Jack Kelly was pretty sure that Army was the football program for him when he left his visit in June.
But, Kelly, a North Oconee (Ga.) tight end, wanted to take some time to make certain. Navy entered the picture with an offer and visit in later in the month.
Still, Army’s family atmosphere never left Kelly’s mind. He remembered how Black Knights quarterback Bryson Daily talked to him about the “ins and outs” of cadet life. And, how head coach Jeff Monken walked him through “every detail” of Army’s program.
“I just knew it was home,” Kelly said. “Coach Monken made it very clear to me from the start that he was here for me. Whenever I needed a question answered or even if I just wanted to call and say, ‘What’s up?’”
Kelly was among of group of seven 2024 commits that announced their Army decision on July 4. He called Monken on Monday (the day before with his decision). Kelly’s Independence Day social media post was thought out. His grandfather fought in the Vietnam War in the Navy. One of his cousins is currently serving in the Marines.
“It just felt right that I would announce my commitment to Army on America’s birthday,” said Kelly, who also had offered by FBS programs Georgia State, Liberty, UAB, Florida Atlantic, Buffalo as well as FCS schools Richmond, Dartmouth, UPenn Yale, Brown, Columbia, Wofford, Bryant, Colgate, Holy Cross, Austin Peay, Samford, Tennessee-Chattanooga and Tennessee Tech.
Kelly, who is 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds, believes he can improve and thrive as a tight end in Army’s shotgun offense.
“I think that obviously my game can get much better but I hope to be an impact player as soon as possible,” Kelly said.
Kelly was a multi-sport athlete until his sophomore year. He stopped playing basketball to focus on the sport – football – that he loved.
