WORCESTER — Coming out of Hudson High four years ago, Hunter Paupaw narrowed his college choices to Worcester State and a couple of Division 2 schools. After earning an academic scholarship and the chance to play D2 football, he opted for Cheyney University in Pennsylvania.
“I quickly made the decision after redshirting that it wasn’t the place for me,” Paupaw said after Wednesday morning’s practice on Coughlin Field.
Paupaw transferred to Worcester State.
“It was my second option anyway, and I think it was the best decision I made in my entire life,” Paupaw said.
As it turned out, Cheyney dropped its football program after last season.
Over the last three years, Paupaw, a 5-foot-8, 195-pound running back, has had some important carries and earned the respect of his teammates, who elected him a captain for 2018.
“When he decided to come back, we were elated because he’s a quality person just as much as he is a quality player,” Lancers coach Brien Cullen said.
This preseason, Paupaw has risen to the top of Worcester State’s depth chart, largely due to the work he has put in catching the ball out of the backfield.
“That’s a big part of what we do with our running backs,” Cullen said. “We always knew he could run. He has shown us he can catch the ball now.”
Last year, Paupaw helped the Lancers go 6-4 and double their win total from the previous season. He played in nine games and rushed for 257 yards on 59 carries. He also had 15 receptions for 119 yards.
“I try to bring as much to the table as I can to help the team,” Paupaw said. “If I’m on the sideline, coach guys up or if I’m in the game, whatever play the play is, just do whatever I need to for the team to be successful.”
Paupaw scored three touchdowns, all in Worcester State’s 35-21 win over Bridgewater State. After a pair of 2-yard TD runs, Paupaw ripped off a 42-yard score with less than two minutes to play to lift the Lancers to their first win over the Bears since 2004.
“That was a great experience for me, but I was just really happy to get the win,” Paupaw said.
Almost half of Paupaw’s carries (seven) went for TDs in that game. He finished with 65 rushing yards.
“I always come prepared for whatever it is, big role, small role,” Paupaw said, “and that’s the way it worked out that day and we got the win so I was happy.”
Paupaw played limitedly his first year at Worcester State. In 2016, he carried 32 times for 100 yards and a touchdown.
As a junior at North Providence High, Paupaw was team captain and earned Division 4 honors from the Providence Journal. His family moved to Hudson before his senior year of high school. In 2013, despite being injured, he helped the Hawks win their first eight games before falling to Doherty in the Central Mass. Division 4 semifinals.
“It was a very good experience, and I was happy there,” Paupaw said.
Paupaw also ran track at Hudson and served as team captain.
He comes across as a natural leader as he steps into the same role at Worcester State.
“He does everything right,” junior tight end Jacob Maher said. “Everyone respects him.”
Paupaw, a business administration major, also continues to get the job done in the classroom. Last semester, he earned MASCAC All-Academic honors.
“It’s been a great experience,” Paupaw said. “I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve made a lot of friends, strong connections. I think this is a very underrated place to be.
"The campus is up and coming. They’ve done some great things with the Wellness Center and improvements to the field, and the academics, you’re not going to get a better bargain. It’s been a tremendous experience.”
—Contact Jennifer Toland at jennifer.toland@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @JenTandG.
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