Greene Central’s Christian Tavarez Signs to Play at Methodist

SNOW HILL – Greene Central’s Christian Tavarez has defied the odds, proving that size is no obstacle when talent, dedication, and perseverance come into play. The 5’8”, 160-pound receiver signed to continue his football career at Methodist University, capping off a stellar high school career where he totaled 61 receptions, 737 yards, and seven touchdowns, averaging 12.1 yards per catch.

Tavarez, who has been a four-year player for the Rams, reflected on what this moment means to him.

“I am very excited. I never thought I would be playing for a college,” Tavarez said. “All through my four years, everyone told me I was too small or not big enough to play my position. My coach, Wilson, and all the other coaches have been really good to me. I have started since I got here, and I’ve had an amazing time. They’ve led me through a lot.”

Tavarez’s work ethic never wavered, and his commitment to the game set him apart.

“I worked very hard here—every practice. I never missed a practice,” Tavarez said. “I always came and put my work in, and this is where I want to be. I want to thank Trey Scott for helping me through all of this, and most importantly, my parents and everyone who supported me.”

For Christina Tavarez, Christian’s mother, the signing was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

“I am very, very proud. All his hard work and determination paid off,” she said. “He always felt like he was the underdog because he was the smallest one on the field, so I’m glad he got the recognition that he always felt like he didn’t get.”

She recalled how football wasn’t always his first love.

“I have seen him grow tremendously from little league to now. We basically had to make him stay with football because he thought he was a basketball player,” she said with a laugh. “But we saw that football was more of his thing—we just had to help him mold it. Thank God for his little league coaches and his stepdad for making him continue even though he wanted to quit.”

Greene Central head coach Jason Wilson has watched Tavarez grow into the player he is today and couldn’t be prouder.

“Christian has put in four years of work—he’s been here since day one. He doesn’t miss practice, he did it the right way,” Wilson said. “He played football, basketball, and ran track for four years.”

Wilson still remembers the moment he knew Tavarez had the potential to be special.

“I watched him his freshman year when he took a punt up the sideline in our first game against North Lenoir, and I told someone, ‘That kid is going to be something special one day if he does the work.’ And here we are, four years later.”

For Wilson, seeing one of his players earn the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level is something to celebrate.

“Anytime you get a chance to play at the next level, it’s a great thing,” Wilson said. “Every year, there are thousands of young men who put that helmet on, and when the clock strikes zero in November, that’s their last time ever playing football. But Christian went to camps, worked, competed in combines, and put in the effort—and now he’s getting the reward for it.”

With his signing official, Tavarez is ready for the next step in his football journey.

“Methodist is getting a heck of a player,” Wilson added. “I can’t wait to watch him on Saturdays and see him represent the county.”