Kelley cleans up at national showcase in Minnesota
Anahuac's Tyler Kelley outside the Minnesota Vikings locker room during the National Showcase in late July. Contributed photo
Some of the awards that Anahuac’s Tyler Kelley brought home from the Junior Day National Showcase in Minnesota. Contributed Photo
Anahuac’s Tyler Kelley is gearing up for the 2024 campaign and will be a pivotal player in the Panthers success this season. Contributed photo
The high school football season has not even started yet, and Anahuac senior Tyler Kelley is already making headlines and earning hardware.
Kelley traveled to the Minnesota Vikings training camp facility on July 26-27 and participated in the Junior Day National Showcase in Minnesota.
"It was a cool experience getting to meet players from all over the United States," said Kelley. "Something I will always remember."
The two-day event saw over 600 players invited and Kelley brought home some impressive awards.
The first day was like a combine, said Kelley, and the Panther linebacker took the top spot for the longest broad jump and fastest cone agility.
On day two, the players moved into U.S. Bank Stadium, the home of the Minnesota Vikings and played a 7-on-7 game.
After the game, Kelley received the Defensive MVP and Player of the Game.
"I told my dad I was hungry and tired afterwards and didn't even know about the awards, so I just wanted to leave," said Kelley. Much to his delight, Kelley left with four pieces of hardware.
Kelley has led the district in tackles for the last two years and finished as a first-team all-district linebacker last year.
Kelley will be an essential piece of the puzzle for the Panthers in the 2024 season, which is looking to garner quite the buzz.