'No hesitation': Milton football alum Ryan Hunt transfers to UWF to play closer to home

When Milton alum Ryan Hunt entered the transfer portal, he had his dream destination.

After redshirting his first year at Division I Middle Tennessee State University, it was simple. Hunt, an offensive lineman, wanted to be closer to home to play college football.

Ever since going to UWF camps while still at Milton High, Hunt wanted to play for UWF.

And now, Hunt, after a mid-year transfer, is an Argo.

"This was always my home school. I always wanted to play for these guys," Hunt said. "I’m very grateful that Coach (Steve) Saulnier and Coach (Kaleb) Nobles gave me an opportunity to come out here and play for the Argos. My parents are happy, and it’s great to have community support around here.”

It was a personal decision to be closer to home. Hunt noted that as soon as he hit the transfer portal, he told Saulnier that UWF was where he wanted to play football.

Once an offer came to Hunt, he was going to accept it.

"The day the coaches called, I accepted it on the same phone call. Absolutely no hesitation," Hunt said. "It means a lot to me. And I know it means a lot to my parents, especially with some personal things going on back home with my dad’s health, for him to be able watch my games here. And I can just go home and eat dinner with them. It’s the small things like that."

By no means is Hunt the first local player to join the UWF football team. But, he said he hopes to be a "trailblazer" to start a Milton to UWF pipeline. Joining Hunt from Milton are walk-ons Nathan Wright and Brandon Thrasher.

Thrasher graduated from Milton a year before Hunt in 2022, while Wright – who Hunt called his best friend – graduated together in 2023.

Wright played halfback at Huntingdon College last season, while Brandon Thrasher was a linebacker at Faulkner University the last two years.

"I told Coach (Joe) Wintrick about (Wright) and Wintrick gave him a spot on the team. Nate's done some great things out there," Hunt said. "Brandon's another great guy, too. It's great for Milton, just creating that pipeline."

"Being able to keep local players close to home is always great. Sometimes guys get bigger offers and go to bigger schools. Then they might realize they want to come closer to home. … We’re trying to recruit the local area," Nobles said. "That doesn’t mean just out of high school. We’re trying to get guys that went other places that fit our system."

Coming to UWF isn't necessarily a cake walk, either, Hunt emphasized. While the Argos are the only Division II school in Florida, Hunt said it shouldn't be looked down on for local kids who want to stay home to play at UWF.

Hunt knows the work and dedication it takes to get that Division I offer.

"(UWF's) not an easy offer to get. We're not some Joe Schmoe walk-on team here," Hunt said. "Everyone on this team is a good player."

Nobles said Hunt has done a "great job of leading and communicating" since starting workouts with UWF and entering spring practices.

Plus, having an offensive lineman with Division I experience – a position that Nobles added is one of the toughest transitions for players from high school – "is big," Nobles said. "It really help the guys around him," Nobles added.

"Any time you have a guy that can snap a football and provide versatility on the offensive line is great," Nobles said of Hunt. "We feel like he's done a great job since he's been here."

While Hunt brings that experience, he also said he's been able to learn from UWF veteran linemen such as Nash Nelson and Colton Beesley – also a Division I transfer from North Alabama a few years ago. Both of them have experience playing for Saulnier, one of the top offensive line

Hunt remembers watching guys like Nelson at UWF camps while Hunt was still in high school and dreaming to be in his shoes one day.

"And now I’m playing next to him. It’s a big deal," Hunt said. "Nash and Colton, they’re funny. They have different personalities. They help me understand what Coach Saulnier says, giving me some pointers on things to look for. … Playing with any of the guys here, they’re great teammates and great friends. We went to Five Sisters and got some 50-cent wings. It’s a good time.

"Coming here, I get to share my experiences. ‘If this guy is lined up like this, this is what they’re going to do.’ When we’re doing scrimmages, I can help out our guys. … But they can also relay information to me. It goes both ways. I’m still a freshman, learning a lot about college football. Nash, Colton and all those guys lead me in the right direction.”

Ben Grieco is a sports reporter for the Pensacola News Journal. He can be reached on X (@BenGriecoSports) and via email at BGrieco@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Milton's Ryan Hunt transfers to UWF football after one season at MTSU