of Tennessee.
The full list of previous Vanderbilt SEC Legends follows:
2011 Corey Harris, DB/RB 1988-91
2010 Corey Chavous, DB 1994-97
2009 Jamie Duncan, LB 1995-97
2008 Shelton Quarles, LB 1990-93
2007 Chuck Scott, WR/TE 1981-84
2006 Eric Jones, QB 1986-88
2005 Chris Gaines, LB 1984-87
2004 Boo Mitchell, WR 1985-88
2003 Whit Taylor, QB 1979-82
2002 Jim Arnold, P 1979-82
2001 Will Wolford, OT 1982-85
2000 Herb Rich, HB 1946-49
1999 Bob Werckle, Tackle 1947-51
1998 Charlie Horton, HB 1952-55
1997 Bucky Curtis, End 1947-50
1996 John Hall, OL 1951-54
1995 Bob Asher, OT 1967-69
1994 Bill Wade, QB 1949-51
