Recruiting Report: Warren Kinney/Brooklyn Center (2022)
BROOKLYN CENTER– One of the most satisfying things about scouting, whether it is live or on film, is finding that kid that coins the words: “Next Level Prospect Over the summer, I got to check out my first year of…
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Continue ReadingBROOKLYN CENTER– One of the most satisfying things about scouting, whether it is live or on film, is finding that kid that coins the words: “Next Level Prospect Over the summer, I got to check out my first year of 7on7 football, which gave me a ride around the Twin Cities checking out just about all of the 7on7 teams that are around the metro.
When I attended the Potenza Showcase and Tryout, I met an under the radar prospect that just moved to the Twin Cities from Chicago, Brooklyn Center ATH Warren Kinney. We caught up with Kinney in one of our always reliable recruiting reports.
Introduction on Warren Kinney
Warren Kinney plays the athlete position, which is the definition of a do it all player everywhere on the field. Kinney isn’t the biggest player on the field at around 5’8 170 pounds, but he has a pretty quick first step. His football skills have solid vision between the tackles, and runs more rugged than most running backs his size. Offensively his main component is his speed, but he also plays with tremendous effort on that side of the ball. Defensively, Kinney said his “heart,” to play both sides of the ball, is what draws him apart from other players who might only play one side.
Strengths: Kinney’s vision on offense and his ability to make people miss are his top components to his game for the Centaur’s offense. Kinney had 700 rushing yards this season in his first year of Minnesota high school football and ran for approx. just over 7 yards per carry. Defensive Kinney said his “quick release and blocking ability” set him apart from the others.
Favorites About Kinney’s Positions
At running back, Kinney’s favorite part about his position is being able to run the ball with contact, in which Kinney jokes, “I don’t mind contact, and I don’t mind laying the contact too.” At wide receiver, Kinney enjoys extending plays to the best of his ability, getting a read on what is in front of him, and adjusting.
The Recruiting Trail
As a 2022 prospect, Kinney has already gotten some attention from multiple levels of college football. Yale, St. Norbert (WI), Grand View (IA), Memphis, and Army are some of the early ones to reach out. Kinney is also an outstanding student in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA.
Elevator Pitch to CFB Programs
I always ask kids the question, “A college coach is reading this right now; what are you going to bring to their program?” Kinney’s response was:
My name is Warren Kinney. As a defined player In the Class of 2022, I will put my life on the line to suit up and be apart of a big college football culture. I feel I give my all day in and day out, as I bring my fearlessness and never give up, which is what I will bring to the next level.
Work Ons for Kinney this Offseason
9 out of 10 times, you’ll hear it: you need to get bigger, and Kinney’s coaching staff at Brooklyn Center and Potenza Sports aren’t any different. Kinney knows he needs to put on some more size to compete at the next level and has the mindset going into the offseason than in the weight room, “it’s going down.” Kinney will again join Potenza 7on7 this offseason for the football and training work, but he also has a weight vest and weight set at home in Brooklyn Center he will frequently be using to get more size on his body. Kinney said he would continue to reach out to schools about his next-level plans, just like he has done since he was an 8th grader living in Chicago. I am a firm believer that starting early is the best practice out there when it comes to recruiting.
Kinney’s Mentors
Kinney has a tight-knit with his family back in Chicago. His uncles Reggie and Gilbert White and his cousin Fabian McCray, a redshirt freshman at Northern Illinois, are Kinney’s biggest fans as far as helping him pave the both to the success he has had in his football life.
As far as NFL players go, Kinney looks up to a notable Chicago Bears running back who also has, I’m sure, has heard the “you’re too small” answer for most of his life, in RB Tariq Cohen. Kinney also is a big fan of new Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson based on the mentality he has carried in just his rookie year playing like a true veteran.
Learning About Yourself
When reflecting on his last/first season at Brooklyn Center, Kinney learned that “believing in yourself” is the only way you can succeed on the football field. Kinney looks to 2021, where he seems to open more eyes and earn the credit he deserves. He knows as an incoming senior for the Centaurs that he “needs to wake people up” on what he can do for their program.
Check out Kinney’s cut of his most recent junior tape below!