It takes a standout high school career to move on to the college level, and getting your name out there as a highschool athlete can be very challenging. But Pittsburg quarterback, Kenny Pickett, did just that and earned himself eight Division I offers, including offers from three Power 5 schools. Pickett earned playing time as a true freshman, but as he kept working and adjusting to becoming a better collegiate quarterback, he maintained the starting spot by his sophomore year. He then started as quarterback for the rest of his collegiate career.
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After four years as a quarterback for the Panthers, Pickett was awarded an extra season of eligibility due to the COVID pandemic. In his fifth season, he put his name on the list for the upcoming NFL draft. With 42 passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns, Pickett was nearly unstoppable in his final season. He broke multiple school records and is now in the conversation for the nation's top quarterback.
So what can prospective and college athletes learn from Pickett? He's is a perfect example of perseverance. Your first few seasons in high school or college may not be pretty, but finishing strong and never giving up is how you succeed in the end.
* Originally published on April 1, 2022, by Finn Rice