Despite offseason knee surgery, defensive end Margus Hunt is eyeing a return to full health in time for upcoming spring workouts (photo by Travis Johnston).

SMU defensive end Margus Hunt is back on his feet and getting ready to resume intense leg workouts soon after he underwent arthroscopic surgery Feb. 10 on the meniscus in his left knee.

Hunt, who led the SMU defense with three sacks in the Ponies’ 28-6 victory over the University of Pittsburgh in the BBVA Compass Bowl in Birmingham, Ala., last month, said the injury was not sustained on the football field. In fact, he said, he’s not quite sure how it happened.

“I was walking back after watching a swim meet,” Hunt said, “and I felt a little clicking going on in there. I thought it felt funny, so I went and got an MRI (that revealed the injury).”

Hunt spent one night in the hospital after the surgery, was released the next day, and began walking immediately.

“I was working out my upper body the whole time,” he said. “Now I have started leg extensions, things like that, but nothing really heavy. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be able to start doing heavy squats, things like that.”

With the Mustangs’ spring workouts looming a few weeks away, Hunt was adamant that he will be able to take part in all drills with his teammates.

“I’ll be ready,” he said. “I’ll be more than ready.”