Republic offensive lineman Gus Carter has signed a letter of intent to play football at Missouri State University. Carter is among more than a half-dozen southwest Missouri seniors who signed to play with MSU Wednesday.
“He’s a great example of hard work,” says football coach Kurt Thompson. “That young man was in the film room at 6:30 a.m. just trying to understand what it is to make myself the best I can be every day.”
Carter earned All-State recognition two times in his career. He was named to the All-State 2nd Team after both his junior and senior seasons. He says he owes a lot to his coaches and teammates in Republic.
“All the hours we spent in the summer together, on the field and in the weight room. Just the amount of time I spent with those guys can’t be replaced,” says Carter, who also thinks MSU will be a great fit for him as he moves forward with his career.
“I really liked all my coaches, and I like the atmosphere they bring to the table. It’s a place where it’s going to be good to win,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to get to know my new teammates, and to keep improving, getting better, and see how great we can all really be. Help Missouri State get on the right track and get to winning again.”
Among the other southwest Missouri recruits headed to MSU: running back Phoenix Johnson of Webb City, Monett safety Kurran Blamey, and Adam St. Peter, a tight end from Joplin. Carter says he believes the local talent can make a difference for the Bears.
“Guys that have grown up going to Missouri State games, enjoying Missouri State, loving that school and the program–any time you can get guys that care and know about it, that’s going to help you out,” says Carter.