It’s a hot summer day in Calhoun Falls. Former Clemson standout and current XFL quarterback Kelly Bryant is checking out his hometown high school’s football practice. Unbeknownst to Kelly, one particular player would catch his eye and he would become the quarterbacks coach for the Blue Flashes.
That player was quarterback Kendraez Tatum.
Tatum,a sophomore, is in the middle of his first football season in his life and it has been a dream come true to work with Bryant.
“He’s the greatest to ever play the game of football to me,” said Tatum. “I’m just grateful to be coached by him.”
Bryant is not only Tatum’s coach, however. He’s also Tatum’s cousin.
“It’s a tough love situation and I try to be a coach first,” said Bryant. “But that’s family, so I’ll always want the best for him.”
Ever since Bryant joined the Blue Flashes coaching staff, he’s spent hours in the lab with Tatum perfecting Tatum’s craft as a quarterback and it’s paying off. In four games, Tatum has thrown for over 275 yards and two touchdowns with just over 20 pass attempts, with a mind-boggling 30 yards per completion. Not to mention his efforts on the ground, where he’s rushed for over 100 yards and a touchdown.
“(Tatum) has come a long way, and he always comes ready to work,” said Bryant. “He shows up everyday with a great attitude and he’s great with his teammates.”
While Tatum has put up some terrific stats, he’s also led Calhoun Falls to their first two victories in four years. To Tatum, it’s only the beginning.
“I put my all into this sport; blood, sweat and tears,” said Tatum. “I’m shooting for the stars.”
Being the quarterback, there are a lot of eyes looking at Tatum to be the leader of the Blue Flashes entering their new era of winning football. If you ask Bryant, Tatum has done a great job being just that, but not in the most conventional way.
“He’s actually a very quiet kid,” said Bryant. “But his teammates look to him and when he talks, they listen.”
