Blunt focuses on senior season

Aurora senior Gavin Blunt has been a standout citizen and athlete since his youth playing days. Blunt played baseball, basketball, and football growing up but has always had a unique focus on football. It was evident that Blunt was simply better than the rest of his peers as he began high school.

At Aurora, freshman football players are not allowed to play on varsity or junior varsity. However, the six-foot-one standout would begin his sophomore season as a starter at wide receiver, outside linebacker, and punter.

Following his sophomore season, Blunt realized that football could help take him to college, “I realized I could possibly play in college after my sophomore year.”

This success would continue for Blunt throughout his junior season as his belief would come true and colleges would come calling. Many schools expressed interest in the then-junior while Indiana State, Albany, Robert Morris, Notre Dame College, and Akron would all make an offer to the standout playmaker.

Akron, approximately 25 miles away from Blunt’s home, would ultimately be his final decision. Following a visit, Akron made an offer to Blunt and he verbally committed on June 21.

“Akron was my final choice because I love the coaches and I like how I’m close to home as well so my family can see me play,” stated Blunt.

Akron is currently recruiting Blunt as a receiver; however, the Aurora senior is open to playing anywhere as long as he can make an impact.

“I told the Akron coaches that I do not care where I play, as long as I am playing somewhere I’ll give it 100 percent.”

The six-foot-one senior will join former Aurora three-sport standout Bubba Arslanian, who is currently playing linebacker at Akron.

“Bubba was a reason why I chose Akron because I love to play with him and it will be nice to have a friend down there to help me. I know I can go to Bubba for anything!” said Blunt.

It will be a joy for many Greenmen fans to see the previous two “Ultimate Greenmen” share the field once again helping lead the Zips to victory.

Blunt is grateful for all of the help he has received throughout the recruiting process.

“I would say my parents were huge influences during the process, also, Coach (Bob) Mihalik helped me out so much throughout the entire process and I could not thank him enough.”

Aurora Head Coach Bob Mihalik has consistently put his players in a position to succeed in college, “He is a huge reason why I got opportunities to play at the next level,” said Blunt.

The Greenmen open the season on August 25 at Solon in what will be the third consecutive year the two teams have met to open the season.

Blunt is looking forward to his senior campaign. “My personal goals for 2017 are to be the best player I can be and to help my team out in any way possible.”

The Aurora football team also hopes to continue their storied success.

“Our team goals are the same as any other year. First, to win our league and then making it to Week 15 and hopefully winning that game,” said Blunt.

Blunt will continue to make plays on Friday nights for the Greenmen as he begins his senior campaign. Many eyes will be on the Aurora football captain to help lead the Greenmen to their thirteenth consecutive playoff appearance and beyond. No matter what, it is a great opportunity for fans to see an Aurora-great take the field for the green and white.