The feel good story of the year is the success of WR Kendrick Bourne at Milwaukie High School who just pulled his first offer from Idaho.A little breaking news from the recruiting front. Milwaukie High School's Kendrick Bourne, the 6'2"-185 Pound WR, has broken through the recruiting barrier and has his first offer. His play in 2012 has been miraculous.
His background and road has not been easy. There have been issues off the field in years past like a lot of kids.
But he saved himself, according to him, when he came to the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts. We covered that in a deep look at this kid and what he has done in the story Kendrick Bourne Born Again In Milwaukie. The kid is a testament to offering educational choices and the fact that not every student learns the same.
He is passing all his courses at MAA and has cleared the NCAA Clearing House according to Head Coach Don Johnson.
"Kendrick is getting it done in the Classroom. He is doing great and colleges are seeing that and moving in on him," said Johnson. "That success in the Classroom is also happening for him on the field and we believe he is the best Wide Receiver in the Region."
No doubt when new Head Coach Jason Gesser and Coach Torey Hunter of Idaho left today there was a celebration in the room. Because when they left Coach Johnson, Kendrick, and his Mom they had made him a full ride to play football for the revamping Vandals.
"I am so excited right now. This is a dream come true," said Bourne. "The Coaches let me know that they want me and feel I am perfect for the offense they are running. They want me to come see them there but also want me to focus on school and supporting my team this season. So I am going to take a visit after the season is over. This is really big and I am so thankful that all the hard work can pay off for me."
He thanked everyone and went on and on about the fit he has found at the new school versus the experience he had at Benson. A place where he was preoccupied by some out of school influences that admittedly were pulling him under. But his transformation appears to be complete or close.
With 950 yards and now 13 TD's Bourne is #3 in the State for total yards and has an amazing 31.2 yards per catch. And the number of spectacular catches he has had could fill up an entire episode of Sports Center.
The secret is out on this guy. Idaho started him off and maybe they will be his only choice. Who knows. But it seems highly unlikely.
He appears on film to be the next Marcus Wheaton or at least looks the part. And that speed and skill in a big frame like his is going to attract schools. Idaho did him a real solid today by offering him and he said he could see himself there playing for these Coaches.
Today was a big day for not only Bourne but for Johnson, The Milwaukie Mustangs, and the Milwaukie Academy of the Arts. And for kids and parents paying attention this is an opportunity perhaps.
A Great school and great coaching allows a troubled kid to find himself and his future. No better story out there this season.
Congrats Kendrick,
Here is a look at Bourne's Highlight's this tear so far. Wow!
Maaka V. Pati-Sat
October 23, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Good job Kendrick… looking forward to watching you on saturdays – college ball .. its ur time.. do your thang!!