SOUTH WHITLEY – The most prolific running back in the history of the Whitko High School football program has made his college choice.

Whitko star senior Tanner Hughes signed Thursday to continue his playing career at Defiance College in Ohio.

Hughes’ name is all over the Whitko record books after an outstanding prep career. He rushed for a school record 1,431 yards last fall as the Wildcats went 6-4 overall and finished 6-1 for second place in the Three Rivers Conference.

Hughes also owns school standards for career rushing yards (3,287), career all-purpose yards (3,294), career rushes (577) and career touchdowns (38).

Hughes, the son of Todd and Robin Hughes, was a two-year captain and helped the Wildcats claim a share of the TRC championship in 2013.

“Tanner worked very hard during the off-season in the weight room to be the best athlete he could be,” said Whitko football coach Josh Mohr.  “His dedication to lifting and getting stronger made him very successful on the field.  I am very proud of Tanner for his dedication, effort and leadership.”

Defiance College is an NCAA Division III program and a member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.