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Bison lineman signs with Fort Hays State
McCOOK, Neb. -- Hunter Hays has been an anchor on the McCook Bison offensive line for the last two seasons.
Now, he will be an anchor for Fort Hays State University.
Hays committed his college football career to the Tigers when he signed his national letter of intent Wednesday morning at McCook Senior High.
"It's a great feeling," Hays said after his signing day ceremony. "I've been waiting for this day for months now, and it feels great for it to finally be here."
The McCook senior said he first received interest from Fort Hays State last summer when he attended two football camps in Hays, Kan., but he waited until December to verbally commit to the school.
"They were my first offer," he confirmed. "I went down there twice for camps and got to meet the coaching staff. They're a great group of guys. I met all the players this winter and I know I can fit in down there. I'm just excited to be there and part of a really great program that's on the rise."
While Hays played most of his high school career at offensive tackle, McCook head coach Jeff Gross said he projects to be a guard at the next level due to his 6-foot-3, 285 lbs., frame. Still, the Bison head coach called Hays' college decision a "perfect fit."
"He (Hays) can go there and potentially start for four years," Gross said. "Fort Hays is putting a ton into him and they're getting a heck of a football player. Anyone who watches him on the football field or basketball court recognize what an athlete he is."
"This morning (Wednesday), we talked to (FHSU) Coach (Chris) Brown and he said, 'this whole class is built around you,'" Gross added. "They look to have an exceptional class that's building off of the momentum they generated last year, and he (Hays) has been the anchor of that class."
Hays said he's currently undecided on a college major, but is leaning towards something in the business field.
"Maybe business management, but I'm not for sure yet" he said.
Playing in one of the nation's toughest Division II football conferences, Fort Hays State finished the 2017 season 11-0 and was seeded No. 1 in the Super Region 3 playoff bracket. The Tigers were upset in the second round by Ferris State 31-21, but finished the season ranked No. 8 in the national polls.
Hays is one of 30 high school seniors to sign with the Tigers, as of Thursday morning.
Gross, who is a Fort Hays State alumnus, said he sees nothing but good things coming from his alma mater.
"It's a program that's built on heart, hard work and stability and, to them, family comes first. It's a place I want our kids playing at because I believe in what they stand for and the work ethic that Coach (Chris) Brown's instilled in those kids."
With national signing day out of the way, Hays said he plans to finish his high school career on a strong note, both academically and athletically.
"I'm just planning to finish up classes, start golfing this spring, then get ready for football there."
Hays finished his high school football career as an All-State selection by both the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star. He was also a two-time, first team all-district player and has been selected to play in the 2018 Nebraska Shrine Bowl.
With his high school football career behind him, Hays took a few moments on Wednesday to reflect on his three-year stint as a McCook Bison.
"It's been the greatest time of my life," he said. "The best decision I ever made was moving here (three years ago). I've just been so happy that I've been a part of it."