Made for Greatness

Shekai Mills-Knight has consistently stood out as the best player on his football teams. Anyone familiar with the North Shore youth football programs in the West Island of Montréal knows their legacy of successful players, yet Shekai is poised to surpass them all.

In 2022, Shekai's final year playing high school football in Canada, he led his team, the North Shore Mustangs, to a provincial championship. He was the Mustangs' best player, dominating at both running back and linebacker. After his successful Canadian high school football career, Shekai took his talent south of the border.

With the assistance of my good friend, Emmanuel Cazeau-Wagnac, and the support of his mother, Nesta Mills, and his father, Anthony Knight, Shekai relocated to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the summer of 2023. Baylor School provided Shekai with an opportunity, and he ran with it, pun intended.

Erik Kimrey, Shekai’s head coach and offensive coordinator at Baylor School, who is considered one of the brilliant minds in American high school football, took his time nurturing Shekai back to form after a major ankle injury sustained in an all-star game in Montréal a few months before joining the team in Tennessee.

Shekai's debut with his American team occurred in the second game of the season, which took place in Ireland. Initially, his explosiveness was lacking, and I must admit, I was somewhat skeptical. Despite his impressive physique, his talent didn't immediately convince me. However, the game against Baylor's arch-rival, McCallie School, on September 29th changed everything. Shekai exhibited a stunning display of speed, agility, and decisiveness, leaving no doubt about his abilities. I vividly recall texting my friend, expressing my regret for ever doubting Shekai. I was captivated by his talent, reminiscent of my favorite running back from my childhood, Eddie George.

At 6’2” / 215 lbs, Shekai's speed is almost unbelievable for someone of his stature. Once he breaks through the second level of the defense, perfect angles are essential because catching up becomes nearly impossible. While he remains a high school football player, he is far from a finished product. However, the fact that he has received over 25 offers indicates that major Power 4 and Group of 5 teams are eager to contribute to his further development.

Recently, as my nephew prepares to depart Canada for Baylor School, I reached out to Shekai. Our conversation left a lasting impression on me. Shekai exuded humility, kindness, respect, and maturity. He assured me that he would take our guy under his wing. Shekai is undoubtedly an exceptionally talented running back, but through that brief text conversation, I realized that he is an even better person.

Shekai Mills-Knight isn't just a great name for a Power 4 running back with superior athleticism and an impressive physique. It's the name of a kid who holds himself to high standards and plays the game the right way.

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