By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter

brobinson@thepccourier.com

Former Pickens High School standout Justin Gravely was recently named a First-Team USA College Football Division II All-American after wrapping up a record-setting senior season for the Crusaders by helping his team win the NCCAA Victory Bowl. Photo courtesy North Greenville University

GREENVILLE — Former Pickens standout Justin Gravely earned All-American honors after helping lead the North Greenville University football team to a 7-5 record, capped by a 42-16 victory over Shorter University in the NCCAA Victory Bowl.

Gravely, a senior punter and placekicker for the Crusaders, was a First-Team USA College Football Division II All-American.

As a kicker, Gravely set a school record with 15 made field goals this season, including a long of 43 yards against Limestone. He was also a perfect 49-of-49 on extra point attempts and averaged 41 yards per punt.

When he graduated from Pickens, he spoke with a recruiter from Clemson and visited Appalachian State, but come signing day, North Greenville was his best option.

He enjoyed his four years at North Greenville.

“It was more like a high school feeling,” Gravely said. “You don’t run into too many people you don’t know.”

Gravely plans to graduate next December after serving in an intern position this summer. He hopes when his college days are finished he can make the roster with a professional team. He already has a tryout set with a Canadian football team. He also hopes he can kick for the Falcons or the Panthers someday.

“Kicking is a tough life,” Gravely said. “If you can get to be one of the few, you can stay somewhere a long time. But if you miss a few, they’ll cut you.”