Caleb Kelly shines in Sugar Bowl

Despite being only a freshman in college, Caleb Kelly has already emerged as a force on the football field. Kelly plays outside linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners, and finished with 36 tackles, three of which were for a loss, during his first season. 

Kelly played football at Clovis West High School, just down the street from the FC campus. During his senior year of high school, Kelly was ranked a 5-star recruit by Rivals and had offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Notre Dame. He began playing football when he was young and while in high school, competed in different events to help improve his game.

“I began to play football when I was 7 years old,” Kelly said. “Throughout high school, I competed in the Rivals 100 in Baltimore and The Opening. I also played in the U.S. Army All-American game.”

Despite getting many offers, Kelly committed to Oklahoma on Feb. 3. He wanted to play for a school in which he could stand out while getting some decent playing time.

“I chose Oklahoma because it was my first offer,” Kelly said. “I wanted to find a school that would play me. I also wanted to represent Fresno and stand out.”

The Sooners finished the 2016-17 season with a perfect record in the Big 12 and with an overall record of, 11-2. Their final game of the year came in the Allstate Sugar Bowl in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in Louisiana against the Auburn Tigers. The Sooners came out with a, 35-19, victory. Kelly recorded 8 solo tackles and 12 total tackles. He broke the Oklahoma freshman record for most tackles in a bowl game.

With a large crowd in attendance including family members, Kelly enjoyed playing in his first bowl game. The post-game celebration was also memorable for the first year player.

“The Sugar Bowl was a lot of fun,” Kelly said. “It was a physical game and it was pretty cool to break the Oklahoma record for most tackles by a freshman in a bowl game. There were so many people in attendance including my mom and grandparents. The post-game celebration was also fun as we got the trophy and hats and there was tons of confetti.”

Video editor Jarrod Markarian, ’17, had the chance to watch Kelly in person in Norman. He enjoyed seeing the campus and noticed that football is a really big thing.

“I know Caleb through dating his best friend,” Markarian said. “I went to Norman and watched the game between Oklahoma and Kansas State. It was cool to watch him play and the city is really interesting as football is really big there.”

Markarian has appreciated getting to know Kelly. He commends Kelly for being so humble while having so much. 

“Caleb is one of the most humble and down to earth guys I know,” Markarian said. “He would do anything for his friends and family. Nothing comes before his family to him. He’s a true inspiration and example of how someone should act.”

Kelly will now enter his sophomore year at Oklahoma. He will look to continue his dominant play as the thoughts of the upcoming season are already looming. 

For another article read: FC basketball player shares struggles of season ending injury. 

This writer can be reached via Twitter: @_NickLeBlanc and via email: Nick LeBlanc.