AS KALEB BLACK ENTERS HIS SENIOR SEASON, WHAT WILL BE HIS SWAN SONG AT KLEIN OAK?
“I just want to be better than last season,” he said. “I want to have well over 1,000 all purpose yards. I’ve worked on high-pointing the ball and my footwork. I know I can outrun people, but I need to be able to get that 50-50 ball when the safety comes over.
“More importantly, I don’t want to be that young guy making big plays, but being that role model for everyone on the team. I feel like I’ve kind of been that guy since coming to Klein Oak, but now more than ever, I want our team to feed off of me.”
As Black built his resumé with the black and gold, he and his “Pops” worked their recruiting plan. It culminated with a verbal commitment in late June to the University of Memphis.
“I just felt the genuine love and support I got from the coaches, players and fans at Memphis,” he said. “It’s a great city and the food is really good, too. The recruiting process was eye-opening. It was cool to see so many kids just like me all trying to get to the next level. It was a great experience and pushed me to work even harder.”
Black’s calling card is his athleticism, speed and versatility. Since playing flag football as a youngster, Black was that dude.
“I’ve played every position I think from quarterback to defensive end,” he laughed. “I really fell in love with the wide receiver spot in middle school playing 7-on-7. When you are the best player though, you play a lot of quarterback. I played QB through the ninth grade, but when I transferred, I got to play receiver. I just love having the ball in my hands in space. That’s when I’m at my best.”