North Louisiana is well-known for its production of decoys, at least the mechanical kind, thanks to the team over at Duck Commander in Monroe.<\/p>\n
Not so well-known are decoys of the human variety like Captain Shreve athlete Kendrick Law Jr. Although the senior has been offered by just about every school in the country, you\u2019d never know it by looking at his stats. He might just be the most classic team player\u00a0in the country.<\/p>\n
Heading into Friday\u2019s District 1-5A matchup with Benton, the 6-foot, 195-pounder had seven rushes for 28 yards, 10 receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns and one kickoff return for 46 yards \u2013 yawn. But you never hear him complaining about not getting the rock and he enjoys his teammates having success.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll my brothers gotta eat,\u201d he said. \u201cI know they say I made it and they didn\u2019t, but we all make it together. One go down, we all go down. If Shreve loses, it ain\u2019t just me. It\u2019s everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n
Alabama assistant coach and wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins was on the sideline\u00a0Friday night during Shreve\u2019s 48-35 win over Benton, watching not only how Law conducted himself on the field but how he dealt with his teammates. Wiggins coached fellow Louisianan DeVonta Smith, so he knows a thing or two about quality wideouts, which is what the Tide wants the multi-talented Law to play if he chooses Tuscaloosa as his landing spot.<\/p>\n
\u201cLouisiana always has a boatload of talent,\u201d said Wiggins, who can\u2019t comment on a specific recruit.<\/p>\n
Some schools want Law as a defensive back, while others want his services on the offensive side of the ball.<\/p>\n
\u201cKendrick is in the rare 1% of kids who can pick up the phone and go anywhere he wants,\u201d Shreve coach Bryant Sepulvado said. \u201cAnd there\u2019s been zero issue with him not getting the ball as often as some kids at his level demand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Law got a few more touches than normal against the Tigers (4-2, 1-2). He had a short touchdown run along with a 48-yard, fourth-quarter run to help seal the game. He finished his night with seven rushes for 55 yards and five catches for 57 yards for the Gators (6-0, 3-0).<\/p>\n
He also caused the Gators faithful to gasp when he went down with an ankle injury after a long reception to set up a Kendall Terrell touchdown late in the third quarter. But he was back in the game moments later.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe never take an opponent lightly, but we came out and executed,\u201d Law said. \u201cWe had a few mistakes and they cost us, but we made up for it in the end.\u201d<\/p>\n
Law said he was undeterred by having Wiggins on the sidelines.<\/p>\n
\u201cI never let that affect me whether they\u2019re on the sidelines or in the stands,\u201d Law said. \u201cI still play my game no matter what.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Law goes in motion, he is tracked by two, sometimes three, defenders leaving teammates room to shine.<\/p>\n
While Law was visiting with Wiggins on Friday afternoon at the school, he spent a lot of time promoting teammates like Braylon Finney, Matt Hall, William Moore, Cam Randolph and Marquez Stevenson, who having great seasons thanks to his ability as a decoy.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s one of the things that makes him special,\u201d Sepulvado said. \u201cHe understands football that when we motion him and three guys go with him, it\u2019s hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Gators coaching staff has moved Law around the field attempting to get him open offensively, and opponents try to avoid his side as a defender.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne good thing is they can\u2019t get away from him on defense,\u201d Sepulvado said. \u201cIn the kicking game, no one in their right mind will kick it to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like most teenagers, Law wants the ball, but he also wants to win. And he isn\u2019t expected to make a college decision until Thanksgiving, depending on the Gators\u2019 playoff run.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight now, he wants to concentrate on football and just have fun,\u201d Sepulvado said. \u201cHis maturity and mental approach to the game, and his understanding of football, separate him from a lot of normal high school athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n