AHOSKIE – Alvin Walston has anchored the Hertford County High School line for the past four years.

Now the soon-to-be HCHS graduate will have the opportunity to do the same thing at Livingston College.

Tuesday morning, Walston inked a pact to attend Livingstone, where he will continue his educational and playing career.

“When I went and visited, Livingstone seemed like a close-knit community,” Walston said. “Academically, the school has my major – criminal justice. When I get out of college, I want to give something back to the community.”

Walston, who played offensive guard and defensive tackle at HCHS, will mainly focus on the offensive side of the ball at Livingstone.

“Coach (Elvin) James said he wants me to play offensive guard,” Walston said. “I liked playing defense, but I want to get on the field.”

Hertford County High School Head Football Coach Scott Privott said Walston will be instrumental for the Blue Bears early on in his collegiate career.

“He has a lot of potential,” Privott said. “I feel as though he’s a hidden gem. I think Alvin will compete right away for a starting spot.”

The coach said Walston was a great student-athlete and that he had been a tremendous asset for HCHS.

“He was a great asset on both sides of the ball,” Privott said. “He has been a mainstay for us for the past three years.

“He’s a great kid,” the coach added. “He’s easy to coach and very knowledgeable about the game. I think he’s going to represent Hertford County High School very well.”

During his years at HCHS, Walston said he had learned a lot.

“I learned hard work always pays off,” he said. “You can’t sit around and wait for someone to do stuff for you, you have to do it for yourself. There is so much we’ve learned that we won’t be able to let go.”

Walston said Privott had been his mentor and had meant a lot to him during his years in high school. He also said he was proud of his teammates on the offensive and defensive lines.

Walston is the son of Silvis and Alton Walston.

This season, Walston is one of seven Hertford County High School football players to earn the opportunity to play at the next level.

“I think it says a lot about our program athletically and academically to average six or seven players receiving scholarships each year,” said HCHS Principal Jerry Simmons. “The first thing recruiters look at when they come to the school is the academic piece.

“To have student-athletes who have not only the athletic talent, but the academic background says a lot about our program,” Simmons added. “We have set high expectations and they’ve been met.”