Story and Photos by Rusty Ellis
Monterey senior Grant Hoover signed his national letter of intent on Friday, making his commitment to play football at Tusculum University.
“I’m extremely excited, I’m a little nervous because I’m taking that next step,” Hoover said. “I got on the phone with my mom and dad, and we agreed that Tusculum was the place, so we decided to do it today.”
Hoover is coming off of a senior season that saw him make All-Region, among his other achievements as a two-time offensive lineman of the year and defensive lineman of the year, as well as two-time All-State.
For head coach Scott Hughes, he knows this moment has been something that Hoover has been working towards for the entirety of his high school career. The main thing Hughes says he cherishes is the day-to-day relationship he’s formed with Hoover.
“The biggest thing that I miss will be the relationship that he and I have,” Hughes said. “He’s someone I’ve counted a lot on as a leader, and I think he’s counted on me…he’s a young man I’m really proud of.”
Hughes also likes the fit for Hoover at Tusculum for many reasons, with the main one being that it’s still within a good proximity for friends and family to see him play.
“He’ll have a chance to play early, and it’s a really good academic school,” Hughes said. “It’s a good location. It’s far enough away for him to go and grow as a young man, but it’s also be close enough that his family can be there for him, and his friends can be there for him.”
As far as what he’s looking forward to about Tusculum, Hoover was quick to point out that he’s excited to get a degree as well as compete on the field.
“I’m excited to play in that conference, but mainly I’m excited about going and getting a degree,” Hoover said. “I’m ready to go in and get my hands dirty and start working, and hopefully win a couple championships.”
