Jonah Norris is a redshirt freshman running back on the Newberry College football team. But he's more than just that. Norris has deep roots that trace back to Newberry College, as his great-grandfather, Robert Tarrant, played football for Newberry College in 1938 and 1939.

Tarrant was a standout player and later enlisted in the military to fight in World War II, including on D-Day. Sadly, Norris never got to meet Tarrant, but he's heard countless stories about the man he's following in the footsteps of. And to think, when Norris committed to Newberry, he had no idea about this connection. 

"It's really cool to hear about," Norris says. "Apparently, I have a lot of family buried in the cemetery here. I didn't know a lot of this stuff until after I committed."
 

A Family Affair
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Sometimes, life comes full circle. Norris' great-grandfather played for Newberry, and now, he's doing the same. It's a special connection that makes Norris proud to put on a Newberry jersey every Saturday.

"I just love the community," he says. "I know a lot of the people. I love all the players and the coaches because it is a big family. It's really cool to see."

As Norris has learned more about Tarrant and his time at Newberry, he's amazed by the impact he was able to make on the field, as well as on the battlefield. He fought for his country in one of the most significant military battles in world history, and was bestowed one of the most prestigious honors any American Soldier can receive. 

"When he came back from Normandy, my grandfather served under Patton until he was shot," said Shawn Norris, Jonah's dad. "He was shot and ended up getting a purple heart."

The Norris Family has been able captivate many when speaking of the heroics of their patriarch.  This grabbed the attention of someone who was able to relate, Newberry Football Head Coach, Todd Knight.

"It was touching to hear Jonah speak about his great grandfather's experiences in World War II, especially since my own father was also involved in the war," said Coach Knight. "The idea that they could have been comrades back then and now Jonah and I stand side by side is truly remarkable. When we talk about going to battle on the field, it's all about a family coming together. Jonah is a hard worker, a trait he inherited from his family. His work ethic sets a high standard for the team."

Continuing The Legacy
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Jonah Norris did not have his sights set on Newberry College while at Lexington High School.  However, Coach Knight and his staff were locked in on him. 

"We went on the recruiting trip to Newberry not really knowing what to expect," said Shawn Norris. "The thing that got us to really come on that trip was when the Newberry Coaching Staff all came to our house one night and expressed their interest in him coming there. That opened Jonah's eyes up to people really wanted him to play and we're going to try to feature him. If he did the hard work and earned his spot, he'd get the chance."

As Norris begins his career at Newberry, he's proud to carry on Tarrant's legacy. If he can accomplish even half of what Tarrant did, Norris will have a successful career. According to Coach Knight, Jonah is well on his way to doing so.

"As a football player, Jonah has shown great potential," said Coach Knight. "He was a standout in high school and has continued to impress us with his skills and commitment to the game. We are fortunate to have him on our team, and I have no doubt he will make a significant impact this season."

Through it all, there remains one constant variable that connects both the Norrises and Newberry Football: family.

"Family is important to us, and I've often shared stories of kids following their dads through our program," said Coach Knight. "Coaching both father and son is a unique experience that highlights the family bond we have here. While I may not be old enough to have coached Jonah's great grandfather, having Jonah on the team is a special connection."