Fire signs MLS draft pick Hunter Jumper

The Chicago Fire signed its second pick in the MLS SuperDraft, Hunter Jumper, a left back defender who impressed the coaching staff in preseason play.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Hunter brings strength, smarts and athleticism to the Fire,” said head coach Frank Klopas. “Since seeing him at January’s combine and through preseason, he’s shown the ability to transition his game to the next level and adds depth to our back line.”

A 23-year-old defender from Plano, Texas, Jumper was selected 28th overall by the Fire in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft following a standout four-year career at the University of Virginia from 2008-11. While in Charlottesville, the 6-foot-2, 175-pound defender started and appeared in 79 matches, tallying 5 goals and 9 assists while helping the Cavaliers to the school’s sixth national championship in 2009.

A 2011 NSCAA second team all-American, Jumper was a center back and holding midfielder during his collegiate career and has previous experience playing for the U.S. U-17 and U-18 Men’s National Teams.