Charles Headen III
Wide Receiver / Shippensburg
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Charles Headen III: I am 5’8, 185 pounds and 4.41 unofficially.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Charles Headen III: I was training at Doc’s Sports fitness gym three times a week. I was also training at another facility with my coach. I was working on my forty and going to the field. I was working out with my teammate Winston Eubanks. He is my best friend. We went to the same high school. We ran track and played football. We have been at Shippensburg together.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Charles Headen III: At one-point, track was my primary sport. I thought about going to college for track. I was a school record holder at 60m, 100m and had a few relay records. I ran a 4x200m relay at indoor nationals. We placed 16th in the whole country. I also ran a 10.75 for 100m, which was the fastest time in the state. In the 60m indoor, I ran a 6.88. It was the eighth or the ninth fastest time in the nation during my senior year.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Charles Headen III: I was a receiver and a DB.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Charles Headen III: I went to a private high school in Philadelphia. It was called LaSalle. I started on varsity my sophomore year. I went to different camps and ran some fast times. Junior year, I dislocated my shoulder in practice before the second game of the season. I returned for the playoffs. I ended up playing four games during my junior year. I didn’t have any offers going into my senior year. There was some FCS level interest. We won a championship my senior year. I had a big game in the Championship. I went to some camps. Some teams wanted me to come as a preferred walk-on. Shippensburg recruited me during the playoffs. Outdoor track championships were held at Shippensburg. I knew about the school. I could see myself going there.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Shippensburg?
Charles Headen III: It was my first offer. I had a few other PSAC schools. I committed to Shippensburg two days after they offered me.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career so far?
Charles Headen III: I had a solid career, I started 9 out of 11 games my redshirt freshman year. I scored three TD’s. Sophomore year, we had a coaching change. I scored six TD’s. It was my best year. Last year, I had five TD’s. Overall, I had 80 receptions for 909 receiving yards and 14 TD’s. I was a return specialist my freshman and sophomore year.
Alex Khvatov: What was your reaction to the fall football season being canceled?
Charles Headen III: In the beginning of the pandemic in March, I didn’t think the season would get canceled. In May, I prepared myself that the senior season might get canceled. I wanted to finish my academic and athletic career at Shippensburg. I started to hear big rumors and prepared myself for the worst. All of the conferences around us were canceling their seasons. I knew what was coming.
Alex Khvatov: You are currently in the transfer portal. What are your future plans?
Charles Headen III: Keep putting out content and get my name out there. I am looking at FBS and FCS schools. I want to get my master’s degree in sports management. I need to graduate first before I can transfer. I plan to enroll at the new school in the spring and play next fall.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Charles Headen III: I am very strong for my size. My speed and athleticism. I have lined up outside and play slot the last two years.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Charles Headen III: For me, I need to get better at everything. Route running and catching the ball in traffic. I need to work on my strengths as well. I need to keep getting faster.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Charles Headen III: The team highlight is when we beat Slippery Rock. We also beat IUP my redshirt sophomore year. They were hoping to get into the playoffs, and we beat them pretty badly. Last year, I scored two TD’s against Shepherd. They were a good team. Against LIU Post during my redshirt sophomore, I took the jet sweep to the house.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Charles Headen III: Being a leader, the younger guys on the team look up to you. You have to take pride in it. You have to be on your game all the time. The younger guys are learning from you. You always have to do the right thing. Be a leader, be passionate and work hard. Nothing is ever given to you.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Charles Headen III: I am from Philly, but my favorite team is the Green Bay Packers. I love the green color. I was a Favre fan.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Charles Headen III: Davante Adams from the Packers. He creates separation with his route running. Tyreek Hill is a track guy who does his thing as well.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Charles Headen III: QB Brycen Mussina and RB Khalid Dorsey who transferred from Howard. TE Jordan Nash is also a transfer. Slot receiver Sean Judge, TE David Balint, and WR Ty Dargan.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Charles Headen III: From Cal U, safety Lamont McPhatter. He was a transfer from Ball State.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
Charles Headen III: Catch the ball, route running and being disciplined. Creating separation and being a student of the game.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Charles Headen III: For me, I love the grind. I love to workout. Lifting and running routes. I love meetings. I love the game day atmosphere.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Charles Headen III: I have a track background. I am fast and I am an athlete. For my height, I am very strong. I am not just a fast guy. I can make a block as well. It makes me different. My hands are good. I am solid in a lot of the aspects of the game.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Charles Headen III: I like to go bowling and I am learning how to golf. I watch Netflix.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Charles Headen III: My major is in sociology. I have a double minor in exercise science and coaching. After football, I want to do something in sports. Either athletic training or personal training. I also want to do coaching and recruiting.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Charles Headen III: Hardworking, determined, fast, passionate, and courageous.
