LAKE VIEW, SC (WBTW) – Clemson receiver and Socastee native, Hunter Renfrow, gained national attention grabbing two touchdown’s in the Tigers loss to Alabama in the National Championship Game.
Though he was disappointed in the loss and looks forward to another title run next season, he says his faith helped him not get too high or too low on his journey from walk-on to scholarship athlete to a star on college football’s biggest stage.
Renfrow and his family spoke to the congregation of Lake View First Baptist Church Sunday, as part of a surprise service the church does every year.
“Highly successful people and people that are celebrities have a reason for getting there and that reason is because they let god develop their talent and they let god show him his way,” said Pastor, Lyn Anderson.
The star athlete says his relationship with god kept him grounded, as he’s received recognition for his on-field accomplishments.
“Its been a lot of fun because I’ve just enjoyed playing football, and when you stay close to god and stay faithful to him he blesses you,” said Renfrow.
It was a message that served as inspiration to Delvon Bethea, a Lake View athlete, with big dreams himself.
“Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps and do the same thing one day,” said Bethea.
Renfrow’s advice was, “just have fun with it. God already knows if your going to be a good player or a bad player, if you’re going to make it or your not so just have fun with it and trust in him.”
The athlete was joined by his parents, who are still getting used to all the extra attention.
“It’s um different (laughs) but it’s exciting. I’m excited people are celebrating success with him, but at the end of the day he’s just a young man who enjoys playing ball, that loves the lord and that the most important thing for him,” said Hunter’s mother Susan.
Hunter is one of six children and his parents celebrate all of their accomplishments.
“Hunter just happens to be the one that the world thinks is a little bit bigger, but from our stand point for our kids, we love them all the same,” said his father, Tim.
They say faith and family, are what’s really important and try to instill that in all their children.
Also notable on Sunday, a cast on Hunter’s hand. He broke a bone playing pick up basketball with coach Dabo Swinney’s kids, but he says he should be all healed up in a few weeks and will be ready to go come kick off next season.
