Hightower safety Cornelius “Champ” Anthony II is making his presence felt through a combination of speed, preparation, and playmaking ability.
The 5-foot-11, 175-pound defender leads the Hurricanes with more than 92 tackles and four interceptions through Week 10, establishing himself as a key contributor to the defense.
Although he is the head coach’s son, Anthony is developing his own identity through the work he puts into improving his game. His offseason training improved his 40-yard dash time from 5.0 to 4.5 seconds, and his commitment to film study helps him prepare to make plays before game day.
“The biggest differences between last season and this season are that I’m faster, more explosive, and making more turnovers,” said Champ. “I’ve improved physically and become more impactful on the field. I’ve stayed committed to improving my game, putting in the work, and holding myself to a high standard.”
A few clips from Week 7 against Clements Highschool ! 16 tackles (10 solo) 3 TFL’s @coachanthony46 @CoachStoker_ @MrCoachPalmer @quentin_spiess @HightowerFB @jrprude27 https://t.co/vJqkUPWDPk
— Cornelius Anthony II (@Champanthony46) October 11, 2026
Champ’s discipline and work ethic have helped him contribute to Hightower’s success in 6A Region III, District 21. His improvement reflects the offseason work he put in, training with coach Tim Boutte to improve his speed, flexibility, and technique. That training helped Champ become a more effective defender, both when covering receivers and when pursuing ball carriers in open space.
“I did a lot of speed training, plyometrics, and stretching,” said Champ. “Stretching was especially important because, although I had fast-twitch muscles and wasn’t slow, tight muscles and hips were keeping me from reaching my full potential. Improving my flexibility helped me open up my stride and run more efficiently.”
Champ lowered his 40-yard dash time from 5.0 to 4.5 seconds, giving him greater confidence in coverage and the ability to close on ball carriers more quickly.
“Improving my speed allows me to get into position to make plays across greater distances, especially in zone coverage,” said Champ. “I have more confidence running with receivers, which allows me to play more aggressively and physically when I play man coverage.”
Boutte said Anthony already had the football intelligence to play safety, but his improved speed allowed him to react faster and make more impactful plays.
“Champ was already a high-IQ player at the safety position,” said Boutte. “Dropping his 40 time just increased his reaction time to the point where he was able to make more plays this year, rather than making a tackle after a 3-yard gain. Now he’s making that tackle for a 3-yard loss because he’s seeing and reacting a lot faster.”
Champ’s ability to read offensive formations and spot tendencies helps him anticipate plays and react quickly. In coverage, his preparation helps him identify potential targets and position himself to contest passes or make interceptions. Against the run, he must protect the perimeter while staying ready to pursue ball carriers inside.
“Improving my speed allows me to get into position to make plays across greater distances, especially in zone coverage,” said Champ Anthony.
By combining his football IQ with improved speed, Champ can respond more quickly to what he sees on the field, helping disrupt opposing offenses and limit their opportunities for big plays.
Hightower defensive coordinator Quentin Spiess has seen Anthony’s improved speed and agility translate into stronger defensive production.
“His top-end speed is allowing him to make more tackles, cause more turnovers, and be a more dominant presence on the field as he’s able to now get in the mix more often,” said Spiess. “All of his training has also increased his agility, which is essential for defensive backs. Getting in and out of his breaks quickly and fluidly minimizes the space between him and the receiver, which shows up in key passing down situations.”
Champ’s ability to read offensive formations and recognize route concepts also helps him anticipate opposing offenses’ actions. His preparation allows him to position himself to disrupt passing plays and make it harder for quarterbacks to find open receivers.
“Where Champ is most valuable to this team is his character,” said Spiess. “He is a team captain and makes our locker room culture better because he’s in there. As the son of a head coach, he’s been around the game his entire life. He understands the game at a different level than everyone else because he’s been part of it for so much longer.”
While athletic ability and production are important, Champ credits film study as a major factor in his success.
“When I watch film, I specifically look for offensive tendencies and how teams use different personnel and formations,” said Champ. “I pay attention to what they like to run in certain situations so I can recognize their tendencies before the snap and put myself in the best position to make a play.”
Champ views film study as preparation for the challenges he will face on game day. By recognizing formations and tendencies before the snap, he can anticipate what an offense might do rather than simply reacting after the play starts.
“Champ watches an unreal amount of film,” said Spiess. “This allows him to learn and understand the other team’s tendencies. For him, games are basically open-note quizzes because he’s watched so much film that he understands what play is being run before the ball is even snapped.”
Champ’s preparation and discipline also reflect the standards he faces while playing for his father, Cornelius Anthony, Hightower’s head football coach. The experience brings added responsibility to balance their relationship at home with the expectations of playing for the Hurricanes.
“Playing for my father has its ups and downs, but there are definitely more positives,” said Champ. “I have someone who constantly holds me accountable and expects me to perform at a high level in every rep and every practice. Having him coach me and help me develop has been a blessing. I know I have to earn my role, and by making plays, working hard, and doing what he asks of me, I know I am doing that.”
For Cornelius Anthony, coaching his son has been both a challenge and an opportunity to help his son grow as a player and a person.
“Balancing being Champ’s father and his coach has probably been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life,” said Anthony. “My job is to push and challenge him and help him become the best version of himself, both on and off the field. I believe God blesses the work we are willing to put in, and I’m grateful to see Champ’s hard work paying off.”
Anthony believes the lasting value of their time together extends beyond wins, statistics, and individual accomplishments.
“Ultimately, I know the wins, statistics, and accomplishments will fade, but the memories of these four years together will last a lifetime,” said Anthony. “I’m thankful to God for having had a front-row seat to watch Champ grow, develop, and begin to establish his own legacy, while we’ve shared this journey together. That is a blessing I will never take for granted.”
For Champ, the legacy he hopes to leave extends beyond his accomplishments on the field.
“I want people to remember that I love God, put Him first in everything I do, and live according to my faith,” said Champ. “I also want people to remember my work ethic and understand that I wasn’t always the player I am today. I worked hard to get here, and I want my journey to show others what faith, discipline, and dedication can accomplish.”
