AHOSKIE – The University of Virginia at Wise is adding explosive speed.

The Highland Cavaliers looked to Hertford County for the second time in recent years when looking to fill holes in their backfield.

Hertford County native Gio Watford was a freshman at Wise last season after committing there following his senior season playing for his dad, current HCHS coach Greg Watford, at West Carteret.

Last week Bears’ senior Ken Liverman joined Watford in the backfield for the Highland Cavaliers when he signed a grant-in-aid to attend the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school.

&uot;They gave me the best offer,&uot; Liverman said of UVA-Wise. &uot;I enjoyed the people I met there and felt like they had a good field to play on.&uot;

Liverman said he met most of the football team during his visit to the school and was looking forward to suiting up in the fall.

Liverman spent two years on the varsity squad at HCHS, starting at running back and linebacker while playing for the Bears.

During his senior campaign at HCHS, Liverman recorded 715 rushing yards on 103 carries. He found paydirt four times and averaged 6.9 yards per carry as the team’s second-leading rusher. He added one reception for 13 yards.

&uot;I think he’s going to play tailback for them,&uot; Greg Watford said of Liverman. &uot;They lost three kids, so he’ll certainly have a chance to walk on and play right away.

&uot;Ken will give them some of that break-away speed they don’t have right now,&uot; the coach continued. &uot;He’ll be a good addition for them.&uot;