Prior to the January 14 Blue-Grey All-American game, University of Virginia-bound placekicker Hunter Pearson had never faced a potential game-winning field goal opportunity in the final minute. But there he was, with 17 seconds left and the 2018 Blue-Grey all-star game tied at 28.

Following a timeout by the Blue team, Pearson stepped up and converted the 33-yard attempt to give the Grey team a 3-point win in Jacksonville. The make was not without drama as it banged the goal post before going through, but it was good nonetheless.

“Honestly, I wasn’t nervous,” Pearson said. “I felt pretty good. I was kind of calm. Maybe because it was an all-star game, but I felt good.”

The game-winning field goal capped off an excellent postseason all-star experience for Pearson. The soon-to-be Seneca High School (S.C.) graduate enjoyed the time spent with future Virginia teammate Martin Weisz and other players, as well as being coached by former NFL players. The Grey team was led by former Jaguars QB Quinn Gray, who is now head varsity football coach at Lincoln High School in Florida.

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