The humorous exchange, along with other glimpses of Hunter’s personality and competitiveness, was documented by HBO in the recent series “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Dallas Cowboys.”

The six-part series followed players trying to earn their keep with the Cowboys during six weeks of sweat and nerves in San Antonio, Texas. A 16-person NFL film crew followed the action on practice fields, in hotel rooms and behind the closed doors of coaches’ meetings about players.

Hunter became a character the producers seemed to enjoy. They wove his long-shot story into many of the episodes. At VUU, fans were watching.

“Well we’re excited, of course,” says Bonnie Davis, director of university communications. And even if Hunter got in a few digs about the size of VUU’s football program, she says, “it’s just heartwarming for us.”

Besides, smallness can be a strength, says VUU athletic director Michael Bailey. “We’re in the position here where we can mentor and model, and promote … leaders.”

The competitive edge Hunter showed on the series was evident in college, Bailey says; so was his drive in the classroom. “He was a student first,” Bailey says. “That’s why he was in a position to graduate on time.”

The Dallas Cowboys saw something they liked, too. After training camp, they signed the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Hunter as a cornerback. He is No. 47 and will be with the team when it plays the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. (His roommate, Johnson, was signed to the practice squad.) — Jason Roop