West Columbia’s Hunter Helms, who played last year at Gray Collegiate Academy, got into Clemson’s football game versus The Citadel Saturday. He completed two passes. Clemson won 49-0.

Hunter’s high school coach Adam Holmes, and father, Todd Helms, were proud of the freshman.

“So proud to have been Hunter’s high school coach,” said Adam Holmes, Gray’s football coach and athletic director, who played football at USC. “This guy had offers to play at other schools, but Clemson was his dream school. I told him I will never forget my first time dressing out and running out to “2001.” I know he will never forget running down the hill and getting to play in his first college game. The way this kid works, it won’t be the last time he steps on this field. Congrats Hunter Helms.”

There was a proud papa, too.

“Really proud of my youngest son Hunter yesterday,” said Todd Helms. “Not necessarily for what he did on the field, although he did complete his first college pass for positive yards and went 2-2. But for all the hard work and dedication it took to get to this point.”

Todd said only a small percentage of high school players make it to the next level of Power 5 college football.