Signing Day: Hunter, Benton, Nettles

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Canisius senior Ryan Hunter is the only Western New York football player to earn a D-I FBS (formerly I-A) scholarship this season, signing with Bowling Green on National Signing Day.

Hunter was one of eight athletes who signed a letter of intent at Canisius today, a group that included fellow gridiron star Denzel Benton, who will play D-I FCS ball at Rhode Island.

Williamsville South's Chaq Nettles and West Seneca East's Andy Smigiera both signed with Robert Morris. Orchard Park offensive lineman Mike Senn is a member of Albany's recruiting class, but he is already enrolled at the school.

Hunter is the 2012 Trench Trophy winner for WNY's outstanding lineman. The first-team All-State selection led Canisius to an unbeaten season this year.

"It's kind of surreal," said Hunter. "Growing up from Canada, everyone thinks you're going to be a hockey player, but when I grew up I wanted to be a football player."

"It's always been my dream to play D-I football," said Benton.

Also signing for Canisius today were Connor Cleary (Canisius Lax), Mark Hilton (Colgate swimming), Mark Hirschbeck (Cornell crew), Peter McCarthy (U. of the South swimming), Christian Westermeier (Canisius swimming), Reid Yankowski (Cal-Berkley crew).