Everyone’s talking about Jermaine Terry, Jr.
As for Jermaine? He just keeps on working.
The Kennedy High football star, who is considered among the top 5 tight ends in the nation for the Class of 2021, was recently named US Bank Inspirational Athlete, not for his flair on the field, but for his humble leadership.
On Sunday, 49ers Cal-High Sports Report aired a segment celebrating Terry’s latest honor. To the star three-sport athlete who also plays basketball and runs track, success on the field “is only worth so much,” anchor-reporter Wesley Boone said.
“Kennedy-Richmond standout Jermaine Terry is more concerned with leaving a lasting legacy in his hometown, and, in the process, honoring a long lost figure from his past,” Boone said.
When Terry was just 5 years old, his father passed away. Though he was young at that time, Terry fondly remembers him.
“That last name Terry, it means something on the back of my jersey,” the teen told Boone.
The tragedy forced Terry into a leadership role at a young age, and the Kennedy High football program is now benefiting from that maturity, Head Coach Greg Marshall said.
“You don’t find that many players who, as good as he is, and as good as he can be, he’s very humble,” Marshall said. “You would not even think he’s being recruited. He wants everybody to have success. And you don’t find many selfless players like that.”
Alabama, LSU, Florida and USC are among the many top football program interested in Terry.
In an August profile, Coach Marshall told the Mercury News Terry has tried helping his teammates land college scholarships, “encouraging them to attend college camps to get exposure.”
As for his personal goals, the 6-4, 235 pound athlete is aiming for a long career in sports. He knows it won’t be easy. But he’s grounded enough to know what’s required.
“I know the statistics,” he said. “You want something, you have got to work for it. I’m just trying to always push myself.”
