At 6’3, 214 pounds with over 1,700 yards passing and 18 touchdowns this season, Garrett Hunter has the size and the stats to play college football.  But with only one year as a starter and a very specific college major in mind, Hunter’s quest to find the right college has not been easy.

“No matter what college I decided on going to, I wanted to at least make the attempt to play football,” said Hunter.

The problem for Hunter, the guy who jokingly calls himself “The Franchise,” is that not many smaller schools who were interested in him for football also offered his intended field of study as a major.

“I want to major in biomedical engineering, which is a very specific major that not all colleges offer. The only small college I looked at that offers it is Geneva College, but I didn’t really like the idea of attending small school,” said Hunter.

One very large prominent school that does have what he’s looking for academically is West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV.

“After I applied to WVU I was accepted into their Honors College, so it would be almost stupid if I didn’t attend,” said Hunter.

Hunter is interested in biomedical field because it is growing and could allow him to help thousands of people.

According to Hunter, his college decision was about 75% academic and 25% football.

“What if I broke my leg and couldn’t play football again? Would I still like the school?” was the question Hunter asked himself about each college he considered.

So “The Franchise” has decided to take his talents to West Virginia University.

Walking on in a major sport at a large Division 1 university is not an easy thing to do, but there have been a couple of Tyrone walk-on success stories in recent history.

One was Chris Gardella, who from 1994 to 1998 was a walk-on at the University of Pittsburgh in basketball. Gardella not only made the team but played all four years for the Panthers.

Another was 2001 graduate Doug Roseberry in football. Roseberry was a member of the 1999 Tyrone state championship team and also walked on at the University of Pittsburgh where he played extensively, even becoming a special teams captain.

Walking on is a huge task for any student athlete, you either make it or you don’t.

So how does Hunter, who threw for 1,769 yards and 18 touchdowns this season, plan to make it?

“I’m going to work just like I’m going to school for football,” said Hunter.

He and his current teammates Elijah Sleeth, Duane Boone, and Cameron Bakhsheshe all plan to play in college and are currently working out together to prepare.

“Most people probably think I expect to walk on and have a chance to start, but that isn’t the case,” said Hunter, “If I make the team I’m willing help in anyway possible, even if that includes never playing a down.”

“I just want to be part of a great program and have an awesome college football experience,” added Hunter.

Hopefully we’ll see Garrett Hunter suiting up for the WVU Mountaineers on Saturdays sometime in the next few years.