ISLE OF WIGHT—Isle of Wight Academy senior quarterback Ben Epps wants his friends and family to watch him play college football. That’s why the Surry native signed to play with Christopher Newport University in Newport News.

“I wanted everyone to come see me play,” the 18-year-old said.

His parents, Hugh and Tina Epps, are thrilled.

“They loved it,” Ben Epps said. “I’ve played football, basketball and baseball since I was 5 years old and they haven’t missed a game yet. They were definitely excited.”

IWA Athletic Director and Football Coach Dale Chapman called the Virginia Commonwealth Conference Player of the Year the “heart and soul of the team” and a big reason the Chargers at 7-2 captured the VCC title last year.

“He’s a good kid. He’s very smart and very coachable,” Chapman said. “He’s a small package, but a good impact player. I think CNU is getting a good football player.”

Epps said the coaches at the Division III school will let him choose the position he’d like to play, which is either quarterback or safety.

Epps credited to the IWA coaching staff and Chapman for helping prepare him for college ball.

“I’m definitely going to miss Isle of Wight Academy,” he said. “Coach Chapman has been such a great coach. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I’d be playing college ball.”

Epps plans to study business and sports management in hopes of becoming a high school athletic director and coach.