From Hallsville to San Antonio | The story of UIW QB Roger McCuller
By: Justin Kelm
The Southland Conference is full of a plethora of talent. Nestled in San Antonio, the University of the Incarnate Word draws many from all around the world. The Cardinals are members of the Football Championship Subdivision and play at the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium.
For Senior Athlete Roger McCuller, the chance to play collegiate football is a blessing in itself. McCuller’s journey begins in Hallsville, Texas. Hallsville is located in deep East Texas and is home to the Bobcats.
Everyone in sports knows how big football is in Texas. While at Hallsville High School, he racked up 1,200 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns. He also recorded 1,100 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns as a senior.
For his efforts he earned all-district. He also guided the Bobcats to their first playoff win in 14 years and beat the defending state champions.
He also graduated with honors. After accomplishing so much in high school. McCuller took his talents to play for one of the most prestigious programs in Junior College. Located in Kilgore, Texas is the campus of Kilgore College.
The Rangers are proud members of the Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC). While at Kilgore College, he played in 11 games in 2018. While with the Rangers registered 70 rushing yards and a touchdown as a sophomore. He also had one pass for 36 yards and a touchdown.
After his time at Kilgore College, he transferred to the University of the Incarnate Word in 2019. As a Junior, he did not play. So here comes the 2020 season. McCuller’s senior year. Something very special for most. McCuller’s senior year is going to be different as most athletes now are faced with the current pandemic. Football isn’t promised to anyone. The Cardinals and certain members of the Southland canceled their fall seasons.
The Cardinals lone game of the fall season was scheduled for Saturday, December 20 against Arkansas State was canceled due to COVID-19-related issues making the Cardinals unable to play. This was a tough blow for many Cardinals looking at getting back to some sense of normalcy.
McCuller and his Cardinals will open up their Spring season as they welcome FCS powerhouse, the Sam Houston State University Bearkats on Saturday, February 20, 2021. McCuller is a jack of all trades and can cause issues for any defense facing him. He is a versatile offensive weapon with tremendous speed all over the field.
McCuller compares to current New Orleans Saints Quarterback Taysom Hill. He has all the traits as Hill. He will find a way to make it on the field. He’s a leader on and off the field. Be on the lookout for McCuller and the Cardinals in 2021. I can see McCuller playing professional football in the future.
2021 UIW Spring Schedule:
- 02.20 Vs. Sam Houston State
- 02.27 @ McNeese
- 03.06 @ Lamar
- 03.13 BYE
- 03.20 Vs. Southeastern Louisiana
- 03.27 @ Nicholls
- 04.01 BYE
- 04.10 Vs. Northwestern State
- NCAA DIVISION I CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE:
- April 24, First Round, Campus Sites
- May 1, Quarterfinals, Campus Sites
- May 8, Semifinals, Campus Sites
- May 15 or 16, Championship, Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas
Schedule subject to change
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