October 17, 2024
When you’re a high school athlete chasing the dream of playing college football, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. The big-time D1 schools, the bright lights, the massive stadiums — it all looks incredible. But let me tell you from experience: success isn’t about going to the biggest school. It’s about going to the right one.
Coming out of high school, I wasn’t flooded with offers. I was 6'2", coming off a great senior season, but I only had five scholarship offers — just one from an FBS program. Some people might’ve seen that as a setback. I saw it as an opportunity to find the right place where I could grow both as a quarterback and as a person.
I chose the University of Richmond — a smaller FCS school that valued me for who I was and what I could become. It wasn’t about hype or headlines. It was about fit. I connected with the coaching staff. The academics were strong. I knew I’d be developed, challenged, and given the chance to lead. That’s exactly what happened.
In the end, I became the school’s all-time leading passer, a team captain, and earned my degree in Leadership Studies — all while preparing for a shot at the NFL.
Choosing a school isn’t just about how many fans pack the stadium or how many games are on national TV. It’s about finding a place that believes in you, where you can play, develop, get a great education, and become the best version of yourself.
So, to all the young quarterbacks out there: don’t chase the logo — chase the fit. The right environment can unlock your full potential. That’s what Richmond did for me — and it can happen for you, too.
