Westminster Christian quarterback Brandon Musch started his high school football career as an eighth-grader, forced into action at quarterback due to an injury to then-senior Jackson Billings in the second round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 3A playoffs in 2019.

No one knew that his 75 yards passing, 23 yards rushing and a touchdown in the loss to Randolph County would lead to a legendary career with the Wildcats that would total 194 touchdowns and more than 14,000 total yards.

Musch played in 46 games averaging more than 305 yards per game – a feat that had never been done in over a four-year span in the history of high school football in Alabama. He finished second in all-purpose yards (14,045) and second in total touchdowns (108 passing, 86 rushing), numbers that would cause one to believe that he would have played in multiple all-star game and have numerous scholarships offers. That was not the case for the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder.

Musch was a two-time first-team Alabama Sports Writers Association All-State pick as an athlete and this year’s All-Huntsville Offensive MVP after he totaled 4,015 yards and 63 touchdowns. Only one college offered him a scholarship – and he signed with Charleston Southern on Wednesday.

Musch said he is excited for his opportunity to play at the next level and is grateful for all the people that have poured into his life.

“It is definitely a surreal moment as I’ve always been in the stands watching other players from Westminster go off to sign and play college sports,” he said. “It’s just a great moment for me to finally do what I’ve always wanted to do and that is to sign to go play college football.

“This school means everything to me,” Musch said. “I’ve been going here since I was in third grade and all the relationships I’ve built with friends, teachers and coaches is just unbelievable. You can really tell that these people care about me as a person and it means the world to me.”

The coaches at Charleston Southern rolled out the red carpet for Musch and his parents on his visit a few weeks ago. They told them they wanted to give him a shot to play quarterback for the Buccaneers. They let it be known that they want to get his speed and quickness on the field somewhere, even if it’s not at QB. It’s a challenge he said he was ready to accept.

Musch led Westminster to the playoff semifinals this season. He ran for 2,237 yards and passed for 1,752 as a senior. The coaches and Musch said the reliance on his running gave the Wildcats their best chance to win.

Charleston Southern plays in the Big South Conference and its 2024 schedule features games with the likes of Furman, The Citadel and Football Bowl Subdivision power Florida State.

Joey Lauderdale, a Musch family friend and his third-grade football recreation league football coach, said, “I knew he was different at his very first practice when he was only 9 years old.”

“Great young men like Brandon, who commit to being their very best on and off the field remind us all of the importance of athletics – a vehicle to help develop young people into who God created them to be,” said Westminster Christian head football coach Louis LeBlanc. “I feel blessed to have been a part of his story.”

Musch plans to enroll in summer classes at Charleston Southern and begin workouts with the Buccaneer squad as they get ready for their season opener Aug. 31 at home vs. The Citadel.