A name to live up to: Champ Harris leads with purpose at Valdosta State

By: Lloydrica Hudson, Sports Editor Before Hezekiah “Champ” Harris ever led a college offense, he knew he wanted to play quarterback. He talks about being a toddler and going through incidents where family would block the tv and he would lean over so he could view the game. Years later, that remains at the heart of how Harris plays at Valdosta State University. “I just want to win with my team and want to see those guys be happy,” Harris said. “I want to put smiles on my teammates’ faces, my coaches’ faces.” His father gave him the nickname Champ as a child. There was no big story behind it — the name simply stuck. But as Harris has grown into a college quarterback, he has found his own way of giving it meaning, through his commitment to teammates and the example he hopes to leave behind. His path to VSU was not the one he initially imagined. It became a place he chose with his father’s guidance, his faith and a growing connection with head coach Graham Craig.

This excerpt comes from the named source. Read the original for the full reporting.