Despite missing three games due to injury this season, Alcoa (Tenn.) three-star wide receiver Tykee Kellogg recently took home one of the most prestigious individual awards a high school football player can receive.
On Monday, Kellogg was named one of the Mr. Football winners in the state of Tennessee. The annual award is given to the top skill player and lineman in each classification.
Kellogg became a big name as a junior this season. Though he didn’t play in three games because of an ankle injury, Kellogg has still logged 37 receptions for 727 yards and 11 touchdowns in addition to 120 rushing yards and two scores as well as a kickoff return for a touchdown.
Thanks in large part to Kellogg’s breakout campaign, Alcoa is preparing to play Liberty Tech Magnet in the Class 3A state championship on Friday.
“It means a lot. Very blessed,” Kellogg told The Clemson Insider. “Didn’t think I would win it because I missed three games, but I won.”
The award, sponsored by the Tennessee Titans, was presented during a ceremony at Nissan Stadium.
High school head coaches and media members nominated the finalists, while a committee of statewide sports writers selected the winners.
Kellogg said he was a little jittery before hearing his name called.
“It felt amazing/nervous. I was behind the curtains shaking a little,” Kellogg said, smiling.
Why does Kellogg feel he earned the achievement?
“The little things,” he said. “Staying on blocks, making big plays and just being a team player.”
Kellogg’s success on the field has coincided with success in his recruitment. All seven of his offers have come since the outset of his season from Texas-San Antonio, Louisville, Memphis, Austin Peay, Middle Tennessee, South Carolina and Central Michigan, respectively.
Georgia is also showing interest right now, and Kellogg said Clemson reached out to congratulate him on his accomplishment.
The 6-foot-6, 195-pounder visited Clemson on Sept. 10 for the Tigers’ game against Troy, and he plans to return to campus in the offseason.
“I’m supposed to get down there for some camps,” Kellogg said.
After his visit, Kellogg told TCI that he is hopeful for an offer from Clemson.
“It would bring me a huge relief,” Kellogg said, “because that’s one of my choices where I would love to go.”
Kellogg has also been to Louisville and South Carolina this season. In October, he also received an invitation to the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl national combine, which will take place from Jan. 5-7 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
Clemson commits and Tennessee natives Tee Higgins, Cordarrian Richardson and Amari Rodgers were honored as Mr. Football winners, as well.