PICKENS — Gunner Covey, a member of the Pickens High School football squad, has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his playing career with the Bulldogs of The Citadel.
Covey signed on March 11 with friends, family, coaches and faculty on hand to help celebrate.
Covey, a leader out of the offensive backfield for the Blue Flame in the 2015 campaign, said he is excited to be joining a program such as The Citadel considering its success the last few years.
The Citadel has made a run into the NCAA FCS Playoffs and had a crowning victory over the University of South Carolina Gamecocks last season.
“We beat USC this season and play UNC this season and face Clemson the following year. The program gets an opportunity to play some great competition, but not only play, actually compete as well,” Covey said. “Not only that, we play Western Carolina as well, which is the team my uncle coaches, so I’m looking forward to that. Hopefully we will be playing past Thanksgiving this coming season and making another run in the playoffs, just further this time.”
Football wasn’t Covey’s only consideration for accepting the offer from The Citadel, just one of many. Academics and school tradition also played a part in his decision making process.
“I’ve heard people associated with the school say and use the slogan, ‘4 for 40’, which means work and struggle for four years and there will be success for the next 40,” Covey said. “When you graduate and get that ring, it’s like a brotherhood and they take care of each other.”
Covey knows well how hard the work will be, but seems to be prepared.
“I’m looking forward to being somewhere you’re held accountable and your grades have to be kept up. I just have to get used to the schedule,” he said. “They have great facilities and I love the coaches and can’t wait to get started.”
