Jul. 11—Andover’s Brian Hnat could have waited to make his college football decision, with a postgraduate season rapidly approaching.
But given the chance to take on the best that college football has to offer — for a program with a history of excellence, including two national titles — the recent Andover High graduate knew the time was right.
Hnat has committed to play football for Division 1 FBS (1-A) James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Va.)
“I’m absolutely thrilled to become a part of the Dukes family and play under coach (Bob) Chesney,” he said. “The opportunity to play at the highest level of college football — alongside an exceptional coaching staff, many of whom come from Massachusetts — made this the right choice.”
The 6-foot-5, 220-pounder received offers from 15 Division 1 FBS or FCS college programs, including UMass Amherst, Army, Merrimack College and Georgetown.
Hnat chose a James Madison program with a winning tradition. The Dukes won FCS (Division 1-AA) national titles in 2004 and 2016, before moving to Division 1 FBS in 2022 as part of the Sun Belt Conference.
Last year, James Madison finished 11-2 and advanced to the Armed Forces Bowl, before falling to Army.
Hnat said a major factor was the Dukes’ hiring of former Holy Cross coach Chesney as head coach. Chesney went 44-21 in six seasons (2018-23) with the Crusaders, before accepting the Dukes job after Curt Cignetti left for Indiana University.
“I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity to play at such a high level of football,” said Hnat. “Coach Chesney’s move from Holy Cross football to James Madison was a big influence. I experienced his energy firsthand at his camp last summer. His track record as a successful leader on and off the field sealed the deal.”
Hnat’s coming off a breakout senior season for Andover High, earning Merrimack Valley Conference Division 1 Player of the Year. The receiver/defense back caught 40 passes for 619 yards and 10 touchdowns and made 58 tackles, 40 solo, and seven interceptions. The three-year varsity starter on defense had 36 tackles as a junior and 28 stops as a freshman.
The only player to start on offense and defense for Andover last fall, Hnat is expected to play tight end at James Madison.
“The recruiting process was intense and challenging,” he said. “My family and I learned a lot along the way. Making the final call was one of the toughest decisions of my life. After visiting James Madison during the weekend of June 22, with my parents, and meeting the coaches, teammates, and touring the campus, we all felt confident that JMU was the perfect fit for me.”
But he won’t be heading to James Madison just yet. Hnat will still play a postgraduate season at Old Avon Farm (Avon, Conn.) in the fall.
“I’m looking forward to attending Avon Old Farms in the fall,” he said. “Coach (Jon) Wholley has been incredibly supportive. His leadership and the opportunity to grow as a player and a person were what really sold me on Avon.
“I believe it will be a great step in my development before leaving for James Madison in January. I’m eager to work closely with the Dukes coach staff and contribute to the team’s success.”
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Andover Townsman, Mass.
