COLUMBIA COUNTY, Pa. — "It's exciting for our kids to know that one of our own is going to be playing on Sundays," said Kevin Morgan, Central Columbia Athletic Director.
It's one of the biggest moments for Athletic Director Kevin Morgan and many students at Central Columbia as 2019 graduate Jared Verse prepares to be selected in the early rounds of the NFL Draft.
"He was one of the biggest kids on the field, super fast, but especially he's a lot bigger now. When he came back to visit, he was a lot bigger," said Eli Book, a senior at Central Columbia.
"Hearing our teachers talk about him, he was a great kid. Work ethic was super high," added Kole Hummer, a junior at Central Columbia.
Senior Eli Book and Junior Kole Hummer play football and track and field at the high school in Columbia County, two sports Verse excelled in. As a Blue Jay, he won a state championship for Central as part of the 4x400 relay team.
In college, Verse was named Coastal Athletic Association Defensive Rookie of the Year while suiting up for SUNY Albany. After transferring to join the Florida State Seminoles, he continued his winning ways including a bowl game victory over the Oklahoma Sooners in 2022.
"My son and I made it down to the Cheez-It Bowl two years ago; we had a great time going down to see him there. Certainly will take any opportunity I have to see him play at the next level," said Scott Dennis, former coach.
Scott Dennis was Verse's head coach at Central Columbia. He says, the now 6 foot 4, 250 pound, 23 year-old started off as a raw talent, constantly working hard to earn everything.
"Whatever we were doing, he always had to be first, and I think that really is a testament to his family, him and his work ethic, and why he is where he is today," added Dennis.
A work ethic that is still looked up to today.
"It just shows that small-town kids can go pretty far," said Hummer.
"If you keep working hard and keep doing what you're doing, it's all going to pay off eventually," added Book.