Jul. 11—Andover’s Brian Hnat could have waited to make his college football decision, with a postgraduate season rapidly approaching.
But given the chance to take on the best that college football has to offer — for a program with a history of excellence, including two national titles — the recent Andover High graduate knew the time was right.
Hnat has committed to play football for Division 1 FBS (1-A) James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.)
“I’m absolutely thrilled to become a part of the Dukes family and play under coach (Bob) Chesney,” he said. “The opportunity to play at the highest level of college football — alongside an exceptional coaching staff, many of whom come from Massachusetts — made this the right choice.”
The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder received offers from 15 Division 1 FBS or FCS college programs, including UMass Amherst, Army, Merrimack College and Georgetown.
Hnat chose a James Madison program with a winning tradition. The Dukes won FCS (Division 1-AA) national titles in 2004 and 2016, before moving to Division 1 FBS in 2022 as part of the Sun Belt Conference.
Last year, James Madison finished 11-2 and advanced to the Armed Forces Bowl, before falling to Army.
Hnat said a major factor was the Dukes’ hiring of former Holy Cross coach Chesney as head coach. Chesney went 44-21 in six seasons (2018-23) with the Crusaders, before accepting the Dukes job after Curt Cignetti left for Indiana University.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to play at such a high level of football,” said Hnat. “Coach Chesney’s move from Holy Cross football to James Madison was a big influence. I experienced his energy firsthand at his camp last summer. His track record as a successful leader on and off the field sealed the deal.”
Hnat’s coming off a breakout senior season for Andover High, earning Merrimack…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/future-duke-andovers-hnat-commits-221600636.html
Author : Andover Townsman, Mass.
Publish date : 2024-07-11 22:16:00
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