Webb follows in his father’s footsteps at McEachern
By Jake Jennings
MDJ Sports Writer
Living up to his father’s legacy
KICKOFF 2021 39
is something McEachern
wide receiver Kaleb Webb
does not take lightly.
William Webb played cornerback
for the Indians 30
years ago (1988-1991) and
now his son suits up in the
blue and gold as he watches
from the stands.
“It feels like big shoes to
fill,” Kaleb Webb said. “Our
previous trainer, coach Randy
Taylor, used to talk about
my dad all the time. That influenced
me to play better
because I know I have big
shoes to fill.”
Filling those shoes is
something he has the tools
to achieve. At 6-foot-3,
185-pounds, he has the size
needed to compete with defensive
backs at the highest
level. He also has shown
that speed is one of his best
qualities on the field and
on the track. The wide receiver
placed second in the
100 meter dash (10.91), and
first in the 200 meter dash
(22.14) this spring at the
Region 2AAAAAAA finals.
“I’ve always been excited
about those generational
guys when they start coming
through,” McEachern
coach Franklin Stephens
said. “Because it becomes
a pride thing. Those guys
know what its about.”
William Webb, who ran
the 100-meter hurdles at
McEachern, had no problem
saying his son is faster
than him, but he still is
confident he would win
if hurdles were involved.
A little friendly competition
is no stranger in a father
son relationship, but
even more importantly,
William Webb said he is
thankful for the opportunity
to watch his son grow
on the field.
“It’s a pleasure to be up in
the stands and watch all the
hard work that he has put in,”
he said. “Words can’t even
explain how I feel.”
As a rising senior, Kaleb
Webb is going to have to
step up into a larger role
this fall. Last year he finished
with 11 catches for
115 yards, but he could become
quarterback Bryce
Archie’s No. 1 target as
the Indians lost their top
three pass catchers in the
offseason. Webb is also
going to have to become
a leader, a role he said he
is embracing.
“Really, I just have to take
all the other receivers under
my wing,” he said. “We have
a lot of young receivers in
our receiving corps. Making
sure I’m hustling and
giving 100% every play. I
want to be like a big brother
to them.”
Stephens said he expects
big things out Webb.
“If I’m going to put my
hand on a guy that is going
to have a breakout year, it
would be him,” Stephens
said. “He’s going to have a
phenominal year.”
William Webb said he loves
the way his son plays and
the mental toughness he
shows. He knows his son
is ready to take on those
leadership roles.
“My favorite quality is that
he’s tough. He’s mentally
tough,” William Webb said.
“He can handle the moment.
And that’s not something
that everybody has.”
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