Kendrell King, Banneker High School, Interview with Joe Gaiter

Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?

Kendrell King: Football means a lot to me not only did I develop a love for it at a young age, I also realized how it became an escape go to for me and things I went through in my life. Football has always been there. So it means everything to me. I use football to get me were I want to be In life.

Joe Gaiter: Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?

Kendrell King: I grew up on the south side of Atlanta, Georgia on Washington Road to be exact. My childhood was a good. It wasn’t easy but it made me the person I am today. I wasn’t rich and I wasn’t always able to get the things I wanted but my parents instilled great qualities in me to become a man. I had to grow up fast and be there for my mom who was a single parent because my parents divorced early in my child hood. My father was always there for me and did the best he could.  

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

Kendrell King: My untold story is a kid from the south side of Atlanta who was trying to find a way to make it. Some how, some way I was going to make it. I was a kid who was always different from others but still managed to persevere through hardships. I was always bigger and taller then most. Growing up I made plenty of friends. I can get along with anybody. I’m not your typical guy. Life wasn’t always easy but God has blessed me in life and he still is. I grew up watching Anime and loving Astronomy which has not changed till this day. Alot of people don’t know things got so bad after my parents’ divorce. I had to move in with my grandmother. My mom struggled a lot. She truly is a soldier. At times I would sit and think how I have to get rich I have to go to the NFL so I would never know the word broke or struggle again. I am working hard at my craft.

Joe Gaiter: What will you miss most about being at Banneker High School?

Kendrell King: Honestly, it’s so many things that I will miss Banneker. For example,  some my underclassmen friends I will miss. I will miss walking the halls everyday. When you walk in that building it just does something to you. Our school slogan is, “It’s a new day here at Banneker high school”. I will most definitely miss hearing that. Most of all I will miss hearing the band on Friday nights. It just gets me pumped up. and I can’t forget A’maya and Jaida. I’ll miss them probably most of all. I just met them this year but ever since I’ve known them,  they have been supportive they hold a special place in my heart and nothing will change that.

Joe Gaiter: What makes you a great offensive lineman?

Kendrell King: Oh this is a good one. What makes me a great offensive lineman  is my mentality and my ability to dominate. I consider myself an offensive lineman with a defensive back mentality meaning I am not afraid to talk my trash and play with a certain swag on the field. I am completely comfortable with myself and therefore nothing can hold me back.

Joe Gaiter: What lessons have you learned from coaches?

Kendrell King: Lessons I’ve learned from my coaches is trust the process and don’t shy away from greatness all my coaches have showed me nothing but love and support even when I didn’t play my best the most important thing I learned was a leader must not only lead in on the field they must lead off it as well because someone is always watching.

Joe Gaiter: What is your favorite game day memory this year?

Kendrell King: My favorite game day memory would have to be either the Lithia Springs game or the North Spring game for Senior night with your springs game I had one of my best games ever in North Springs game we won by field-goal the game came by the wire in my adrenaline was rushing that whole day was a good day for me I will never forget those two games.

Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience?

Kendrell King: My recruitment process was rough. I had zero offers at the beginning. I was about to worry but I trusted the process with the grace of God . I ended the season with 14 offers spreading from Juco NAIA Prep and one D2. However, I know if my grades were better I could’ve gotten way more market my process taught me a lot. One day, I hope to play for a power five division one school and I know that will happen soon.

Joe Gaiter: What college are you heading to next year?

Kendrell King: I am headed to Messabi Range College in Minnesota. It was the perfect choice and I intend to be a true freshman and play right away.

Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the field?

Kendrell King: I have a lot of motivations on the field.one day I want to be better than the NFL offense of tackle Trent Williams. We are the same size, same height,and same number. He is my idol and I intend to surpass in one day. That isn’t it though. One of my biggest motivations is my brother Jackson Ward. We call each other Twin. He is one of my biggest motivations the reason he is my motivation because he’s always worked hard ever since I’ve known him he has pushed me and always gave me tough love as brothers do.  He couldn’t  play this year because he tore  his ACL. His injury inspired me to want to play hard for him. Not only that but I have a friend who was murdered who I think about every day. He played hard and I will never forget about. His name was Grant Antonio Peyton. Also my bros push me to be better. We all grew up with each other so we know each other’s limits. We all have the same goals. Lastly the city of Atlanta motivates me because I want to make my city proud one day.

Joe Gaiter: What message would you like to give Banneker’s 2021 football team?

The message I have for my teammates and their new coaches is don’t give a strive for greater. Go shock the world next year. I know you can do it and you know I’m rocking with y’all. Thank y’all for everything and I will forever cherish you guys. We are family for life once a Trojan always a Trojan.

Joe Gaiter: What message do you have for your new coaches and teammates?

Kendrell King: A message that I have for my new coaches and teammates is you guys will be getting a dog.  A  guy who’s going to ride for you and play hard for you at all times. Not only that, I will be there for you off the field as well. You guys are my new family and I’m looking forward to meeting you all.

Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?

Kendrell King: I want my legacy to be considered one of the greatest down the road. I want to fulfilled all my goals. To have a beautiful family and keep the cycle moving. I want to be remembered and respected in my community.

Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets?

Kendrell King: I don’t have any regrets but I can say that everything that has happened to me in life made me the man I am today. No, I don’t regret anything because the good, bad and the ugly shaped me and it will continue to shape me.I am not done growing

Joe Gaiter: Final Words?

Kendrell King: I want to thank you for interviewing me and give me the chance to tell my story. My final words are live long and prosper and be on the lookout for me in the future.

Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?

Kendrell King: Shoutout my family my mom dad my meme aunts lil bros. Shout out all the bros man I love you guys. Shoutout all the people who love me. I love you guys 10 times more. Shoutout to any kid going through something right now. Trust me you’ll make it through and any senior out there who is hurting. Lastly shout out the whole south side of Atlanta. I will never forget where I come from.

IG: Kentalk2emm

Twitter: kendrellking4