An Ole Miss legacy carries a new torch in Oxford

Exclusive interview with WR DeKaylin Metcalf

 

Being the son of a former NFL player can be a blessing or a curse, the outcome is really up to the individual. For DeKaylin Metcalf, he took the lessons that could be learned from his father Terrence Metcalf but created a different path while holding true to the family’s legacy.

Terrence was a First-Team All SEC offensive guard for Ole Miss in 2000 and 2001 receiving Second-Team All-American honors in 1999 and First-Team All American honors in 2001. Terrence was a third round NFL draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 2002 playing seven seasons in the Windy City before heading to Detroit to play with the Lions in 2009 and with the New Orleans Saints in 2010.

Besides their height and ability to dominate on the football field, DeKaylin is worlds apart on the football field from his father. Terrence was a massive 6’4”, 310 pound, mauling offensive guard while DeKaylin is a smooth 6’3”, 195 pound, wide receiver.

DeKaylin is regarded by many to be one of if not the top wide receiver prospect for the 2016 recruiting class. Watching him play it does not take long to understand why. The younger Metcalf has amazing concentration when the ball is in the air fighting off constant double coverage to come down with a reception. He catches the ball cleanly with his hands getting the pigskin at a high point by out jumping the opposition.

I guess there is one more thing father and son have in common, DeKaylin is a mean blocker on running plays looking to knock a corner or safety on their ass to clear a lane for his running back or quarterback.

In an exclusive interview DeKaylin sat down for a one-on-one conversation about the 2014 season, recruiting, and a look ahead to his senior campaign.

 

DeKaylin, Oxford High School had a great season going 13-2, 7-0 in conference play. Looking back how do you feel about how the team performed?

“We did alright until we got to state. We came out flat. We didn’t play intelligent football and got beat (Laurel in 5A playoffs 29-26).”

Our other loss was to Starkville High School. For those that do not live in the area, what is the atmosphere like when Oxford plays Starkville in high school football?

“They call it the Little Egg Bowl. It was packed and a wild atmosphere. We didn’t come out and execute like we were supposed to and lost (52-29).”

How does the team look next season with all the players that are supposed to come back?

“All of our offense is coming back. I think we’re only losing five guys on defense. I think we’ll be back in the playoffs again next year.”

What does the team need to do to have a more successful season in 2015?

“We don’t need to play down to the level of our opponents. We have to come out hard and can’t give the other team a chance to beat us.”

What will be the strength of next year’s football team?

“Everyone coming back on offense are all juniors except for our center. We’ve all known each other for six plus years making the team tight.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“Win a state championship.”

You committed to Ole Miss in June of 2013, what will it be like to finally get to play for the Rebels when the time comes?

“It’s going to feel great. I’ve lived here most of my life.”

Besides being a legacy and Ole Miss being in your backyard, what were the reasons that led you to commit to the Rebels?

“Ole Miss’ offense. They run the spread and the do a great job throwing the ball. Can my parents come to the game, is it easy for them? Do I feel like family and the environment of the school? Those are some of my deciding factors.”

Are other schools are recruiting you right now?

“Auburn and Florida are recruiting me hard. I like the receivers Auburn has produced with Duke Williams and Sammy Coates. They have a great quarterback (Jeremy Johnson) coming in to start next year. Florida’s new head coach (Jim McElwain) has reached out to me showing a lot of interest.”

Is there a college or pro player you like watching play the game?

“I like watching Laquon Treadwell (sophomore WR at Ole Miss). He blocks like a lineman and will pancake the defender. I like that he is more physical than they are.”

Do you play any other sports for Oxford?

“I play basketball and run track.”

What events do you participate in with track?

“I participate in the hurdles, triple jump, and 4×1.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad has had the biggest impact. He knows what it takes to make to the NFL. He told me as a young kid you have to work for it and you can’t let anybody out work you.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The teammates that I have is my favorite part. Knowing they have my back, I can help them up. We help each other.”

 

DeKaylin finished the 2014 season with 77 receptions for 1,233 yards finding the end zone 18 times. Looking to get the ball into their top playmakers’ hands, he carried the ball 14 times for another 133 yards.

It is one thing for an individual to be blessed with great genetics allowing one to be among the best at the high school level. It is a whole other thing to have the drive, work ethic, and determination to be the best going above and beyond the God given talents handed down.

DeKaylin embodies the physical and mental aspects need to be successful in football at any level plus he plays with a chip and a mean streak. Whatever challenge or obstacle comes before him on down the line, be it on or off the field, one can bet he will meet it head on not backing down from the opportunity to succeed.

Photo credit: djournal.com; No. 14 DeKaylin Metcalf in action.