Knights' do-it-all Harris runs his way to Jaycees Player of Week honors

OAKWOOD -- Cedric Harris did not experience the best of times during his first three seasons with Johnson football.

His senior campaign is going a long way to make up for that, however.

In fact the entire Knights program is finding a measure of redemption in 2012, as new head coach Jason Roquemore has led a turnaround that has seen Johnson notch its most wins in a campaign since 2004.

At 5-3, the Knights have bounced back from an intensely difficult 12 months that included going 0-10 in 2011, moving to a non-region schedule and seeing their head coach resign.

Thanks to the combination of Roquemore's coaching and players like Harris, those disappointments are more of a distant memory.

For much of the season the explosive Harris has paced Johnson's rushing attack, piling up 1,190 yards, along with 15 touchdowns. Yet the senior has also played key roles on special teams and defense.

For example look no further than Friday's 42-15 defeat of Class AAAAAA foe Druid Hills, in which Harris rushed for 205 yards and three touchdowns, along with picking off a pass and returning it for a score, bringing his season touchdown total to 17.

For his efforts, Harris has been named the Gainesville Jaycees Player of the Week.

Access North Georgia.com sports editor Morgan Lee caught up with Harris to talk about last week's game, Johnson's resurgence and the future of Knights football. To watch the presentation, simply scroll down and click "play."

Player of the Week: Cedric Harris of Johnson from WDUN TV on Vimeo.

While Harris, and his fellow Johnson seniors, have just two games remaining in their varsity careers, the Knights still have plenty to play for -- and know they will face a challenge this week when they travel to face former region foe Pickens (4-3) in Jasper.

Yet Harris and his classmates -- who won five games total over the past three seasons -- also know that they are leaving Johnson in a better place, especially after an impressive bounce back in 2012.

Each week this football season the Jaycees will team with Jacobs Media to present a Player of the Week award. At the end of the season, the Jaycees will also present a Player of the Year award, as well as name a recipient of a $2,500 scholarship to the most deserving senior.

2012 Gainesville Jaycees Players of the Week
WEEK 1: Tyler Hubbard, quarterback, Banks County
WEEK 2: Gainesville defense
WEEK 3: Bryant Shirreffs, quarterback, Jefferson
WEEK 4: Quan Clark, running back, Chestatee
WEEK 5: North Hall offensive line
WEEK 6: Deshaun Watson, quarterback, Gainesville
WEEK 7: Daniel McCrary, quarterback, Lumpkin County
WEEK 8: Cedric Harris, running back, Johnson

http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/10/254420