Checking in at 6’1 and 255 lbs., Fridley High School’s Cheick Kaba poses both a literal as well as a figurative threat on the football field. As only a junior on one of the Twin City subdistricts most competitive teams, Kaba hopes to…
Checking in at 6’1 and 255 lbs., Fridley High School’s Cheick Kaba poses both a literal as well as a figurative threat on the football field. As only a junior on one of the Twin City subdistricts most competitive teams, Kaba hopes to make his mark in conference play this season and position himself as one of the premier 3-techs in the Twin Cities. After a hot 3-0 start for the Tigers, Fridley and Kaba have placed themselves in a good spot to continue their success, and Kaba hopes this momentum will help garner the attention from college football program he has worked for since he started playing football in elementary school. Northstar Football News was lucky enough to ascertain an interview with the DT/OG in regards to his life, the 2019 season, and his college recruitment. Let’s see what he has to say:
“I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan but I was raised in Minnesota all my life. I grew up in Fridley and I’ve been attending Fridley Public Schools since kindergarten. I got into football around the age of 10, through my neighbor/childhood best friend. We used to throw around a football at the park or start a game of two hand touch with the other kids in the neighborhood. My parents weren’t really fans of football but I just kept asking so they gave it a shot. Football is not just a game, it builds brotherhood, leadership, and it sharpens character. I’ve learned so many things and made so many friends through football.
I am 6’1 and 260 lbs. At the Gophers camp on June 2nd I ran a 5.05 40 hand time and a 4.46 5-10-5 this summer. I maxed out my bench at 280, squat at 415, and power clean at 240. Last year I didn’t play much varsity and I subbed in at Oline. Me not being a varsity starter last year was a big chip on my shoulder, which pushed me to work harder in school and the weight room. Our season last year ended with an upset which also pushed everyone from coaches to players to work harder which is one thing I love about our football program. Ee have a great coaching staff and they work really hard to push us to become better athletes and better people. I’ve learned so much through Fridley and this season we are focused on team goals. Ee did a lot of team bonding this summer which I think helped us a lot and it shows on the field.
So far this year we’re 3-0 and we beat Bloomington Kennedy 41-0, Richfield 65-7, and Spectrum 58-6. My stats are looking pretty good right now, I have 10 Ttck 5 Tfl 1 FF 1.5 Sacks and if I’m not making tackles I’m taking on the double team so my LBs can fill and make the tackle. So far I’ve only played 2 Quarters each game and I haven’t played a full game yet. This season we’re starting out strong and our goal as a team is to go 1-0 each week by executing the game plan each week. We have a great scout team that helps us each week and will help us later in the season when we play some pretty tough teams like Saint Anthony, Mound-Westonka, and Southwest.
If I get the chance to play college football, I would want a program that I could fit in at, and a program that is not just football its a family and brotherhood. I offer (a team) an ambitious athlete, I always want to get better, always wanna learn from my teammates and coaches, and I offer trust and commitment as a player because I always put the team first. I’m interested in The University of Minnesota and I went to the camp in June. I love the atmosphere of it, the coaching staff is wonderful and Coach Fleck is not all about football. He wants to build a family which is what I think football is about. I’m also interested in other colleges like SDSU, USD, NDSU, UND, UNI, UWI and I would like to stay in the Midwest area. I would like the chance to play football after HS at any level, I would be thankful for it no matter what level. I would like to major in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice I’m still looking in at it.”
Keep your eyes peeled for Kaba and his Fridley Tiger teammates as they look to continue their undefeated season this Friday versus Columbia Heights at Fridley High School.
