Greene Central’s Michael Suggs Jr. Signs with Johnson C. Smith University
SNOW HILL – Michael Suggs Jr. found a way.
When one door began to close, another opened—and Suggs didn’t just walk through it. He ran full speed, with purpose, heart, and an unshakable belief in himself. On signing day, the Greene Central standout made it official: he’s headed to Johnson C. Smith University to continue his football career.
“I’m very proud of myself because I had to find a way out,” Suggs said. “Basketball wasn’t really working like it used to. I was still getting better, still grinding, but I switched to football—and I found a path.”
That path was built on more than just talent. It took grueling early mornings, late-night film sessions, relentless training, and a refusal to let adversity win.
“Lifting, running, film work… all of it,” Suggs said. “It just took a lot.”
It also took support. Suggs was quick to thank those who helped shape his journey: “Coach [Jay] Wilson, Trey Scott, Jamiyan Phillips, Coach Vinston Thorpe, and every coach I crossed paths with. They all helped me in some way.”
At Greene Central, Suggs became a cornerstone of a rising program—respected by his teammates and revered by his coaches.
“If you ever get to play in a county jersey,” Suggs said, “just know there’s always gonna be a brotherhood with you.”
He made sure to leave his mark on both sides of the ball:
Offense (Senior Season): 99 carries, 615 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, 6.2 yards per carry
Defense (Senior Season): 70 total tackles (32 solo), 11 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, 8 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Defense (Junior Season): 43 total tackles, 5 interceptions (team leader), 1 fumble recovery returned for a touchdown in 9 games
When it came time to make a college decision, Johnson C. Smith University stood out—because of a familiar voice.
“I went there plenty of times,” Suggs said. “Coach Barry Tripp really wanted me. He stayed in contact consistently. That meant something to me.”
Now, he’s ready to bring his skillset to the next level.
“Fast and physical,” Suggs said when asked what kind of player Johnson C. Smith is getting.
Greene Central head coach Jay Wilson had high praise for the Rams’ team captain.
“There’s a thousand things I could say about this young man,” Wilson said. “He’s worked for it—in the weight room, on the field. He was our leader. No missed practices, no missed moments. Probably played some games hurt that he shouldn’t have been in. No matter what I asked of him, he never let me down. That’s why Mike will always have a home here at Greene Central.”
Running back coach Aaron Harper, who joined the staff this season, called Suggs “the standard student-athlete.”
“As a first-year coach, I was blessed to have a guy like him,” Harper said. “He had a tremendous year. Safety, linebacker, running back—he was everything we needed him to be. For everyone watching: be like Mike.”
Defensive Coordinator Colin Lee, who coached Suggs early in his high school career, echoed those thoughts.
“He was persistent,” Lee said. “Didn’t start much as a sophomore. But he grinded. Got a role as a junior, ended up with five picks and an interception against Wallace in the playoffs. By senior year, he was our captain. He earned every bit of it.”
From overlooked to undeniable, Mike Suggs Jr. has written his own story—one of grit, growth, and greatness. Now, he's ready to write the next chapter in Charlotte.
