DARLINGTON - Darlington High School senior Hunter Johnson will walk-on to play football for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Johnson made the announcement Friday that he will be a preferred walk-on with the Badgers.
"Ever since I was a kid everything was Wisconsin Badgers," Johnson said. "It's the only place I really wanted to play. I knew even if they gave me a small offer that is where I wanted to be. I love the city and the people. With the last two seasons they have had and being from Wisconsin it seemed like the right decision."
Johnson, who rushed for 2,365 yards, scored 46 touchdowns and averaged 12 yards per carry last year, was named all-state, all-region, first-team Southwest Wisconsin Activities All-League and the conference's offensive player of the year. He helped the Redbirds finish as the WIAA Division 6 state runner-up for the third straight year.
Johnson informed other college coaches who were recruiting him of his decision on Friday. One hour after making his decision, Johnson said Western Illinois offered him a full scholarship. Johnson said other colleges that were recruiting him included Purdue, Northwestern, Wyoming, North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
Johnson doesn't have any regrets about picking a walk-on opportunity with the Badgers over a full-ride scholarship to Western Illinois.
"Wisconsin is where I grew up," he said. "The other coaches (from Western Illinois) told me I could be at the top of their depth chart. I just thought if something happened and I couldn't play football which school would help me further my education and career if I wanted to get into business or whatever field I end up."
Johnson said the Badgers are looking for him to play running back. He said Badgers coaches see similarities between him and former UW fullback and Richland Center native Bradie Ewing.
"I met with the running backs coach," he said. "They said I would be a great fit. There was a comparison to Ewing when he was in high school. He's in the same blood line. He's my third cousin."
Darlington, like all other prep football teams, holds its first official practices on Tuesday.
After breaking his leg in the state championship game last year and missing most of the basketball season, Johnson has had the first day of practice circled on his calendar.
"It's something from the first day I broke my leg that I have been waiting for," he said. "We don't want to finish with the silver trophy four straight years. We want to bring home the gold ball. We owe it to the community because of how much they have supported us."
The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Johnson made the announcement Friday that he will be a preferred walk-on with the Badgers.
"Ever since I was a kid everything was Wisconsin Badgers," Johnson said. "It's the only place I really wanted to play. I knew even if they gave me a small offer that is where I wanted to be. I love the city and the people. With the last two seasons they have had and being from Wisconsin it seemed like the right decision."
Johnson, who rushed for 2,365 yards, scored 46 touchdowns and averaged 12 yards per carry last year, was named all-state, all-region, first-team Southwest Wisconsin Activities All-League and the conference's offensive player of the year. He helped the Redbirds finish as the WIAA Division 6 state runner-up for the third straight year.
Johnson informed other college coaches who were recruiting him of his decision on Friday. One hour after making his decision, Johnson said Western Illinois offered him a full scholarship. Johnson said other colleges that were recruiting him included Purdue, Northwestern, Wyoming, North Dakota State and South Dakota State.
Johnson doesn't have any regrets about picking a walk-on opportunity with the Badgers over a full-ride scholarship to Western Illinois.
"Wisconsin is where I grew up," he said. "The other coaches (from Western Illinois) told me I could be at the top of their depth chart. I just thought if something happened and I couldn't play football which school would help me further my education and career if I wanted to get into business or whatever field I end up."
Johnson said the Badgers are looking for him to play running back. He said Badgers coaches see similarities between him and former UW fullback and Richland Center native Bradie Ewing.
"I met with the running backs coach," he said. "They said I would be a great fit. There was a comparison to Ewing when he was in high school. He's in the same blood line. He's my third cousin."
Darlington, like all other prep football teams, holds its first official practices on Tuesday.
After breaking his leg in the state championship game last year and missing most of the basketball season, Johnson has had the first day of practice circled on his calendar.
"It's something from the first day I broke my leg that I have been waiting for," he said. "We don't want to finish with the silver trophy four straight years. We want to bring home the gold ball. We owe it to the community because of how much they have supported us."
