Running Back D.J. Hancock Awarded Full Athletics Scholarship Following Practice

Hancock is a walk-on from Summerville, S.C.

By GWU Athletics

BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb head football coach Tre Lamb singled out D.J. Hancock at the conclusion of a rainy Thursday afternoon practice and by the end of the day the redshirt sophomore was all smiles.

Lamb surprised Hancock, a walk-on from Summerville (S.C.) High, with a full athletics scholarship.

“You’re a leader. Every time you walk in a room you change the room,” said Lamb, in his first season as Gardner-Webb’s head coach. “All you do is put your head down and work. You’re one of the reasons we are going to win here. If we had 20 more players like you we’d win every game. You’re one of the best dudes I’ve ever met and if I ever have a son I wish he grows up and is just like you.”

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound running back is expected to be a key part of the team’s rotation when the season begins in February. He saw action in six games last season, carrying five times for 20 yards in limited duty on offense. Hancock also had a 16-yard reception at Monmouth and returned three kickoffs for 35 yards on the season.

He is no stranger to success on the gridiron, earning honorable mention All-Low Country honors twice from the Charleston Post & Courier during his career at state powerhouse Summerville High. As a senior, Hancock ran for 1,003 yards and 12 touchdowns on 176 carries. His best game came in the 2017 season opener, when he dashed for 241 yards and four touchdowns in the Green Wave’s win over Spartanburg (S.C.) High.

Summerville High has been kind to the Gardner-Webb backfield in decades past. Hall of Famer and all-time rushing leader Darrell Middleton – who played for the Runnin’ Bulldogs from 1986-1989 – carried 598 times for 3,877 yards and 38 touchdowns during his time in Boiling Springs.

Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.