Pine’s Brendon Kelley will get to ‘Lion Up!’
The senior offensive lineman has verbally committed to Southeastern Louisiana University, to play football for the Lions.
“Basically, McNeese State, they stopped talking to me as much. At first, they were really into it and then they just stopped and Southeastern started. Then I started getting into with family being close,” Kelley said. “McNeese is four-something hours away for me whereas Southeastern is only an hour. I’ll be able to come see my family when I need to. If something big is happening, I’m there.”
Kelley said he grew up knowing about Southeastern and he watched a couple of their games.
“I like the offensive line. I like the way they run their offense. I like the way they’re coached and I want to be a part of that family and that culture,” Kelley said.
Kelley, who is 6-foot-5, 330-pounds, is a four-year starter. He is playing left tackle this season and was a guard the last three years.
Last year, he was selected a second-team All-Louisiana Player on the USA Today 2016 American Family All-USA Louisiana Football Team at offensive line.
Kelley has also been a first-team all-district player the last three years on the offensive line. He was second-team defensive lineman the last two years and was honorable all-district his freshman year at defensive line. Kelley is mainly a defensive end. He’s also seen time at defensive tackle and nose guard.
Kelley said he is really excited.
“My mom, she cried in my arms when she found out,” Kelley said. “Nobody in my family went to college before me, so they just love seeing me succeed. Doing it with something I love, it just makes it all the more special. I’m really lucky to have this opportunity.”
Pine coach Bradley Seal said he and his staff are extremely excited for Kelley.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what he’ll do at Southeastern,” Seal said. “He’s been a staple of the offensive line for the last four years. That’s one thing we haven’t had to worry about, is the offensive line being solid, and he’s a big part of it.”
Kelley’s next game takes place Friday when Pine takes to the road to play St. Thomas Aquinas. Pine’s next home game is Friday, Nov. 3 when the Raiders face Pope John Paul II.