Wonderful ‘Champ’ Monds IV comes from terrific athletic pedigree

The first Rivals Top 100 rankings for the 2028 class dropped on Monday, and checking in as the nation’s No. 1 quarterback and No. 2 prospect overall was Vero Beach (Fla.) quarterback Champ Monds.

“That’s a blessing,” Monds said. “Man that means a lot.

“I’ve been working since I was six-years old to be the best at whatever position I ended up playing and I started playing quarterback and stuck with that and really trying to take it all in. It’s a blessing and I can’t believe it.”

While Monds can’t believe it, most aren’t surprised. The 6-foot-3, 215-pound talented signal-caller completed nearly 70 percent of his passes as a freshman for 2,234 yards and 23 touchdowns to five interceptions. He added another 502 rushing yards and nine more scores on the ground.

In his scrimmage over the weekend against Norland, Monds threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, showing he’s on track for an even better sophomore campaign.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree

Monds is adding to the family legacy. His grandfather played at Nebraska where he was a first-team All-American defensive back in 1976. His father played in the Atlanta Braves organization. Uncles Wonderful and Mario played college football, with Mario making it to the NFL.

“It’s a lot of pride,” Champ said. “Knowing my grandpa played in the NFL, my uncle played in the NFL and my dad in the MLB, we’ve just always been great competitors. I feel like growing up I had to be a great competitor and now that’s what I’m going to keep doing.

“The main thing every single one of them told me is to stay humble. That’s the main thing. When you start getting too big-headed you can drop. You just have to keep working.”

Monds’ father did his part to instill that work-ethic in his son at a very young age.

“When he was eight-years old (the same age he nicknamed his boy Champ), I sat him down and said, ‘Hey man listen.’ Just had a man-to-man talk. If you’re going to play this game, you need to help your team not just as an athlete but as a team as a whole. I was like you have to have things and characteristics to help an entire team and you have to dedicate yourself to learn a whole lot more to help your teammates.

“He took it serious. He studied the game and learned more. At eight I could tell he was taking serious steps. He would remember plays, multiple plays, he could change players and every week I’d give him 30 plays and he could remember all of them. He’s smart and able to articulate the game.”

Monds has been making the game look easy ever since.

Recruiting process rolling

College coaches started to take notice Monds even before he played a varsity snap. Florida, Florida State, Miami and UCF all extended a scholarship in June 2024.

Now heading into sophomore year, Auburn, Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, South Carolina and Texas A&M have also gotten involved. Monds is taking it all in but there are schools catching his eye.

“Just to name a few, Ohio State, Florida, Tennessee, LSU,” he said. “The list goes on but those are schools they’re doing a really good job. I got to visit those schools over the summer and in the spring. It’s been great visiting those places.”

Monds highlights what he likes about a few programs

Monds already has things he’s looking for in a college.

Regarding the Buckeyes: “The coaching staff they’re all great. Down to earth. Humble. They definitely produced and made a lot of quarterbacks better that came out of Ohio State. That’s one of the things I like about them.”

Regarding the Gators: “They’re doing a great job with DJ Lagway right now. Great coaching staff development wise.”

Regarding the Vols: “They’re definitely a really good school. I like everything about them. One of the main things I noticed when I was there, everybody on the coaching staff was very nice. Welcoming and humble and it was really nice to communicate with them.”

Regarding the Tigers: “They’ve always been a great school. Won a national championship not too long ago. Produced great quarterbacks. Sent them to the league. Had a couple Heisman winners and that’s all the things that catch my eye about LSU.”

This process is nothing new to the Monds men.

“It’s going to fall around who can develop him into a better player,” Monds father said. “Who’s going to help him be ready and prepare for the next level. That’s going to matter a whole lot. Try and make sure someone can groom him and take him to the next level. What team, what comfort zone makes us feel at home as a family. Who’s family-oriented and going to treat him the right way and take him under his wing and teach him the things he needs to know to make it to the next level.”