West Forsyth quarterback Hampton McConnell has committed to play football at Georgia Southern, reaching his decision after visiting campus on Thursday.

“I’m very relieved,” said McConnell. “It’s been a really stressful process and I’m ready to start.

“They offered to me a while ago, and they didn’t try to push, they waited. I’ve always watched them and been around them and I love everything about it there.”

McConnell—who also received offers from Boston College, Appalachian State, Middle Tennessee and Miami of Ohio, among others—decided on Georgia Southern for a number of reasons. The close vicinity to home was a strong selling point, as was the new $10 million dollar football operations center, which is 50,000 square feet in size. 

Perhaps most importantly, McConnell sees himself thriving in the Eagles’ offensive system.  Much like the rising senior, Southern’s Kevin Ellison is a dual-threat quarterback—rushing for 80.55 yards per game in 2013. 

“They do almost exactly what we do at West,” McConnell said. “I love the staff. Yesterday I talked to every single coach. I talked with [head coach Willie Fritz and offensive coordinator Doug Ruse] for about an hour.

“Just what they’re trying to do is perfect for me. It’s my best chance to succeed.”

McConnell’s strong junior campaign at West caught the attention of Southern, which was the first college to send an offer his way. In 2013, the Wolverine QB threw for 1,761 yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with 794 yards on the ground and 11 rushing TDs.