Shippensburg's Cody Gustafson makes college decision

Brothers will be reunited, as will one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos around Franklin County in recent memory.

Shippensburg's Cody Gustafson is following in his brother Tyler's footsteps - he committed to play football at Grove City College on Wednesday.

Gustafson was the 2016 Public Opinion Football Player of the Year and earned an all-state nod after breaking school records for career catches (170) and career receiving yards (2,862). In the meantime, Tyler played quarterback for Grove City and is currently battling for a starting position, according to Cody.

"With Tyler being there, when we were younger, it was always the Gustafson-to-Gustafson connection," Cody said. "It'll be really cool to do it again in college."

Cody was also recruited by East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg in the PSAC, but a number of things helped him decide.

"I definitely have a chance to play earlier, and with my competitiveness, it's hard not to want to be on the field right away," Gustafson said. "They're bringing in some strong recruiting classes. My faith is really important, and Grove City has a really good atmosphere for me.

"The academics are extremely good up there. I love football a lot, but in the long run, it's really about academics."

Another opportunity might be opened to Gustafson by going to Grove City.

"He'll have the opportunity to possibly play both football and basketball, which he wouldn't have had at other schools," Greyhound football coach Eric Foust said. "I think going to Grove City is a great educational opportunity, and if this is where he wants to be, I'm happy for him."

Gustafson said he was recruited as a wide receiver first, but would be open to the potential to play basketball, or even compete in track & field.

But there's going to be an adjustment period first.

"It's going to be a lot more intense," Gustafson said. "Everyone is going to be bigger, stronger, faster, no matter what level you play at. I've seen all the plays at that level, and it's a lot faster-paced. Plus, studies are going to be tough up there."

Foust said, "I think he'll be fine. He competed so well fro us and was such a good athlete for us that competing at the next level won't be an issue."

Other signings: Also on Wednesday, Waynesboro's Katie Grove committed to play softball at Shippensburg University, while Greencastle-Antrim's Casey Hoover decided on Wilson College for men's basketball.