Javionne Harris is really not particular where you place him on the football field.
That's because wherever the 6-foot-4, 185-pound Taylor High senior standout lines up, he has proven to be a difference maker.
"My favorite position is quarterback, but I love playing defense and I have the skills to play other positions as well," explained Harris. "I sometimes play running back or receiver as well, but my only non-negotiable spot would be the offensive line."
The multi-talented Harris showed his versatility a year ago by pacing the Titans with 83 carries for 810 yards with nine touchdowns. In addition, he went 34-of-99 for 707 yards with nine scores and caught 14 passes for 189 yards with two touchdowns.
He also proved to be a force in the secondary with 79 tackles and four interceptions as Taylor overcame a sub-par regular season (4-5) to finish 7-6 and claim its first Class 1A sectional crown with a 28-6 upset of Pioneer in the title affair.
Coming off a 2-9 mark in 2022 and a 1-9 finish in 2023, Harris and company have showed everyone they are no longer someone to be ignored or taken lightly.
"We have changed our mindset over the past couple seasons," recalled Harris. "We no longer believe we are underdogs. We understand that if we put in the work and believe, we can be successful."
This has been evident this season as he has completed 64-of-129 for 990 yards with 11 touchdowns, run 120 times for 1,425 yards with 23 scores, and caught three passes for 42 yards with another tally.
Defensively, he has also chipped in 51 tackles, a quarterback sack, five interceptions with two returned for touchdowns, a forced fumble, two pass deflections, and a blocked field goal.
Just for good measure, he also averages 35.8 yards a punt and has returned a kickoff for a score.
"I just try to focus on the next play," explained Harris about competing everywhere on the field. "We condition really well, so the biggest battle is just staying focused on each play."
Getting the chance to work with Harris on a daily basis is what lured Rob Patchett to come to the Kokomo-area program in 2024.
"Javionne is a big reason I took the job at Taylor High School," explained Patchett, who had spent the previous three years at Northwestern. "I saw him on film before I got here and knew he was something special athletically. After I arrived and got to know him, though, I found that he is not only a great athlete, he is a great kid and we have become really close."
Harris has mutual admiration and respect for his boss as well.
"Coach Patchett and I are like a father and son on the field and off," Harris said. "My other coaches are ones I also look to as mentors."
However, his talents are just not limited to the gridiron as he has proven to be a force on the hardwood as well.
After averaging 11.8 points and 9.7 rebounds during the 2023-24 campaign (17-9 record), he improved in both areas last winter with totals of 14.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per contest to help Taylor to a 16-8 finish.
New Taylor boys' basketball coach Fonso White has also been impressed and is excited about what the future holds for his double-double machine.
"Javionne is an exceptional dual sport athlete and an outstanding young man," said White, who spent the previously two years at Floyd Central. "His dedication, motivation, and optimistic outlook serve as a source of inspiration. Excelling in sports, academics, and personal growth, he consistently strives to reach his full potential. It is a joy to witness his progress and development both on and off the field and court."
Finding balance in both sports has made Javionne more committed and stronger.
"Football has taught me mental and physical toughness that I don't think you get in other sports other than wrestling," explained Harris. "I have also learned to focus on the process in football and not to get caught up in thinking about the final results. I think basketball also helps with my footwork and passing. It also keeps me in shape and gives me an opportunity to compete."
His interest and passion for athletics came early on.
"I started playing flag football at about the age of four," recalled Harris. "I owe a lot to my dad, Coach Tim Johnson, Coach Isaac, and Coach Patchett. They helped install my competitiveness, confidence, and love of the game. I also owe a lot to my parents because they made keep my head in school. They also gave me the desire to do something great with the abilities that God has given me."
Despite having experienced and overcome some personal obstacles off the field, Javionne now finds himself on track and pointed in the right direction on all playing fields.
"He has dealt with many things outside of school that most kids never think of having to deal with," Patchett said. "Despite all that, on most days, he shows up with a smile on his face and works hard. The biggest compliment as a football player is that he could be a 'dude' anywhere I have ever coached and that includes Westfield, Indianapolis North Central, Zionsville, and Sheridan. He is a rare athletic talent, but more importantly a great young man."
Hoping to get the opportunity to continue competing in college, Harris knows there is always room for improvement.
"Even though, I am usually a little faster than most guys I play, I can always get stronger and I think I can continually learn the game better," explained Harris. "I can improve by continuing to work hard in the weight room and through watching film. Obviously, I would love to play football at the next level, but I think I will get some opportunities in basketball as well.
"I'm not sure where colleges want me to play because I have played multiple positions in football in high school and usually get labeled as an athlete. Once I get the opportunity and they decide what I am, I need to focus on the skills needed for that position."
When it comes to his current and future endeavors, he appears to very humble and likes the simple things.
"I want to have a successful career and be able to create a stable environment for my own future family," Harris said. "I also want to be in a position to give back to my community and serve in some way.
"Right now, though, I just want to hang out with my family and girlfriend and play video games. Eventually in college, I would like to get involved in athletic training and help other athletes."
Knowing the end of high school football career is on the horizon, Harris is even more determined to go out on a high note.
"I take things very personally, so I try to move on and focus on the next play or objective," explained Harris. "All these guys (teammates) are a part of my family, so I see them as close brothers who I'd fight for every day. That means we need to work hard to reach past our limits and stay on top of school work. Our time left together is short, so we have to remember to always love one another."
The first step in the quest to repeat as sectional champions takes place on October 24 when Taylor (5-3) hosts North White (2-7) in the opening round of the Class 1A Sectional 42 playoffs.
