Former Humboldt High football standout Josh Hull continues to reap the benefits of being a college football player.
Hull is heading into his redshirt junior season as an offensive lineman for Emporia State University.
“Emporia State gave me a chance and I came here and absolutely loved it and I fell in love with this town and community,” Hull said. “It’s going to have a special place in my heart, and just making those people proud and winning another football game for them is always extra motivation.”
Hull anchored a powerful offensive line that paved the way for back-to-back deep playoff runs for Humboldt in 2019 and 2020.
From there, he chose Emporia State over several other area schools, including Pittsburg State, Washburn, Central Missouri and other junior colleges.
Once Hull visited Emporia for one of his only two visits, it was an easy call where he wanted to attend.
His campus visit included a team bowling trip, Hull explained, with a connection that was missing when he visited other schools.
“It’s been an awesome experience being a football player at the next level,” Hull said. “As far as being a student-athlete, that’s an even greater experience. There’s class and a set schedule and the professors love working with the student-athletes. They want to make sure you’re getting done what you need to get done and getting the win on Saturday.”
HULL credited Logan Wyrick, his head coach at Humboldt, for helping prepare him for the next level.
Hull said if it wasn’t for Wyrick, he likely wouldn’t be playing today.
He also heaped praise on Humboldt’s supporters.
“I definitely love that town a lot more than the average person,” Hull said. “Everybody loves everybody and everybody is willing to lend a hand. Towns like that can take your heart from you pretty quick. I’m always happy to be home and see all the same smiling faces from when I left. I’d like to think people are proud and I can make Humboldt proud.”
His favorite memory came during his junior season, in a 2018 playoff game against perennial power Rossville.
A late first down allowed the Cubs to emerge with a 24-22 victory. Hull still relishes the memory of seeing the bleachers empty as fans rushed into the field.
The long hours of practices at Emporia may lead to similar experiences, he said.
