Hankinson inks with Missouri Southern

Louisburg High School senior Korbin Hankinson signed his letter of intent Wednesday morning to play football at Missouri Southern. Sitting next to Korbin are his parents Dan and Sherry Hankinson. Standing (from left) are Louisburg football coaches Gary Griffin, Robert Ebenstein and Zach Livingston. 

Korbin Hankinson recorded big play after big play for the Louisburg High School football team this past season.

The Wildcat senior had several big games offensively, defensively and in special teams as he returned several kickoffs and punts for touchdowns. He hopes to have that same type of production at the college level and he is going to get his chance.

During a signing day ceremony at Louisburg High School, Hankinson signed his letter of intent to play for Missouri Southern University and he is excited to join the Lion program.

“It has been a dream since I was playing pee wee football,” Hankinson said. “I have always wanted to play college football and now I get the chance.

“It is very surreal to me right now. I am going to miss playing football with all my friends. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have played in college and they tell me it is nothing like high school football. I am definitely going to miss it more than anything, but I am ready to play at that next level.”

Hankinson was productive on both sides of the ball for the Wildcats and was a first-team all-league selection on defense and also earned honorable mention all-state honors. He finished the season with five interceptions and five deflections.

Korbin Hankinson had almost 900 total yards of offense to go along with 13 touchdowns for the Wildcats last season.

However, it will be offensively where Hankinson hopes to make his mark on Missouri Southern. Hankinson scored 13 touchdowns offensively and on special teams. He also had 441 yards rushing and a team-high 489 receiving yards.

“They want me to play a slot receiver and possibly return some punts or kickoffs,” Hankinson said. “That is something I really enjoy doing and I am looking forward to it.

“The last couple of years they have struggled a little bit, but they have gotten some new coaches in. When I went down there they really made me feel welcome and made me feel like I was a part of their football family. I really liked all the coaches down there and feel like I fit in well there more than anywhere else.”

Hankinson had a couple of different options to choose from as he was offered a spot on the Baker football program as well, but he was excited about the opportunity to play against tougher competition in the MIAA Conference and Division II level.

“It came down to them and Baker, but I really like the coaches at Missouri Southern,” Hankinson said. “Plus I like the location of the school being in Joplin. Then when it came down to it, I always wanted to play against Division II competition and play against schools like Emporia, Pitt and all them. I wanted to play against that higher competition. I really like the campus as well.”