MACON, Ga. – FPD senior running back Reggie Gantt signed a national letter of intent on Thursday morning, March 10, in front of students, faculty, staff, family and friends to play football at Stetson University in the fall of 2016.

The signing is the second for the FPD football program in the 2015-16 academic year. (Brad Powell signed with Mercer University earlier this year.)

“I’ve had incredible memories watching Reggie grow up right in front of my eyes,” FPD head coach Greg Moore said. “He’s experienced the good and the not so good this ultra-competitive game has to offer. He has undeniable passion for the game, undeniable desire to see his team win and an incredible ability to bounce back when things don’t go his way and get back to work.”

It’s that undesirability that ultimately lead to his decision to play at Stetson.

“This is something that I’ve always wanted to do as a kid,” Gantt said. “It’s crazy because I thought it was going to be basketball as a kid, but somebody put a football in my hands and when I scored my first touchdown as a young boy, I’ve never looked back.”

His career numbers as a Viking are astounding.

In 319 attempts as a rusher, Gantt totaled 2,087 yards for an average of 6.54 yards per carry. He rushed for 21 touchdowns and six receiving touchdowns for a total of 27 in his career.

On the defensive side of the ball, Gantt made 100 tackles and recovered one fumble.

The awards Gantt has in his arsenal are also impressive.

The team captain and four-year letterman has been named All-Region, All-American Offense-Defense All-Star Team selection, All-American “Diamonds in the Rough” All-Star Team selection, Macon Touchdown Club Back of the Week honoree, Elite Viking, and a Super Viking.

“Reggie is fun-loving, emotional, excitable and sometimes even unpredictable,” Moore said. “But he has always been respectful, a pleasure to coach, loves FPD, and a great asset to his team.”

Moore recalls one story with Gantt he’ll never forget.

“I’ve been with Reggie when things weren’t so great and been with him to laugh a lot,” Moore said. “One of the highlights of my career was watching Reggie sit on the sofa in my office with two of his teammates and accept Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. It’s been an honor to be his coach.”

Gantt is also thankful for his time at FPD.

“FPD has provided me with love and support,” Gantt said. “I know it’s at other schools, but it’s not like it is at FPD. I thank my Lord and Savior, my coaches, mom, dad and family for always being there for me. I look forward to this opportunity with Stetson.”

The First Presbyterian Day School Department of Athletics strives to build the student athlete both in the playing arena and the classroom while upholding the school’s mission statement to educate and equip students to change the world for God’s glory. For more information, visit www.fpdvikings.com and sign up for up-to-the-minute news and scores by following the Vikings on Twitter at @FPDVikingSports and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fpdathletics.

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