Hendricken's Truss to play for Georgia in 2019

By Alex Sponseller
Posted 6/26/18

Bishop Hendricken football has produced some of the top players in the state over the past decade, including NFL receiver Will Blackmon and current Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye. A new Hawk is preparing to leave his own legacy at Hendricken, as

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Bishop Hendricken football has produced some of the top players in the state over the past decade, including NFL receiver Will Blackmon and current Michigan defensive end Kwity Paye.

A new Hawk is preparing to leave his own legacy at Hendricken, as offensive tackle Xavier Truss recently committed to playing for the University of Georgia in the fall of 2019.

“It feels great, definitely a long time coming,” said Truss. “I’m so grateful to be able to have my summer and to be able to relax and get that monkey off my back. I just want to be the best player I can be, get as I strong as I can get, and be as nasty on the field as I can be.”

Truss had an impressive list of suitors when it came time for his decision. The list included national powerhouses like Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Clemson, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, along with over 20 others. However, a trip down to Georgia ultimately sealed the deal.

“I liked all three of the schools down south, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, but at the end of the day I just felt really comfortable at Georgia. I felt really comfortable with their academics, their players and their coaching staff. The o-line coach (Sam Pittman), we really connected well, he was a big factor,” said Truss.

Truss also had the opportunity to meet many big-name coaches and players. Some included Alabama coach Nick Saban, Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, and former Georgia tackle Isaiah Wynn, who was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

“When I talked to some of the coaches and players from these school it was kind of like, ‘Wow, they’re really right here in front of me.’ It was a crazy feeling, it was insane. Getting to meet all of these people, I’m very grateful to do it because a lot of kids won’t have the opportunity so I am very grateful,” said Truss.

Hendricken coach Keith Croft was impressed by Truss when the two first met his freshman year and has been proud of the hard work he has put in both on and off the field.

“He came in as a freshman and the kid had great size. He came in and I don’t think football was his top sport, but once he saw his potential and started to work at it, the rest was history. He’s a hard worker. He’s really developed in the weight room because he got a taste of what that’s going to be like at the next level. He’s obviously got a lot of God-given ability as well,” said Croft.

Croft also feels that Truss’ commitment is important for Rhode Island football.

“It’s great for Rhode Island football. I think a lot of the coaches from high school down to youth have worked together for a long time and have built relationships. We’re all in it for the same reasons,” said Croft.

Truss will finish his high school career this fall when he completes his senior year at Hendricken. Croft hoped to see Truss finish strong as he prepared to take the next step.

“He’s handled it good. Obviously for a (teenage) kid, to be faced with those type of decisions like scholarship offers, meeting Nick Saban, I think he’s doing well. He’s down at practice, he’s been humble, he’s working on being leader,” said Croft. “He’s a good kid and we’re happy for him.”

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