Charlotte has been home to several great quarterbacks in their prep football history. Players like Keith Matkins, Mark Maye, Chris Leak, Joe Cox, Riley Ferguson, and Marquise Williams have all left their marks in the Queen City. Vance High's Kingsley Ifedi is another marquee QB that folks are talking about in Charlotte.
Last year, he led the 6-6 Cougars with over 3,200 yards passing with 30 touchdowns. If you add in his rushing yards, Ifedi topped the 4,000 all-purpose yard mark with 44 total touchdowns.
Vance Head Coach Aaron Brand is considered to be one of the top offensive minds in NC high school football by mentoring a few of those QBs mentioned above in his coaching stints with Independence and Mallard Creek. We look for Ifedi, a strong 6-4 217 pounder to have another outstanding year.
NCPreps.com's Chris Hemphill caught up with Ifedi as he discusses the upcoming 2016 season and his recruitment.
As the upcoming season approaches, what are your expectations?
"The expectation for the team is nothing less then a state championship. My personal expectations would just be to put my team in the position to win every Friday."
How does it feel to be done with the recruiting process? Why did you choose your college?
"It feels great. The process can be very stressful with all the traveling every weekend. I chose East Carolina because of the family atmosphere. Coach Mo really showed me how much he wanted me to be a Pirate from Day 1. Also being 4 hours from Charlotte it is close enough to home, but far enough for me to develop as my own man."
What game on your schedule do you have marked on you schedule more than others?
"Definitely the Mallard Creek game. It is a great rivalry game. Every year, it comes down to the last couple plays. I'm really looking forward to that match up again!"
How has the team look thus far? How far do you think you can carry them?
"We have a lot of depth this year. We have some younger guys stepping up and a couple of key transfers this summer. I definitely know I can carry this team very far."
Who are some of the guys you can depend on in clutch moments when you need a big play to be made?
"Definitely I think all of my guys can be clutch in those moments but specifically Jeremiah Hall, our HB who recently committed to Oklahoma, and also Michael Roberts with a 6'4 frame. He has great hands!"
What is the longest touchdown you have ran for or thrown?
"First play of my junior year I threw a 80-yard bomb to my brother for a touchdown."
What NFL player do you model you game after?
"Cam Newton with just what he brings to the table. I think we are alike. He's just not a QB he's a playmaker!"
What was your GPA this past year?
"3.8 GPA"
What about you makes you a leader?
"Everything. From the way I carry myself inside the school building by telling guys not to be late to class to Friday nights on the field to Saturday morning film sessions. Being the first guy there ready to make myself and the people around me better."
Who are the people in your life that influenced you the most?
"My 3 brothers Casey, Jamine, and Jonathan Ifedi. They all played football and went through most of the experiences that I have. So to have them go before me has made my path so much easier."
