East Lincoln’s Star QB Surratt Molded by Chess

DENVER, NC (WCCB Charlotte) — East Lincoln senior Chazz Surratt is the king of the prep football record book.

Surratt finished with the most total yards from scrimmage (16,593) and most total touchdowns (229) than any prep football player in North Carolina history.

Chazz admits the game ‘came easy to him’ his junior year, and thus, more awards and accolades have been piling up for the North Carolina Tar Heel signee.

Surratt’s latest honor might be the most prestigious–he was named Parade Magazine’s National Player of the Year.

“It’s great to look back and reflect on all that has happened here in four years,” Surratt said. “All the great teammates and memories. The (Parade Magazine) award is a culmination of everything that has happened so far.”

East Lincoln coach Mike Byus knew he had a special player when he first set eyes on Surratt during Chazz’s freshman season.

“Immediately before our other coaches met Chazz, I had told them, we have a phenom,” Byus recalled.

Chazz has all the athletic attributes to be a great player–but Surratt says his understanding of the game and his competitive nature are two skills that gives him a further edge over opponents.

And Chazz’s mom says that started at the age of four on a chess board.

“I think it was one of the best decisions his dad ever made was teaching he and Sage (his brother) how to play (chess),” Brandi Surratt said. “He can look at defenses and know what they are going to do before they are going to do it.”

Chazz played on his elementary chess school team. Surratt has vivid memories of going to school early to practice with the team. His gaming paid off in helping lead the team to the national tournament.

“You have to be able to think fast as a quarterback and even in chess. I guess that did help with quarterbacking,” Chazz Surratt said.

Chazz’s next move is to quarterback the Tar Heels. He signed a letter of intent to play for Larry Fedora’s team earlier this month. Surratt says he will likely red-shirt, but when the 6’3” quarterback does eventually find the field–he has his goals in check.

“I would like to win a national championship, the Heisman (trophy) and be a first round draft pick,” Surratt said. “And ultimately be a NFL quarterback one day.”