Prior to accepting the job as head football coach at Centreville High School (Clifton, VA) in March of 2010, Chris Haddock heard a “buzz” about Ken Ekanem . Ekanem, a junior now in his third year as a starter on the varsity level, has lived up to the billing.

“There was a buzz around town about him and what a good looking kid he is,” Haddock said. “He was the first player I met at Centreville. When you meet him and he shakes your hand, he looks you in the eye. I felt real good about him right away. I know we still have the rest of the season, but he has met our expectations. And he has two full years to get better.”

On and off the field, the standout junior has impressed his new coach.

“He certainly passes the look test,” Haddock said. “He is 6-3, 230 pounds. He runs well. He catches the ball. He is a multi-sport athlete with football and basketball. He has very strong grades. The greatest asset he has is that he is a high character kid. The kid follows instruction. He has tremendous work ethic. Of course he’s got stuff you can’t teach, but he works hard.”

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