Kareem Hunt is going to be catching the ball a bit more in 2018.

I think there was probably a bit of an expectation with Patrick Mahomes coming in that Hunt would be catching the ball out of the backfield more often. Following OTAs reporters got a chance to ask him about if he likes that part of the game and what is tough about it.

“Yeah. Definitely I like that part because it gets me the opportunity to get the ball in open space and make people miss,” said Hunt. “The toughest part is just making a play. Being able to focus and lock in on the ball. Then to make something happen after.”

They continued by questioning Hunt about what he’s been working on during the off season and OTAs.

“I am just working on my game all around,” said Hunt. “I’m catching the ball more and running a lot more routes.”

So obviously his emphasis right now is getting better specifically as a receiver. He already has a 78-yard touchdown catch under his belt in the opening game of 2017 against the New England Patriots. It definitely can’t hurt getting him more involved there if he can keep it up.

Mahomes and Hunt were the two key offensive pieces in the 2017 NFL draft for the Chiefs, but Hunt obviously got a chance to showcase his talents first. Now that Mahomes and Hunt will be playing together, the media wanted to know more about their relationship.

“Me and Patrick Mahomes definitely have a great bond. I feel like he is going to do great,” said Hunt.”He definitely already has the leader role and he just is able to get out and make some big plays. I’m excited to see him get out there. He just is going in with confidence. Talking to everybody. Making the calls and just staying on top of things. You can really see that he wants to win and be a great quarterback.”

Another reporter asked Hunt the age old question that gets asked of athletes: “What motivates you?”

“Getting a ring. That is what drives me,” said Hunt. “We came up short in the playoffs again. Trying to get out there and do whatever I can to help the team get past that.”

A true team player, but really what else do you expect the guy to say when you ask that? The next question was a much more interesting one. Someone asked Hunt what he thought about Todd Gurley saying that he was the best running back in the league in 2017.

“It makes me feel real good. But it’s just words. I have to go out there and keep proving myself,” said Hunt. “I really appreciate him saying that about me. I know how great of a running back he is and all the great things he can do. I really respect him a lot.”

Pretty admirable response from Kareem Hunt there. The two of them will likely lock heads in Mexico City this season and it’ll be the true test of who is the better running back.