Senior Bainbridge High School student Hudson Reynolds announced his intent to attend the University of Georgia and play for the Bulldog football team as a preferred walk-on Wednesday.

“I grew up a Georgia fan from the beginning,” Reynolds said, whose older brother, parents and grandfather also attended UGA. “I bleed red and black.”

Reynolds started as a defensive end during the 2014 Bearcat season and was tied for second on the team in total tackles with 59. He also had four sacks, five quarterback hurries and was named to the All-Subregion B defense team in Region 1-AAAA.

But it’s his skills as a long snapper, his other starting position this season, which has caught Georgia’s attention.

“Long snapping is one of the skills he will be able to utilize there,” Reynolds’ dad, Edward, said. “The tight end coach has also showed some interest in having him work with him.”

Edward said his son’s love for the Bulldogs goes beyond the gridiron. Despite visiting a number of smaller schools’ football programs, Georgia was the only university he wanted to attend in terms of academics and student life. Even if he didn’t play football, UGA was where he wanted to be.

Reynolds’ dedication and hard work in the classroom in addition to the work he put in on the football field was also a key factor in Georgia inviting him to join the team as a preferred walk-on.

“It’s a testament to his hard work and him taking care of his grades in school,” Bainbridge coach Jeff Littleton said. “I think Georgia is getting a good, quality player that is going to come in, work hard and have a chance to do some other things—long snapping. They kind of saw him as a two-way pickup. I think they’re excited about getting him.”

Friends and family also surrounded Reynolds in celebration of his future at Georgia.

“It feels surreal, really,” Reynolds said. “I wore a Georgia T-shirt the other day and now I’m thinking, this is me—Georgia football. It’s going to be great to be part of that program.”