ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Ever since he was a young kid, Craig Bober had the dream of playing college football.

Bober’s dream was nearly derailed, however, by a pair of serious knee injuries.

Repaired, rehabbed and ready, Bober’s dream is about to become a reality.

The 6-4 wide receiver formally signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his football and academic careers at West Liberty University.

“This (opportunity) means a lot,” Bober said during a ceremony at the school’s administration building on signing day. “I’ve been looking forward to this since I was little. It’s like a dream come true.”

Bober’s road to signing day wasn’t as smooth as some of his teammates who also inked their letters that day. He sustained a torn ACL just before his sophomore season, which caused him to miss that entire school year of athletics, basically.

He bounced back, however, with an impressive junior season, but tweaked his knee again during basketball season of 2017-18.

“A lot of people doubted me, saying that I wouldn’t be able to come back from two knee injuries,” Bober said. “It’s exciting to be able to prove people wrong. I feel great now.”

Playing in St. Clairsville’s run-heavy offense, opportunities to catch passes weren’t always plentiful. However, Bober managed to catch 24 passes for 388 yards and 3 touchdowns. He led the Red Devils in all three categories.

Bober’s season earned him all-OVAC, all-Eastern District, all-Times Leader and all-Valley accolades. He also received the Lu Strager Award for character and leadership.

During his junior season, Bober made 23 receptions for 428 yards and nine touchdowns.

The Red Devils experienced great team success, too. They claimed two OVAC titles and qualified for three consecutive post-season berths, including advancing to the Region 13 championship game this past season.

“High school (football) was so much fun and it was great playing with these guys,” Bober said. “We won a lot of games and will go down as one of the most successful classes in school history.”

Bober knows what lies ahead with the Hilltoppers will be a challenge. However, it’s one that he full embraces and relishes.

“I know nothing is guaranteed and that I am really going to have to work hard to get playing time,” Bober said. “I feel like I can contribute well, but I have to continue to get stronger and faster, which I believe will happen as I continue to mature in college.”

With his frame, Bober believes he can be an impact guy in the red zone, especially.

“I am just trying to do whatever I can to help the team win games,” Bober said. “I would love to be part of the group that really helps to change the culture and get West Liberty back to its winning ways.”

On top of his football exploits, Bober is a multi-year letterman in basketball. He’s currently averaging nearly 19 points a game for the Red Devils. He’s also lettered in baseball during his prep career.

Along with athletics, Bober is active at St. Clairsville High School in Spanish Club and Ping Pong Club. He’s also a standout in the classroom, which is proven by his membership in the National Honor Society.

Craig, who plans to major in criminal justice, is the son of Ed and Tammy Bober.