Wednesday, February 7, 2007
By Kevin Hageland, Staff Writer / Plano Star

PLANO - As difficult as it was for defenders to cover Plano senior Greg Harrell this past fall, it is even more of a challenge to find anyone that has anything even remotely negative to say about Harrell.

From parents to teammates to relatives and even his competition, Harrell seems to be genuinely liked by all.

“He's just a normal kid with a work ethic to die for,” said Gwen Baumann, Harrell’s mom. “In fact, Greg’s motto is, ‘Never be outworked.’ That applies to him in football, basketball, track and school.”

A perfect example of that came after Harrell was removed as starting quarterback after suffering a separated shoulder. When Harrell returned from the injury, he moved to wide receiver and quickly became the Wildcats’ top pass catcher. It is that type of hard work and likability that has earned Harrell a scholarship to Navy. Each year, 50,000 students apply, but only 1,200 are accepted.

Harrell said he got the call to confirm his offer while eating at Pancho’s with teammate Mbato Nkwocha.

“I think I got spoiled when I made my visit there last month, because it was 70 degrees outside in January,” Harrell said. “That campus is so beautiful and it is close to both Baltimore and Washington D.C.”

Harrell added that he was excited at the prospect of getting to do something not many other people had the opportunity to do. Although Harrell has already done something like that, as evidenced by his state championship basketball ring.

After graduating, Harrell said he can serve his five-year commitment doing anything from fighting in Iraq to coaching football.

Whatever Harrell chooses, he’s sure to make more friends along the way.

“By the time Greg is a junior, he will be competing for the Heisman Trophy,” said Mbato Nkwocha, Harrell’s teammate. “He has a very competitive drive that could make him dominant.”