Faith, Family, Football: Choo Harris

When James F Byrnes High School football comes to mind, no doubt you think about their golden era where Bobby Bentley was viewed in the same light as Tom Knotts is now — as a football mastermind that built a dynasty. From 2002-2011, the Rebels won eight state titles, doing so with “HPO” — High Powered Offense.

From the early days with Justin Fulbright and Terrell Allen, their successors Trey Elder and Rodricuz Williams, the mid-2000s with Willy Korn and Prince Miller, and the late 2000s era of Marcus Lattimore all the way to today, The Rebels have always been loaded with explosive athletes that can make big plays.

While the faithful in Duncan, Lyman, and Wellford have been eagerly awaiting the day their team makes it back to the promised land as state champions, the community has still gotten to see a ton of talent on the offensive side of the football. One such standout with the Rebels today is senior wide receiver Chanin “Choo” Harris.

Choo’s roots as an athlete run deep in his family as the son of former Spartanburg High state champion and Shrine Bowl running back Rodney Harris as well as the brother of another Byrnes great — tailback Rahjai Harris. For Chanin, it was almost as if God destined him to be a Rebel football player.

“I come from a family full of football players”, said Harris. “It all started with my dad playing running back. My oldest brother was a cornerback. And I grew up in the stands at Nixon Field watching my other brother Rahjai. It has always amazed me just how much the community loves football in Duncan. The amount of people that show up for the games amazes me.”

For certain, the love of the game that he has been around his whole life means Choo’s on-field gameplay has been influenced by more than just his dad and brothers.

“I am a Seattle Seahawks fan”, said Chanin. “I have always pulled for them since I was really young. I love watching players like Tank Dell and Devonta Smith because of their speed and the way they run routes that is very similar to the way I play the game.”

Speed is certainly a factor that makes Harris a dangerous threat to make big plays happen — especially if he gets in open space. That speed is something he has refined with his other sport of choice.

“I really enjoy running track. I am on the team at Byrnes, participating in the 100 meter dash, 200 meters, and 4×100 meter relay”, said Harris.

Choo’s biggest human influences on both his game and his daily life are his parents and Byrnes Head Coach Reggie Shaw.

“I am close to my whole family”, said Harris. “But by far my parents are closest. They have taught me that getting the most out of life depends on me. Getting what I want is dependent on how hard I want to work for it. But, Coach Shaw has made an impact too. He is hard on us and makes sure that we are going the right way, which is what I like most about him. He cares and he has taught me that regardless of what happens in life, I should be a victor rather than a victim.”

Choo has learned through experience how to be a victor through intense adversity, having been injured his sophomore year against Boiling Springs and dealing with the worry he would never come back from it the same. It was adversity Chanin would overcome thanks to what he considers to be the greatest influence in his life — his relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Faith is a huge part of my life. Without God, I would not be where I am today”, said Harris. “Without trials and tribulations that He has allowed me to go through, I would not be in the position I am now. God has taught me how to be patient and have faith in times of adversity, and with what I have learned I am now in a position where I can help others and give them advice from my experiences. My best advice is to get to know Jesus, because once you have done that, your life is set. You will still face adversity. But, God will give you the strength to never give up regardless of how hard it gets.”

Choo’s faith carries over into his game day routine, serving as his preferred means of locking in before suiting up in the familiar Rebels blue, gray, and silver.

“One of my favorite pastimes is reading the Bible. It is the way I prepare myself on game day”, Harris emphasized. “I will go into God’s Word and read a chapter or two. I will also listen to some calming music and pray to make sure I go in with a clear mind and a positive attitude.”

Outside of football/athletics and exercising his faith, Choo is like many others his age, enjoying some of life’s simpler pleasures — chief among them food and sleep.

“My favorite hobbies are reading my Bible and training”, said Harris with emphasis. “But I also love eating, sleeping, watching anime, and finding new movies/shows to watch.”

Chanin’s future plans are not fully set in stone, but as of now, he has the chance to shine at a Power Four Division I college, having committed to Syracuse thanks, once again, to his admirable faith.

“I committed to play for Syracuse because of one thing that stood out to me when I visited,” said Harris. “Coach Fran {Brown} has incorporated the Word of God into everything they do in the program. In fact, during one of the conversations I have had with him in my recruitment, he brought up God without me asking him anything faith or religion. That made me feel welcome like I was right at home there.”

Chanin’s faith means he credits God with giving Him his talents on the field to bring Him glory — both in how he plays and how he conducts himself. Choo will look to continue to put the spotlight on the Lord this Friday night as the Rebels seek a rebound with a region win on the road Friday night.

You can catch Harris and the Rebs in action at Chandler Stadium in Simpsonville as Byrnes takes on the Hillcrest Rams. Kickoff is set for 7:30.