Senior Stories: Football's John Paris

John Paris is one of the Crimson's starting offensive linemen. An economics major, Paris is well known among athletes for his nickname. One of the top linemen to be recruited to the league, he was instantly tabbed as "Bubba" by the Crimson coaching staff. Not feeling like he was ready for a nickname as an unproven rookie, Carl Ehrlich ran a campaign to change his nickname to "Bubbles." 

"John has been an integral part of our offensive line since he was a sophomore, but as a senior he has stepped it up to another level," states Tim Murphy, the Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football. "His intelligence and adaptability gives us great flexibility on the offensive line."

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Q: How has Harvard football prepared you for life?
A: Playing football for Harvard is one of the single most positive experiences in my life. I take pride in the fact that, in addition to a full academic load, everyone on our team has a full-time commitment to football. I feel that after playing football at Harvard, I can do anything in the future.

Q: What are the best parts of being a student-athlete here?
A: The fact that there are so many athletes here at Harvard is pretty neat. Being an athlete here has had a tremendous influence in the classroom. I have learned to manage and organize my time. Between football and academics, I am more conscious of all my free time.  

Q: What are the best parts of just being a student here?
A: Being able to go to a school and getting to know some of the most intelligent and brilliant people and professors in the world is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have learned so much during my time here at Harvard. The students are all down to earth nice people who are passionate about all aspects of their education.

Q: Why did you choose Harvard?
A: I came to Harvard not only for academics, but also to have a chance to be part of a winning team year in and year out. It just seemed like a really great fit for me.

Q: If you could be anyone for a day, who would it be and why?
A: I'm pretty sure everyone on the team knows who I'd want to be. I would be Rex Burkhead, the younger brother of Ryan. I have always been impressed by how freakishly good a football player and athlete he is.

Q: What is your best moment on the football field?
A: Beating Yale and winning the Ivy League championship in 2007. Going down to New Haven to play for the championship is something that I will never forget. Everyone wanted to win so badly and it showed when we won 37-6.

Q: What is the best dining in Harvard Square?
A: There are a lot of good places in the square, but nothing beats a slice of pizza at Pinocchio's. Always hits the spot.

Q: Its Two Hours before Kickoff. What's on your iPod?
A: I normally listen to some rock and rap before the game. Closer to kickoff I might put on a little country to relax and get ready to go.

Q; Which of your teammates is most likely to...
...play in the NFL?
A: James "Big Cat" Williams
...become a college football coach?
A: Sean Hayes
....be elected President?
A: Carl Ehrlich
....join the circus?
A: Cheng Ho

Q: Do you attend Harvard sporting events other than football games? If so, which teams do you support the most? 
A: I go to many sporting events here. I support men's basketball the most because I have roommates who are on the team.

Q: What are you most and least favorite road trips?
A: I enjoy all the road trips. Being able to get away from school for a few days is nice.

Q: What has been your favorite class at Harvard?
A: Economics 1017. It's a class on Libertarianism. It got me to look at different economic issues through a different perspective.

Q: Favorite Professor?
A: Anthony Braga. He taught Sociology 179: Crime, Justice, and the American Legal System. The class was very enjoyable.

Q: What's the best part about a home football day?
A: Being able to have my pregame routine and running through the tunnel onto the field.

Q: Give Us Your Top 5 Movies of all time.
1. The Dark Knight
2. The Departed
3. Gladiator
4. The Bourne Ultimatum
5. Pulp Fiction

Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I don't think it's a hidden talent, but I've been told that I am a good video gamer, especially at Halo and Call of Duty.

Q: What is the best part about living in Leverett House?
A: There are so many great people who live in Leverett. I feel very fortunate to be part of a house that takes a lot of pride in what it does.

Q: You work a lot of baseball games in the spring at Harvard. What is that like in the New England spring for a Texas boy?
A: The big difference is the weather. You say it is New England spring, but it still feels like winter. However, it is nice to watch some baseball games up here.

Q: Who is the toughest player to line up with in practice?
A: I believe that we have the best defense in the Ivy League. Going up against anyone on our defense is a challenge. It makes not only me better, but also our entire team better.

Q: Is it really ‘don't mess with Texas?' Come on, do they really say that?
A: Haha. Yes, we really say it. Nobody wants to mess with Texas. We take pride in everything that has to do with Texas.

Q: What are your future plans?
A: I eventually want to go to law school after graduation. I also want to get involved with some entrepreneurial stuff. I feel that I have some good ideas that could take off.