RALEIGH, NC — If you Google his name you will find stories and videos that showcase his talent. If you walk behind him in the hallways of Garner High School in Garner, North Carolina, you will notice his popularity with the other students.
Nyheim Hines is a starting running back on the Garner High School football team. In addition to his ever growing list of accomplishments, he has been selected to play in the United States Marine Corps’ Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
Sgt. Thomas Smith, a recruiter with Recruiting Station Raleigh, presented Hines with a jersey to commemorate his selection during a ceremony before a home football game against Southeast Raleigh High School Oct. 30, 2014.
“It is a great honor to see him selected,” said Thurman Leach, the head football coach for Garner High School. “It is an honor for him, for the community and for his team. You could not ask for a finer young man to be selected.”
Hines is a Garner native who has been playing football since he was six years old. He started off playing defense, but his father pushed him to become a running back, which he has excelled at. Last season, Hines ran the ball for more than 3000 yards and 49 touchdowns. Through nine games this season, he has run for over 1700 yards and 23 touchdowns.
“I give all my success to my family,” said Hines. “I am successful because I have a great family who supports me.”
Alongside playing football, he is an exceptional track athlete who placed fifth in the 100-meter dash at the New Balance Nationals Outdoor track competition. He is also heavily involved in his community. He has volunteered at the local Special Olympics and has worked with the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, a service that strives to end hunger.
“I volunteer because it gives me a great feeling,” said Hines. “I have my problems, but they’re so small compared to the problems of other people.”
Leach, who has coached with Garner High School for 25 years, has worked with Hines since he was a freshman and has seen him grow into a phenomenal athlete and leader. He describes Hines’ leadership style as leading by example, through his play and work off the field.
“He is a good person first of all,” said Leach. “As he has matured and has evolved into a complete student athlete, his leadership qualities have evolved and those are spreading to the younger players.”
Hines holds a 3.8 GPA, making him an honor-roll student and he was recently inducted into Beta Club, an organization that stresses high academic standards and community involvement.
All of these qualities have made him a top prospect for college recruitment. Though Hines hasn’t chosen his college yet, he says he has more than 30 offers. It’s also the reason he was chosen to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.
The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be aired on Fox Sports 1 and will be played in the Stub-Hub Center in Carson, California, Jan. 4, 2015, 6:00 p.m. PST.