Canaan Handcox is a senior who will be attending West Virginia State University next fall for football. He played football, basketball, and track & field at ETHS. Canaan had many Division I offers like Northwestern, Memphis, Brown, Western Michigan, Arizona State, and Lindenwood, but decided that the DII route would be better.
“I knew if I went that route (DI), I wouldn’t get the playing time I wanted because in my eyes, I’m behind,” comments Handcox.
With injuries and setbacks, Handcox was not sure where the road would lead him. The decision was not easy and brought a lot of stress to him. What got him through was his determination and drive to play the sport that he loves.
“My decision process was very stressful, not playing my junior year and getting injured halfway through Sophomore year, I felt like my life was over and there was no way I could make it to where I am now, but I kept my head high and attacked the field even harder,” said Handcox.
When looking back on his journey and experience, he sees all of the people and coaches who helped get him to where he is today. From getting introduced to football by his friend Michael Pryor to having a great relationship with the Varsity coach, Coach Osei.
“Coach Osei really made it feel like a safe space as well for me personally, and he talked to us a lot, whether it was one-on-one or as a team, to see where our heads were at, and I just want to thank him. He made me understand the game more than I thought. I see the field differently,” said Handcox.
During Handcox’s last season, he also played with great, selfless teammates who played as a team, not for themselves. As his last season being a Kit, he will always remember his teammates and the connections they made last fall.
“My teammates Ian Sims, Towan Jackson, Micheal Pryor, Justin Johnson, Deshaun Williams, and Brian Mayday all really made me feel apart and feel like we’re going out there to play for each other, not just the scoreboard.”
Although Handcox feels he started his football career late, he is grateful for his journey and excited about the road ahead.
“I chose this school because I want to learn the collegiate process more and how they work out differently and train, so I feel like my choosing this school wasn’t a setback, but it was a good step up for the long journey ahead. It’s not about where you start, but it’s about where you finish,” finalized Handcox.
