Prep football: Capital athlete Cam Harris ready for next chapter at Baylor

He will now focus on being a full-time student at Baylor University, where he plans to major in computer engineering and also take nursing courses.

"My mom instilled into me that student comes before athlete," Harris said. "We always focused on school and studies before I could play sports. When I used to get in trouble at school, my punishment wouldn't be getting grounded. It would be that I have to sit down and watch practice the whole time.

"It became more of a pride thing, where I didn't want to let my teammates down."

Harris will be going more than 1,000 miles away from home to attend school in Waco, Texas. He's making that sacrifice to do what he believes is best for him and his family.

"It's, honestly, a little nerve-wracking leaving home, because I always knew this moment was going to come," Harris said. "It hits a little different because I leave in July. Leaving my family is nerve-wracking, but they're always going to be by my side when I need them."

Harris mentioned how significant an influence his mother, Nicole Taylor, has been on his life.

American preacher Edwin Chapin said: "No language can express the power of a mother's love."

All of those early life lessons that his mom embedded into him has allowed Harris to continue being the man he wants to be.

"She's been a huge influence in both aspects of a student and an athlete," Harris said. "She's always told me to take everything with a grain of salt and always be open-minded. She's taught me a lot. She's also believed in me and what I could do with my dreams.

"She's tried to support me in every which way in that aspect."

Harris' time was well-spent on the football gridiron and basketball hardwood with the Cougars.

He capped his senior football season with 123 tackles, 86 solo tackles, 30 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two interceptions.

Harris was listed as a member of the 2025 All-Kanawha Valley defense as a utility player.

"My time at Capital meant a lot because we honestly tried to build up the Capital High School motive, because it was falling off," Harris said. "We didn't win as much as we're expected to. But you could see the culture change and shift. We stayed loyal and didn't transfer.

"When I say 'we,' I'm talking about me and my friends. It's been a blessing. These four years have been super-fun to me."

He credits playing multiple sports for learning more about himself as an athlete and competitor.

"You honestly have to believe in yourself," Harris said. "You have to continue to believe in yourself and believe in what your coaches are trying to bring to the table. I've also learned that sometimes you may not agree with certain things, but you have to bite your tongue and see the results."

Cougars football coach and Capital alumnus Turan Rush spoke volumes of the impact Harris had with the Cougars.

"Cam Harris is a coach's dream come true," Rush said. "Cam is a true community kid who grew up on the West Side of ÂÒÂ×ÄÚÉä with a family that always stood behind him. The first time I met him, I saw leadership in the way he carried himself. Even at a young age, he cared deeply about his community.

"That's not something you see every day. He already understood what it meant to be a servant.

"What I'll remember most is his willingness to sacrifice for the good of the team and the unwavering loyalty that ran through his bones," Rush continued. "Those are qualities that can't be taught."

Baylor will not take the football field against West Virginia in the regular season this fall. However, if the two were to match up, Harris said he'd have a rooting interest in both. He isn't forgetting his roots in the Mountain State.

"There'll be a lot of pride. I'm big on being myself in all situations," Harris said. "My main goal is to not lose myself, which is what my mom and coaches have taught me. I'll always know who I am and not change for anybody.

"I'm always gonna carry a bit of West Virginia pride in me. I'm gonna carry myself well down in Texas."