MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As many more members of the Class of 2021 announce their college football destinations, George Washington kicker Michael Hughes recently added a school from his home state to his list of potential destinations. On May 29, Hughes received a preferred walk-on opportunity at WVU.
“The offer was unexpected,” Hughes said. “I have a fantastic relationship with (senior analyst for special teams) Tyler Hancock and would love to stay in state. It is a preferred walk on to start, but I was extremely excited to receive my first offer to have the opportunity to play Division I football.
“I love West Virginia and would love to stay in state and have the opportunity to kick. Coach Hancock and I have a great relationship and hopefully we will have a chance to continue that relationship.”
Hughes has handled all of the kicking disciplines for GW and he was named the Class AAA All-State first team punter in 2019. He says he will focus on placekicking and kickoffs at the next level.
“When I started kicking the goal was always to play Division I football. As I matured and started kicking off the ground, and hitting 55 to 65 yard field goals I realized that I could do this at a really high level. My kicking coach and support system have also been very helpful in letting me develop relationships with coaches who are excited about the possibility of me coming to their program.”
In addition to WVU, Hughes has received interest from Connecticut, Akron, Old Dominion, Iowa State, and Memphis. He plans to commit no earlier than August 1. For now, Hughes is working out on his own until team practices can resume.
“Four days a week of kicking, virtual training five days a week, and making sure that I do form work almost every day.”
Hughes is listed as the 14th-best kicker prospect nationally in the Class of 2021 by Chris Sailer Kicking.
“Chris Sailer provides an excellent platform for exposure and rankings against the top guys in the country. My kicking coach Adam Tanalski from the Hammer Kicking Academy has taken me from kicking off a block to being consistent off the ground. We have also worked towards being a real fluid kicker and having a fluid form and swing. That is what truly allows me to be a Division I Kicker.”
George Washington went 8-4 in 2019, advancing to the Class AAA quarterfinals. The Patriots return a solid nucleus this fall.
“The team wants to build off of last season’s performance and improve farther in the playoffs. We are looking forward to another great season.”