ANDREW SALMI andrew.salmi@granitemedia partners.com
HUTTO — Hutto High School varsity football senior wide receiver Carson LaPlante announced this week that he will be continuing his career as a studentathlete for the Winona State University football program in Minnesota.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank God for allowing me the opportunity to play football at the next level,” LaPlante said on X. “I would like to thank all of the coaches who recruited me and gave me the chance to be a part of their program. After many conversations and guidance from my parents, I am proud to announce my commitment to Winona State University. Go Warriors!”
Hutto ISD Athletic Director Brad LaPlante was very proud of his son and his journey to play football at the collegiate level.
“It truly is a dream come true,” Brad said. “There was a time in his elementary years when his mother and I were afraid collision sports were going to be taken away from him because of a health condition, so this is just awesome. He and I were able to take a trip to Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota to visit five schools where I know many of the coaches still there.”
Brad added that he believes Carson has his best football ahead of him.
“The first thing Carson brings is being a good teammate,” Brad said. “Over the years, he has always expressed excitement for his teammates’ success. Many times you can see him on the field running to a teammate to congratulate him after a big play or scoring a touchdown. The second thing he brings to the table is his football IQ. He is years ahead of others his age in breaking down a defense and learning the playbook.”
Carson made a major impact on the football field for the Hippos under Head Coach Will Compton during the 2023 season as LaPlante hauled in 42 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdown catches. His best game of the year came in Hutto’s dominant 66-35 victory over San Marcos High School when he had four catches for 130 yards and one score.
