NATCHEZ — Joseph Harris’ football helmet is painted with scratches and scuffs from his many collisions last season. But for the Trinity Episcopal Day School junior, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Harris, the anchor of Trinity’s offensive and defensive lines is one of the most ambitious players on the team according to head coach Zach Rogel.

“Joseph is one of my day -one guys,” Rogel said. “He’s been with me from the start and that means a lot to me, especially during those low number days. With him it is always 100 percent effort, no matter what the drill is or even cleaning the locker room. He challenges himself in all aspects of life. It is pretty admirable.”

What sets Harris apart most, though, is his willingness to take on a leadership role.

“When he speaks, it isn’t always the easiest thing to say,” Rogel said. “He says what needs to be said. If somebody needs to pick it up, he lets them know. If somebody earns praise, he praises them.”

Harris said what drove him to be a vocal leader was wanting dedication from his teammates.

“I really just don’t like laziness, that just sets me off and I’m not afraid to call somebody out on that,” Harris said. “If you are going to come out and do something, you might as well do it to the best of your ability and go 100 percent.”

On the field, Rogel said Harris is his go-to guy for communicating with linemen.

“He is the middle man between the coaching staff and players,” Rogel said. “He is definitely the guy I go to if I need to communicate with the line of scrimmage.”

Harris will play offensive guard and defensive end for the Saints this season. It will be the first time Harris has played defensive line.

“There is definitely a learning curve,” Harris said. “At middle linebacker, you have some space. It is definitely different, but I love defensive line.”

Rogel said the move suits Harris perfectly.

“Defensively, he’s a plugger,” Rogel said. “I don’t think he’ll have a problem with it. He is a physical kid that seeks contact.”

Offensively, Harris said he takes pride in protecting his quarterback.

“Some quarterbacks are pansies, but Kevontaye (Caston) is not. Kevontaye will take a hit. He’ll run and isn’t scared to run, and I feel like I shouldn’t be scared of anything that wants to get to him. I love him and he loves me, why would I not protect him?”

Rogel said Harris’ experience will be key for the line as a whole this season.

“He is definitely the most experienced and the most vocal,” Rogel said. “He has the most knowledge of the system. I think it’ll be a step up from last year. Our line, if they stay healthy, can be a dominant force.”

For Harris personally, he just wants to get better.

“You always try to do better than you did the previous year,” he said. “Anything other than that would just be pointless. I’m trying to be a little meaner than last year. Football is all about aggressiveness, and if you aren’t aggressive, you lose.”

Harris said he believes his team has what it takes to get over the hump and potentially make a run for a state championship, but it is going to take everyone.

“Trinity Saint football is a great program and I’d love to add to the legacy,” Harris said. “Winning is completely up to us. If we show up to play, we’ll be competitive. If we don’t, we won’t.”