In a dynamic shift for the Upper Arlington football squad, two promising young quarterbacks, Reign St. Clair and Charlie Hunt, are locked in a spirited competition for the coveted starting role. St. Clair, who recently transferred from Bellefontaine, brings with him a impressive sophomore season where he amassed nearly 2,000 passing yards. He expressed his motivation for the move as a desire for heightened competition and personal growth. Hunt, a seasoned player within the program, is eager to secure the position after spending last season as a backup and primarily playing safety. Both athletes demonstrated their capabilities at a collegiate football showcase in early May, underscoring the exciting prospects for the Golden Bears' offensive lineup under head coach Justin Buttermore's guidance.
St. Clair and Hunt Vie for Starting Quarterback Spot in Intense Golden Bears Tryouts
On May 5, 2026, the Upper Arlington Golden Bears held their annual college football showcase, drawing nearly 125 college scouts to observe approximately 60 aspiring athletes. Among the most closely watched were quarterbacks Reign St. Clair and Charlie Hunt. St. Clair, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound talent, made a significant move to Upper Arlington from Bellefontaine in January. During his sophomore year at Bellefontaine, he threw for 1,999 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 64.2% of his passes. He also demonstrated versatility as a punter, averaging 31.8 yards per attempt. His elder brother, Tavien St. Clair, is currently the quarterback for Ohio State, and Reign credits Tavien with imparting valuable lessons in reading defenses and maintaining composure under pressure. Hunt, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound athlete, spent last season as a backup to Luke Backes and played safety for much of Upper Arlington's 10-3 campaign, which concluded with a narrow 17-16 loss to Pickerington Central in a Division I, Region 3 semifinal. Coach Justin Buttermore highlighted the unique strengths of both players, noting that St. Clair and Hunt possess distinct skill sets that offer valuable options for the team. This showcase was part of the larger 'Columbus College Football Day,' a series of events across central Ohio designed to highlight local talent.
The intense competition between these two talented young quarterbacks presents an intriguing narrative for the upcoming football season. St. Clair's transfer to a larger, more competitive program underscores the ambition of athletes seeking to challenge themselves and elevate their game. His ability to adapt to a new environment and forge connections with new teammates speaks to his leadership potential. Conversely, Hunt's dedication to the Upper Arlington program and his desire to step into a starting role exemplify perseverance. The dynamic between them, as described by Coach Buttermore, suggests a healthy rivalry that will likely push both players to excel. This scenario is a testament to the growth and development inherent in competitive sports, where individual aspirations converge with team objectives, ultimately benefiting the entire squad. The lessons learned from this battle, both on and off the field, will undoubtedly shape their football journeys and potentially their futures.
