Pack Targets Key Harding's Resurgence

Charlotte (NC) Harding University High School doesn't have much tradition.  The Rams have had just two winning seasons the last 26 years.  Last year's team won five games, the most since 2007.

Sam Greiner knew when he took over in 2015 he had a major rebuilding job ahead of him.

"I actually wanted to just teach and be a family man," said Greiner.  "I came to Harding for that reason, but the principal kept asking me to be the head coach and finally he told me I would be.

"I knew we needed a lot. We needed them to believe in something bigger so we started referring to Harding as the 'U' and kids gravitated to that.  There's no booster club here, but my church came through and helped sponsor us to get some things these kids didn't have. I knew the foundation would be key so the very first year we laid down a foundation of togetherness and family. We weren't winning games, but last year we had our first playoff berth and we're working hard to build on it."

The Rams managed to reach the playoffs and finish 5-7 last year with a roster that reportedly consisted of just 25 players.  That mentality of togetherness was vital.

"These kids, they have fight in them," said Greiner.  "Initially they could fight individually but hadn't learned to fight together.  Football is the greatest team sport there is, it's not like tennis or a swim meet. You need to understand you have help around you and you have to rely on that help, regardless of how talented you are.

"With our roster, we had to build the offense and defense around what guys do well. We had to adjust and do certain things they do well.  That's what we did."

Even with a limited roster, Greiner has several talented college prospects to work with, including star 2019 tailback Quavaris Crouch.  At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Crouch is considered the top in-state player in his class and already holds offers from NC State and others.

"Quavaris, whoever gets him will be getting a guy who lives in the weight room and wants to get better," said Greiner.  "He loves football, he breathes it.  He wants to be great.  At running back, it has to be the right fit for him.  He really, really loves Michigan, and a lot of the spread game from most teams concerns him.  He understands when running downhill he excels... downhill with a fullback, that's a great fit for him."

Crouch, who finished his sophomore year with 1,224 yards and 17 touchdowns, is rated the best tailback nationally in the 2019 class by multiple recruiting services.  However, his head coach feels he could potentially play another position on the next level. 

"He could maybe eventually be the No. 1 pick in the draft as a defensive end or outside linebacker," Greiner said.  "I think he'd be fine with playing defense in college.  He loves running back the most, but he understands that in high school your best athlete has the ball in his hands. He could be a big running back that dominates, but he's gifted with his eyes and instincts, and with his physical attributes I think he could be dominant defensively."

Opening up the huge rushing lanes for Crouch will be four-star lineman Jovaughn Gwyn, arguably the top offensive lineman in the state.

"Jovaughn's strength and athleticism is the key," said Greiner.  "I've never had a kid I've coached stronger than me. I was blessed with a lot of strength, and I still work out with our kids now, but he's superior in strength.  He's already over 400 pounds on the bench, deep squats over 550 pounds... his broad jump numbers are great, cleans over 300.  

"He's as athletic a big man as you'll see, and his knowledge of the game is outstanding.  Sometimes he's so athletic and strong that he'll not want to do the little things technique-wise, but I believe when he does it all, he's the best offensive lineman in the country."

NC State is recruiting Gwyn and also has a commitment from his teammate, and Crouch's older brother, defensive back Malik Dunlap.  The 6-foot-3 cornerback missed several games last season, and his return will give the Rams a huge boost defensively.

"Malik is 6'3, and he can probably grow some more too," said Greiner.  "He could end up being maybe 6'5.  His confidence has grown in the past year, and I think he can have a huge year.  He and his brother, they enjoy playingt he game, they love it.

"His ceiling is extremely high. He has to understand the small details of doing his job. He's so good he thinks he can do other people's roles. Teams won't test him, so he'll get bored and he'll start thinking he has to bait teams.  He just has to take pride in knowing no balls are caught on his side and teams aren't throwing at him."

Harding's talent won't end with the 2018 and 2019 classes.  Greiner is already raving about 2020 safety Maleik Faust.

"He's maybe the best player on our team right now," Greiner said of Faust.  "He ran a 4.45 at North Carolina's Freak Fest and broad jumped 10'4.  The kid is 5'11 and 195 pounds and probably the best strong safety I've seen at this level. 

"He'll load up stat sheet.. he's super gifted.  South Carolina has already offered him.  Penn State has I believe given a verbal offer and UNC likes him a lot."

The Rams open the season tonight against Charlotte (NC) Hough High School.  Greiner is trying to manage expectations while continuing to build his program.

"Our goal is to win the opener," he said.  "We also want to win the conference. We're definitely better than where we were last year, but we want to keep improving and keep working to be the best we can be."