John Love (12), a starter on the Spartanburg High Football team, has relentlessly demonstrated his talents of being equipped to perform on the collegiate level as a kicker. In August, Love accepted a full scholarship offer and committed to Virginia Tech, a school of academic and athletic excellence to continue his kicking career.  

Love is looking forward to continuing his athletic career at Virginia Tech.

“I chose Virginia Tech because I really liked the area and the people there,” Love said. “I had visited the campus twice and felt that Virginia Tech was the right place to go.”

One of his career interests is to specialize in infectious diseases. He plans on majoring in chemistry and earning a degree in the medical field.  

Love got his start on the gridiron at McCracken Middle School; however, he initially played soccer for Carolina FC and the varsity soccer team at Spartanburg High School. Eventually, he decided to make football his primary focus and started attending numerous camps for kickers to boost his recruitment. Love’s outstanding finishing and shooting abilities from playing as a striker in soccer translated to his incredible ability to kick with great accuracy on the football field. Once Love figured out football was the right choice, he went to learn from renowned kicking and putting coach Dan Orner in order to improve his kicking and punting mechanics.  

“Dan Orner Kicking in Charlotte certainly bettered me as a specialist,” Love said.  

Along with the assistance of Dan Orner, Love gained recognition of his talents through the Kohl’s Kicking Camp. Kohls ranked Love as a five-star kicking recruit, landing on the 53rd spot for the class of 2022.  

Academic excellence is embodied by countless individuals at Spartanburg High School, and Love is no exception. He maintains an exceptionally high GPA by taking numerous AP and other rigorous courses. Vikings head coach Mark Hodge knows Love is a phenomenal student athlete, who is dedicated to his goal and gifts. 

 “He has diligently and purposefully worked in the classroom, weight room and on the practice field. It has been an honor to be able to coach such a fine young man,” Hodge said.  

Joe Cash (11), a teammate of Love’s, praises him for being a hard worker in any task he’s given.

“I know he’s an impressive kicker and punter. He was extremely deserving of the offer from Virginia Tech, and I believe it’s the ideal choice for him,” Cash said.  

Love has a big role to play on this year’s team as former Viking teammates William Joyce and Will Fowler have gone on to play on the collegiate level. Love returning for his senior season will be a significant factor in the Vikings success this football season.