Chilton County football coach Brian Carter knows why a school like Huntingdon—which emphasizes schoolwork and character as much as athleticism—would want a player like Taylor Hughes.

“Just the kind of person he is on and off the field,” Carter said. “He’s a great one.”

Hughes last week announced his intention to attend Huntingdon on an academic scholarship—and play football and basketball.

Conversations between Hughes and the Huntingdon football coaching staff began shortly after the 2009 Christmas break, and Hughes took an official visit to the school shortly thereafter.

“I like the coaching staff down there,” Hughes said. “I really didn’t start thinking about [playing in college] until coach Carter came because we started throwing more.”

Hughes passed for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for more than 1,000 as a senior quarterback, leading the Tigers to a 5-5 regular season record and an appearance in the state playoffs.

But Carter said Hughes also benefited his team in ways that aren’t measurable.

“A leader on and off the field was what he was, really in every sport,” Carter said.