The State - 

Simple: his old Giants teammate asked him to come.

“I had to see where Harry grew up; I’ve got no other reason to be here,” Taylor said, laughing. “No, if Harry says come, I’ve got no option. I’ve got to be here.”

That same respect drew a field of 25 athletes and coaches, both former and current, for today’s tournament, which begins at 9 a.m. with a celebrity long-drive contest. The event raises funds for The School Foundation, which supports local public education.

Playing spots at $1,500 each sold out, but spectators are welcome. Admission is free for school children, $5 for adults, and includes access to an autograph area.

The celebrity lineup includes former Giants Taylor, Carl Banks, Brad Van Pelt and Mike Friede; ex-Pittsburgh Steelers Donnie Shell and L.C. Greenwood; Willie Jeffries, Carson’s coach at South Carolina State; and a few non-football types such as College of Charleston basketball coach Bobby Cremins, former Seattle Mariners star Dave Henderson and ex-boxer James “Bonecrusher” Smith.

It’s a diverse group with one common link: Carson, who might have been embarrassed had he been on hand to hear their praise. The 2006 Hall of Fame inductee was attending a school function and preparing for Friday night’s pairings party.

“I play in 20-25 charity events a year, and even though it’s only the second year, this is one I definitely look forward to,” said Van Pelt, 56, who played nearly a decade alongside Carson, and flew from Michigan to be here.

“You can talk about (Hall of Fame linebacker Dick) Butkus or some of these young guys (in the NFL), but I’ll take Harry any day of the week.”

Friede, 48, a former receiver now living in Colorado, holds Carson in similar esteem.

“He’s wonderful to everyone. He exudes class,” Friede said. “I’m happy he and LT like to have an old receiver around.”

The participants said they also admire Carson’s devotion to his hometown.

“All charity work is good work, and we Hall of Fame guys respond to our guys’ charity events,” said former S.C. State star and Los Angeles Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome” stalwart David “Deacon” Jones, 68, who heads the Los Angeles-based Deacon Jones Foundation to aid ghetto youth.

Carson’s first tournament raised a portion of a $109,000 grant presented to Florence School District 1 on Thursday, School Foundation chairman Trip DuBard said.

Henderson, who had not met Carson before, said he came because ex-S.C. State and Seattle Seahawks player Ervin Parker recommended Carson’s event.

“Ervin’s a Seattle guy,” he said. “If he vouched for Harry, that’s all it takes for me.”

Reach Senior Writer Bob Gillespie at (803) 771-8304.