SIGNINGS: Boaz Pogue commits to Morehead State
The recruiting journey hasn't been easy for Boaz Pogue.
But it's certainly been worth it.
About this time last year, Pogue, a then-senior at Chambersburg, made a tough decision. He was going to take a semester and continue his football career post-grad at Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia.
Despite homesickness and a very challenging program, Pogue made it to the other side, and all that hard work has paid off. Earlier this week, Pogue officially committed to play football at Morehead State University, a Division I FCS program in Kentucky.
"A lot of people had questions about why I chose Morehead State, especially with some of the opportunities I had," Pogue said. "But for me, I definitely fell in love with the place when I got here. The coaching staff was a main reason, too. They were the most transparent, and there's an opportunity to play there very early, which is something I can't pass up."
With only one returning starter at the linebacker position, Pogue said he is looking forward to competing for a starting spot on the Eagles. Currently standing at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Pogue is unsure whether he'll play inside or outside, and there is also a possibility of him playing a rush end type of position.
Pogue, a Chambersburg native, started his high school football career at Mercersburg Academy before coming home to don a Trojans jersey. During his senior campaign, Pogue started all 10 games for Chambersburg, racking up 29 tackles and three interceptions.
At Fork Union, Pogue played just five games and managed three interceptions, three sacks and two tackles for a loss. He also averaged right around six tackles per game.
Pogue had offers from the likes of Robert Morris, Jacksonville, Pennsylvania and Columbia before settling on Morehead State.
Before Pogue begins his collegiate career, one of his biggest focuses with be keeping his flexibility, athleticism and ability to move well as he continues to put on weight. He knows from here, the journey gets only more difficult, but he's ready for the next challenge.
"This has been my dream since I started playing football," Pogue said. "I have to thank God, because this journey hasn't been easy. My mom (Lisa) has been my support through everything; she always reminded me I was at (Fork Union) for a reason. Now, the NFL is definitely a dream. It's four or five years away, and I know it'll take a huge amount of work, but that's definitely what I'm working for."
Top area QB heads on: Shippensburg two-year starting quarterback Tyler Gustafson has made a commitment to play at Grove City College, a Division III program.
The 2015 Public Opinion Player of the Year, Gustafson threw for 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions in his senior season. He finished the year with 1,842 passing yards, and was only the second quarterback in Ship history to surpass 3,000 passing yards in his career.
'Boro keeping it in the PSAC: A pair of Waynesboro student-athletes have elected to continue their careers in the PSAC.
Dakota Rhyne, a defensive end for the football team, will play for Bloomsburg University, while Kennedy Chandler, of the girls soccer team, will stay in the area to play for Shippensburg University.