Wythe County Graduate Has Big Opening Day at UVA

Daniel Hamm

Wythe County gridiron fans have long been familiar with the name Daniel Hamm, the Fort Chiswell graduate who rushed for nearly two-thousand yards, last year, in his senior year of high school.

Over the weekend, ACC fans from across the nation became acquainted with the walk – on freshman tailback, as he rushed for 136 yards and scored two touchdowns in his debut game at the University of Virginia.

Immediately following the game, the eighteen-year-old Wythe County graduate was overwhelmed with local well-wishers, who flocked to his Facebook page offering congratulatory remarks.

Hamm provided an interview with WytheTheNews.com Monday afternoon, stating, “It was such a blessing and honor to come in my first game and perform the way that I did. I’m so grateful that the line was creating great holes up front and made it a little easier for me.”

When asked what he attributed his success to, Hamm immediately spoke of God, saying, “I can’t begin to express how much He has blessed me with this opportunity and everything that I have. My family also played a major role. I was raised to be a competitor and had some great examples of athletes ahead of me. I can’t thank my family enough. My coaches did a great job teaching me what to do in order to be an effective runner ever since I was a little kid.”  Hamm went on to brag on the effort made by his offensive line.

Reminiscing about Wythe County, Hamm’s words steered toward his friends.

“My friends have been there for me – keeping me up when things weren’t always going my way. They were a major help. I wouldn’t be the same person without these people.”

When asked about his greatest Wythe County memories, the walk-on tailback spoke of his community and former teams.  “I can’t explain in words how much they all supported me and were together. It means so much to have those people behind me all the way no matter what.”

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