The new season brings new challenges, but for Grayson Harris, Simon Kenton’s top target, it is business as usual: make plays, lead the team and chase a championship.
A year ago, the senior wide receiver burst onto the scene in an explosive offense, hauling in 89 passes for 1,389 yards and 13 touchdowns. He became one of the state’s most dangerous playmakers, earning preseason buzz for Mr. Football this fall.
This year, almost everything around him has changed, with a new head coach, a new quarterback, and a retooled supporting cast in the receiving core.
Two-year starting quarterback Brady Lee graduated in the spring, taking with him more than 5,300 passing yards and 42 touchdowns. Harris’ running mate, fellow 1,000-yard receiver Tysin Weaver, transferred to Anderson (Ohio).
The Pioneers are still sorting out their quarterback situation, with sophomore Grant Webb and senior Caleb French competing for the starting job. One new target and versatile playmaker is Jordan Pendleton, a transfer from Bellevue who lined up all over the field for the Tigers last season. He accounted for three passing touchdowns, 16 rushing touchdowns, one receiving score, four fumble recoveries, and three interceptions.
Former head coach Roy Lucas Jr. also stepped aside, making way for Joe Wynn, who arrives after building strong years at Newport and Mason County.
For Harris, that transition has been smooth.
“It has definitely been a change, with a new coaching staff and a new playbook, but I have full confidence in my coach and his ability to help us win games this year and put our team in the best position to win,” Harris said. “He is everything you could ask for as a coach. He is very smart when it comes to football, and I am looking forward to playing for him and running his offensive scheme.”
Wynn’s approach will look different from the breakneck pace of recent years. With several key players, including Harris playing both ways, Simon Kenton will slow the tempo but stay versatile. Harris will see the ball in a variety of spots, moving across formations to keep defenses guessing.
“Grayson is a dude, probably the best receiver in northern Kentucky,” Wynn said. “We are going to move him around so you cannot put him on an island and just know where he is going to line up. We are going to get the ball in his hands and we’re going to lean on him in a lot of ways because he can handle it, and he makes everyone around him better.”
Harris has prepared for that spotlight. His offseason focused on speed, route refinement and handling press coverage, a direct response to the added defensive attention he will face. He will also be on the field more, playing free safety full-time after only spot duty on defense last season.
“I played defense the last couple games of last season, and I am looking forward to it this season,” he said. “I love defense. Everyone in my family is a defensive player, and I love free safety. It is an awesome position.”
His definition of a successful season includes winning the district, reaching the regional final, and making a push toward the state championship. Individually, another 1,000-yard season would be nice, but it is not his main priority.
“I do not care how many yards I get,” Harris said. “I just want to be the best I can for this team.”
That team-first mindset extends beyond game day. Harris has embraced a leadership role, mentoring younger receivers, offering advice during drills and making sure practices stay intense and focused. For him, keeping teammates locked in is essential to achieving the group’s shared goals.
“I try to help the younger receivers. They ask for advice, and I always help them because I want them to be the best version of themselves they can be,” he said. “I try to lead in practice by making sure people work harder and don’t slack off, because we really want to be great this year. We can’t do that if people slack off, so I try to keep us on track for our goal.”
With change all around the program heading into the new season, one constant can be relied on, both behind the scenes and on game day: No. 10 in blue and white.
Liking our football storylines headed into the season? Here’s a list of what we’ve already covered. These storylines will run daily leading into the first week of the season that starts Aug. 22.
Storylines:
— Same faces, different places
— Cooper’s Cam O’Hara on the verge of shattering NKY passing records
— Ryle seeks first 6A title for NKY
— Boone County, Holmes, Scott seek to restore consistency
— Dixie Heights QB Mason Fields holding up higher expectations for Colonels
— Bishop Brossart, Walton-Verona and Holy Cross aim for second season progression
— Football scrimmages schedule
— NewCath hopes to overcome late round playoff wall
— Highlands-CovCath rivalry reignites
— Conner turns to Noel Rash after summer tragedy
— Lloyd, Ludlow and Newport rearranging lineups
— St. Henry approaching first ever varsity game
— Dayton, Bellevue celebrate new fields
— Simon Kenton’s Grayson Harris the most dynamic receiver in NKY?