IWA’s MVP Commits To CNU

by Andy Hilton, recruit757

Isle of Wight’s Ben Epps was a mighty mite in the private school ranks in 2011. His achievements last year were bordering on legendary and his efforts led the Chargers to the Division III playoffs. Epps is staying local, going to Christopher Newport University to play what else… Division III football.

Epps had several choices for college, and looked at Division II Northwestern Iowa, Bridgewater, Randolph-Macon and CNU. I didn’t take long for Ben to narrow the field. According to him, Bridgewater was just a little too far away. That ruled out Northwestern Iowa as well. Randolph-Macon made the cut because his brother Ricky went to school there. Ultimately, he fell in love with Christopher Newport and decided to go there.

“I love CNU’s campus and their winning tradition,” said Epps. “I visited CNU a couple of times. I visited Bridgewater and Randolph-Macon as well. Everything on CNU’s campus is brand new. Everyone is friendly. It’s small, which is familiar, like IWA. It’s close to home, so family and friends can come and watch me play.”

“Their football program is amazing. Their new weight room is being built right now. They haven’t had a losing season ever since they started playing eleven seasons ago. There’s always a full crowd in attendance on Saturdays.”

Epps was an efficient passer in 2011, completing 42 out of 66 passes for 667 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also had 45 carries for 346 yards and four touchdowns in his senior season. Additionally, he was a presence on the defensive side of the ball. That flexibility gives the Captains some choices on where to put him.

“(The coaches) told me that my position was really up to me. They want me to go with the group I feel most comfortable with and they’ll ether keep me there or possibly guide me somewhere else,” Epps said. “I plan on playing safety but I’ll definitely be willing to play wide receiver, cornerback, quarterback or special teams if they need me to. I just want to get the chance to be on the field and make plays.”

That sounds like the kind of attitude that any coach would welcome.

- Andy Hilton