We meet a lot of athletes every year and in some cases we get to know them better then others. The last couple of months Liberty High School (Hillsboro, Oregon) star linebacker Kaelin Himphill has been one of them. The 6’1″- 210 lb speedster has a lot going for him already after having a break out Junior season for the Falcons last year. He has attracted the attentions of several schools and landed offers from Eastern Washington, Portland State, and this past week the West Point. That in and of itself is a statement.
This is a very high character kid and the more we get to know him the more we see what he is about. Kaelin is humble, self sufficient, a self starter, and self motivated. Everyone in the 5A level knows him because if you play against him he is going to leave his mark on your team and the game. He is a lean 210 lbs and has a frame that can handle another 20 without skipping a beat. He is of Samoan and Korean heritage and this combination of genetics is a match made in heaven for football; at least in his case.
Friday against Hillsboro in the season opener he was a one man wrecking crew. The Falcons won 29-12 and we saw Kaelin and asked him how he did?
“Oh pretty good- I think I played ok,” said Himphill.
If his film that Coach Eric Mahlum just sent us is any indication of Himphill’s “Ok” we can not wait to see what happens when he has a great game!
“Look at these game 1 highlights of Kaelin. IMO, the kid is a solid D-1 player and best MLB in the Northwest,” said Mahlum who by the way had a nice career in the NFL.