MOHAVE COUNTY — River Valley's Jake Purdy is officially on his way to playing college football alongside high school teammate Gavin Hogencamp at Hastings College in Nebraska.

“It honestly feels amazing to commit,” Purdy said. “I never truly thought I could go and play college ball because of my size, but my heart always helped with that side for me. I want to thank all the families that have taken me in and cared for me because they have made this town feel like a new home for me.”

Jake got into sports alongside his late father, Scott Purdy, when he was young. He learned how to play all kinds of sports before getting into football as a sophomore in high school. Jake played on the varsity football team for three years and shined as a senior, finishing ninth in the conference with 105 tackles and placing sixth with 12 sacks. His team also won 21 games during his three-year run.

Jake also says he was intrigued by the academics and hopes to one day start his own business. Before heading to college, he hopes to learn from the upperclassmen and make an impact when given the opportunity. Hastings is coming off a season where they went 7-4 and will open up on August 26 at Peru State.