The Best Emerging WR in South Florida: Kalani Norris (Christopher Columbus)

The younger brother of Western Kentucky University's record-holder and NFL draft hopeful WR Nicholas Norris, is gradually beginning to re-surface, and redeem himself as the face of South Florida at wide receiver for the class of 2019, after missing six games of his sophomore season due to an injury suffered week 3. The 15-year-old, two-year letterman sports two early D1-FBS verbal offers from Kentucky and Temple as well as growing interest from the likes of Tennessee, UGA, UM, Louisville and App St. The once undersized underclassman has grown an jaw-dropping nine inches within two-years, standing at 5-foot-11 and 165-pounds as of today, pictured alongside University of Miami's sophomore WR Dionte Mullins. PUTTING IN WORK This off-season, the hidden gem is quietly putting in work. Did you know? Norris stole the show at Florida Fire, Nghtmar and Chambers Elite 7v7 High School Football showcase and tryouts. Arguably the top wide receiver for his class. His route running is second to none in South Florida and perhaps the country.

Norris outings this off-season at Jordan Breakfast Club and 7v7 Tournaments (War Zone, Pylon, Sam Madison) featured the little-known prospect effortlessly route nationally recognized defense backs, who are currently committed to in-state powers UF and Uni. of Miami (FL); including a first-team Maxpreps All-American selection. Norris most notable showing was against Pro Impact (Jacksonville, FL) scoring two touchdowns and making acrobatic catches against a four-star recruit, who held approximately 18 division one scholarships. SOPHOMORE SEASON (3-GAMES) As a two-way starter (WR/CB), Norris made a splash right out the gate versus the 2A state runner-up Champagnat Catholic, which fielded seven FBS prospects. Norris hauled in 5-catches for 115 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. The following week vs. Sebring, Norris would find the end zone yet again, adding his second touchdown of the season from 45-yards out; including causing a force fumble at cornerback. His play at cornerback stood out as well, allowing only passes behind the line of scrimmage (screen & bubble). Before injury, Norris was making a strong push for both all-state and all-county honors, as he averaged 24.7 yards per catch , which ranked him No. 1 in South Florida and didn't allowed a reception beyond the line of scrimmage. EARLY HISTORY As an eighth-grader, Kalani Norris unanimously earned -- both the FBU and NUC (Miami, FL) MVP honors at WR and was recognized in the same sentence as, U.S. Army selection and UM commit, Mark Pope entering high school as the premiere stars of tomorrow at wide receiver according to Generation Nexxt.

This upcoming fall, Norris will play at the highest level of competition in South Florida at the 8A classification for Christopher Columbus High School. Less than five months on campus, Norris has already made his presence label, as the Explorers go-to wide receiver alongside emerging soon-to-be senior outside wide receiver Tyler Harrell. With the reclassification of Mark Pope, the class of 2019 top wide receiver in Miami-Dade County is arguably Kalani Norris. His size is no longer a concern for college football coaches, and his game is legit, beating five nationally ranked cornerbacks this off-season. Norris possesses the best blend of route running and sure hands among all underclassmen in South Florida. Keep an eye on this re-surfacing star, he's everything as advertised and is outshining the most advertised defensive backs regionally and nationally. Twitter Handler: @KalaniNorris Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/profile/6011785/kalani-norris