Meet Kharim Hughley! He is a junior at Gainesville High School and is the Red Elephants starting quarterback. He is 6’1 and 195 lbs and  committed, over the summer, to play football at Clemson University in 2027. Last season, Kharim had 2,542 passing yards with 22 touchdowns and rushed for 3 touchdowns. The Red Elephants take on Westlake, Friday (Aug. 29) at 7:30 at City Park.

We want to thank Kharim for spending time with us recently and telling us more about himself and his love of Hall County.

Question: Please tell us a little bit about you and your family.  

Answer: “I play football, and I spend a lot of time with my little brother, Creed—whether that’s just talking, playing sports, eating, or playing card games. I have a strong relationship with my dad, my stepmom, my mom, and my mom’s boyfriend. All of them. I was born in Gainesville. I used to play four sports: track, baseball, basketball, and football. That’s really about it.”

Q: How long have you been playing football, what do you love about it, and why did you decide to stick with football rather than any of the other sports?

A: “I’ve been playing football since 6U—I guess I’ve just always liked the game itself and the competitiveness of it.”

Q: What do you love about Clemson football that made you decide to choose it?

A: “Just their culture. It’s very God-driven.”

Q: What are some of your favorite songs or go-to music that you like?

A: “I listen to Rod Wave a lot—NBA YoungBoy, and probably Bryson Tiller.”

Q: Who is your position coach, and what do you like about him as a coach?

A: “Coach Nib, I like the way he coaches me—he has high expectations, and he coaches hard. I like that because it’s good for me. He’s always pushing me. We also have a really strong relationship, since he knows me the best out of all the coaches. I talk to him every day and see him all the time.”

Q: Who are some of your teammates that you really look up to or who have impressed you in some way?

A: “Probably Boom (Darryn Williams), Xavier (Griffin), Jamarion (Matthews), Kayden (Fussong), Phil (Williams).”

Q: Who’s one of your favorite teachers you’ve had? What does she teach, and what is it about her that makes her your favorite?

A: “Ms. King. She teaches Algebra. She explains things really well, although sometimes it’s a little hard to understand her because she’s from Romania. And she’s funny.”

Q: What’s something on your bucket list?

A: “Probably buying my first car.”

Q: What’s one of your favorite places you’ve traveled to, or the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen on a trip?

A: “Favorite place? Hmm, probably Florida—or just Gainesville (Fla). I really like the campus a lot.”

Q: What’s your favorite month, your favorite day of the year, and your favorite holiday?

A: “Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. I like eating. My stepmom throws down in the kitchen—I eat there, then I go to my mom’s house and eat there, too. I like dressing, and I also like cranberry sauce or gravy—you just can’t go wrong. Favorite day of the year? December 27th—my birthday. Favorite month? December, because of my birthday.”

Q: What is one thing that you would rate a 10 out of 10?

A: “Strawberry ice cream. Oh, I love it.”

Q: What are three words you would use to describe home?

A: “Comfortable—being comfortable. Open—somewhere that makes you feel free. And love—somewhere you feel cared for and loved.”

Q: What’s one place you would like to travel to one day?

A: “Japan.”