As senior linebacker, Rhe’Neze Galtney sprints down the field towards an opposing player, his proud mother can be heard whistling loudly in the stands along with his coach who is yelling his name. He focuses in on the play, but it isn’t just football that’s consuming his thoughts anymore. In the back of his mind Galtney knows he’ll have to make a tough decision soon. With 12 eager colleges constantly messaging and calling him, he knows he just has to focus on the game.

Growing up, Galtney played for multiple teams. He started playing at age six but played up on a team of 9-year-olds because he was so big for his age. His mother knew he was going to be successful after his first year of playing. He showed his knowledge and motivation to get better instantly.

“He never wanted to leave the field, he understood commitment at such a young age that I just knew he would become something big,”  mother Rita Griffin said.

Galtney always knew he wanted to play football.  He showed the passion and dedication needed to play such a rigorous sport. He began eating healthier, working out consistently before and after games and focusing on being a team player. He knew this was the sport he wanted to continue with for years to come. With such a strong parental background, he became unstoppable.

“I was nervous about him playing because I feared he would get hurt playing with older kids, but after observing him and seeing him be determined about the game, I supported him,” Griffin said.

When Galtney started playing for FHN, his parents weren’t the only ones that noticed his potential. Being around 6’2” and 210 lbs, Galtney is hard to miss on the field. He is notorious for his hard tackles and dynamic plays. But when he’s not playing, he’s focusing hard on his studies.

“When looking for players, we have high standards on and off the field, and Rhe’Neze does well with both,” FHN Head Coach Brandon Gregory said.

Galtney always dreamed of playing on a college team, what he didn’t realized was how many college teams dreamt of him playing with them too. So far, some of his offers include Southeastern and Missouri State University,  University of Central Arkansas and University of Nebraska have given him full rides to play football. These colleges call and message him daily on Twitter, even though he isn’t expected to make his decision until February.

“He needs to choose a college that is well rounded and ultimately makes him happy,” Griffin said. “My husband and I have been working tirelessly to find a school that has a great football program and one that will also carry him far with his schooling.”

Galtney is also interested in studying business and entrepreneurship and medicine. Hi parents encourage him to choose a school that is rigorous in athletics as well as academics.

“Rhe’Neze has worked so hard for his position on the team, and the college scouts noticed,” Gregory said. “They saw his dedication and now he’s reaping the benefits.”

Galtney’s college submission video was what caught the eye of many teams. It shows him tackling an opponent so hard that his helmet came clean off; this amount of force in a tackle is very difficult to achieve. Currently, Galteny’s top picks are North Dakota State, Western and Southern Illinois University and Indiana State.

“We’re expecting for him to receive even more offers,” Griffin said. “With the talent that he has, more are sure to come,” Griffin said.

Galtney and his parents envision him playing in the NFL one day, but for now he wishes to enjoy the rest of his senior year and play his hardest for the Knights.

“I am very blessed and thankful for all of the support and success I’ve received,” Galtney said. “I aim to work hard and play my best for college.”