Chris Bispham: The Next Big Name from Havelock’s Pipeline of College Stars

Chris Bispham: The Next Big Name from Havelock’s Pipeline of College Stars

HAVELOCK, N.C. – In the heart of Eastern North Carolina, where football talent runs deep, Havelock High School’s Chris Bispham is making a name for himself as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the state. At 6-foot-2, 270 pounds, Bispham just wrapped up his junior season, and his numbers speak for themselves—106 tackles, 39 tackles for loss (second in the state for juniors), 14 sacks (tied for seventh in his class), and 26 quarterback hurries. These aren’t just good stats; they’re elite.

Despite these eye-popping numbers, Bispham remains his toughest critic.

“I think I did good, but I definitely could’ve done better,” Bispham said. “I missed a lot of sacks and tackles. In a lot of games, I don’t think I did my job very well. I definitely could’ve played better this year. I think I played better last year.”

For reference, his sophomore year wasn’t far off statistically—106 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks. Few players in North Carolina, regardless of classification, have put together back-to-back seasons like that.

From California to Carolina

Bispham isn’t originally from the Havelock area. Born in California, he moved to North Carolina at a young age when his father, a former Marine, was stationed at Havelock. That move set the foundation for his football career, one that is now gaining traction on the recruiting trail.

Bispham has already landed offers from Mercer, East Carolina, Liberty, Charlotte, James Madison, and Old Dominion, with hopes of seeing his recruitment pick up even more.

“I thought I was going to get a lot more interest this year,” Bispham admitted. “I thought I had a good season, and I’m a junior now, so I expected more looks. It’s been kind of slow. I’ve only gotten one offer this offseason so far. I’m hoping when spring comes, it starts picking up.”

Recruiting Interest: Who's Involved?

While Bispham’s recruitment has been slower than expected, several programs have been active in keeping up with him. East Carolina has been one of the most involved, with the staff making it a priority to build a relationship.

“I went out to dinner with the ECU coach last month,” Bispham said. “We talked about the school and what his plans are for me.”

James Madison and Old Dominion have also been persistent in their interest, maintaining regular communication with him. Mercer has taken an aggressive approach, inviting him to visit their campus and attend a practice on March 15.

Despite the attention, Bispham believes he has more to prove. “I thought I would get more interest already, but I know I just have to keep working. Hopefully, things start to pick up in the spring.”

A Relentless Disruptor

Havelock head coach Brent Wooten sees greatness in his star defensive tackle.

“I think about Aaron Donald when I see him,” Wooten said when asked which NFL player Bispham’s game resembles. “A little shorter than people want for a defensive lineman, but a high motor and just unblockable. He also has the strongest hands of any defensive lineman I have ever coached.”

His dominance goes beyond raw numbers. Opponents scheme around him, double- and triple-teaming him in an attempt to slow him down. It rarely works.

“I think I can beat anyone one-on-one,” Bispham said. “I’m the type of guy they have to double-team, and they did that all year.”

When asked what makes him such a disruptive force, he didn’t hesitate.

“My get-off and my power,” he said. “That’s my strength.”

Bispham is also a wrestler, compiling a solid 14-4 record despite not competing as much as other athletes. That extra training translates well to the football field, sharpening his hand techniques and leverage.

Work Ethic Sets Him Apart

Bispham’s dedication doesn’t stop when the lights go out on Friday nights. He’s constantly working on his craft, splitting his time between two elite trainers—one in Jacksonville for speed and vertical work, and another in Raleigh to fine-tune his technique, stance, and hand placement.

“I don’t think a lot of people know how much work I put in,” Bispham said. “My coaches know, but a lot of other players don’t see it.”

Wooten can vouch for that.

“Chris is a silent leader. He leads by example,” Wooten said. “He has a chance to break the weight room records for bench, squat, and power clean because he challenges himself daily. His teammates see the time and effort he puts into his craft. He will not be outworked.”

Bispham’s weight room numbers back that up. His last squat max was 460 pounds, though he knows he’s capable of more now. His power clean max is 320, and his bench press recently hit 390 pounds. He’s also an explosive athlete for his size, running a 4.75-second laser-timed 40-yard dash.

Carrying On the Havelock Legacy

Bispham isn’t just chasing his own success—he’s looking to follow in the footsteps of Havelock greats who came before him. The program has produced an impressive list of Division I and NFL talent, including Kendal Vickers, Pharoh Cooper, Bruce Carter, and Corey Robinson. Bispham wants to be the next name added to that elite list.

“Going into my freshman year and learning about all those guys, it motivated me,” he said. “I want to be one of those guys and be remembered at this school.”

The Drive to Prove Himself

Despite the accolades, the rankings haven’t followed. He’s yet to be ranked by 247Sports, a fact that only fuels his fire.

“That definitely motivates me,” he said. “I think I’m a lot better than a lot of those guys that are ranked. I think I’m the best defensive lineman in North Carolina, but my height affects that a lot. But all those other guys got those big offers. I don’t really care about all that.”

While some players might feel entitled to higher rankings and bigger offers, Bispham just keeps grinding. His work ethic, raw talent, and production suggest his recruitment will take off in due time. And when it does, college programs will be getting a relentless, powerful, and battle-tested defensive lineman who refuses to be blocked.

“Chris Bispham will not be outworked,” Wooten said.

The numbers, the effort, and the impact prove it.