Kelly is one of the most underrated WRs in FL

The state of Florida is one of the strongest states for football in the entire country. With the fact that there are so many kids playing the sport in Florida, plenty of kids go unnoticed and do not get recruited at all, let alone by a major university. McArthur high school wide receiver Lavatiae Kelly (pronounced LA-VA-SHE-YAY) is a perfect example of a tremendous football player that has gone under-the-radar all year long.

During his senior season, Kelly put up monster numbers. He had 1,458 receiving yards, 22 total touchdowns, including 15 through the air, and caught 75 passes. He was one of the top receivers in Florida and his numbers rank up among some of the best in the country. So it would be normal to assume that he has offers from Miami, Florida, Florida State, and all the other schools in Florida, right? That couldn't be further from the truth. He doesn't have a single offer to his name at this point and signing day is a few weeks away.

Schools have come by to visit the McArthur football program and have called to check in on Kelly from time to time, but not a single school has offered a scholarship to the 6-foot-1, 175-pound standout. Grades were definitely part of the reason for the hold up, however in speaking with Kelly, that situation is pretty much cleared up.

"My grades have really improved during the year. I should find out more soon, but I'll be good to go by the time I am ready for college. I think I will be alright in the end. A lot of coaches are waiting to hear back about my grades. Once they come back, I think things will pick up even more."

Improving his grades during his senior year speaks volumes about his focus and work ethic to better himself. Once Kelly becomes fully cleared and the grade situation becomes a thing of the past, there are a few schools that Kelly would like to check out.

"I am very open to anyone that is willing to look at me, but I do have a few that I like. Michigan State, Florida State, Oklahoma State, and Boston College are all great schools that I would like to hear from. I am looking for a school that is good with my major. I want to major in Fine Arts. I am really into graphic design and drawing, so I would like to go somewhere with a good program."

With his senior season behind him, all Kelly can do is hope that a school likes what they see on his highlight film and is willing to give him a chance. He feels that he can match up against any other receiver in the state and hold his own.

"I think what separates me from other receivers is that I am a team player. I am not a "me" guy and I just want my team to win in the end. I play really hard on the field and give it my all and I run really good routes. I am very humble and I am dedicated to get better every day. I work hard so that I know that I can go up against anyone."

Kelly has good size, above average speed, and some of the best hands I have seen all season. With all these impressive qualities, he still feels it is something else that separates him from other receivers.

"The best part of my game is my ability to get yards after the catch. It's a great feeling running in the open feeling and making people miss. I do want to continue improving my speed, getting off the jam, and my footwork. I do footwork drills and catching drills a lot to get better."

Tom Loy can be followed on Twitter - @TomLoy2002 and contacted via email - TomLoy2006@hotmail.com.