The River Parishes are a breeding pool of talent when it comes to high school sports. I’m not sure what they put in the water here.

It seems like every year local high schools are popping out college commits for football, and universities all over the country are farming our river lands for fresh meat.

It’s probably once a week that I mention East St. John’s wide receiver Damonte Coxie as being an LSU commitment.

Destrehan High School not only has an undefeated football team, it also educates the No. 1 football player in the state, defensive lineman Glen Logan.

He is also an LSU commitment.

East St. John alumnus Jalen Kenner is making a name for himself at the Division III level at Earlham College in Richmond, Ind.    

The Earlham College senior wide receiver recently broke the school’s record for career receiving yards.

According to Earlham College head football coach Nicholas Johnson, Kenner caught nine passes in September for 209 yards and a touchdown, securing him the top place in the college’s records.

“He is a great kid,” Johnson said. “Jalen is a dynamic threat in our league (Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.) He owns multiple records here for receptions and all-purpose yards.”

Kenner broke the previous record with 2,543 career-receiving yards. He concluded the record-breaking week with a 65-yard touchdown reception against Anderson University on Sept. 26.

“We are grateful for Jalen,” Johnson said. “He has been the heart and soul of our offensive production over the last few years. He is a great kid to coach and has an outstanding work ethic.”

Johnson said Kenner is ranked seventh in the country for Division III in all-purpose yards, averaging more than 204 yards per game.

And the season is still going strong, just like it is for our prep football players who have yet to leave the River Parishes to live the dream.

It always makes me feel warm and cozy inside when a small-town kid (face it, Reserve is a small town) leaves home and succeeds in life.

Maybe after college the Saints should sign him. Kenner sounds like he would be an asset to any team.

The Saints are in no position to turn down really good players. And it would make one heck of a story.

Sports Editor Courtney Griggs can be reached at 985-652-9545 or courtney.griggs@lobservateur.com