By KENNETH COKER, Press Sports
Posted: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:03 am

All the hard work has paid off.
Recently-graduated Dresden High School football standout Dale Hutcherson committed to continue his gridiron career at Rhodes College in Memphis.
Though he wasn’t offered an athletic scholarship because RC does not give out such, Hutcherson will receive academic aid.
He graduated with a 3.8 grade point average, allowing the opportunity for the Lion QB to be an ideal fit at Rhodes College.
“Dale’s such a hard worker,” Dresden skipper Scott Hewett said. “He’s a bright young man and he’s been at the field every day, working out and lifting weights. He called me the other night and wanted to know if we could turn the lights on at the field so he could get some work in.”
Hutcherson, who was named to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association All-State team in the fall, totaled 4,723 all-purpose yards during his playing career.
“After visiting a number of schools and heavily considering my options, I have decided that Rhodes is the place for me,” he said. “The closeness of home, the challenge, the excitement of starting a new program and the excellent of starting a new program and the excellent academic reputation led me to this decision.”
Of those yards, 3,883 were of the passing variety, while 840 were on the ground as a runner. All totaled, Hutcherson had a hand in 53 touchdowns during his prep career.
“His most attractive asset is the diversity he brings to the position,” Hewett said. “Dale can throw on the move.
“I think if they let him move around in the pocket, he’ll have a good shot at Rhodes.”
That said, the gridiron won’t be the only focus of Hutcherson’s at Rhodes.
“For me, football is just one part of becoming a better person,” he said. “God has blessed me with many opportunities and Rhodes seems like the perfect place for me to strive for improvement as a person. I expect to be challenged as I have never been challenged before.”
Hutcherson won’t be the only former Lion or Weakley Countian within the Lynx program.
Former Dresden running back Clay Adams is a senior at Rhodes, as is Westview product Buddy Legens.
“They already helped me out when I went to visit at a practice,” Hutcherson said of the two local products currently at RC and University School of Jackson standout Walker McWherter. “I’m sure they’ll help me to make friends and lead me the right way.”
Hutcherson helped Dresden back to the playoffs last season — for the first time since 2004 — as the Lions finished with a 9-3 worksheet.