Lantana, Fla. — Kelsey Gerald has become one of the most feared playmakers in South Florida.
The 5-foot-10, Kentucky-committed three-star running back turned in a stellar junior campaign, totaling 1,267 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns while finishing with just under 1,500 all-purpose yards. Whether slicing through traffic between the tackles or outrunning defenders to the edge, Gerald has established himself as one of the state’s premier offensive weapons.
While most know Gerald as the powerful, blazing-fast back who keeps defensive coordinators up at night, fewer know about the passion he’s developed away from the football field.
“Most people don’t know that I’m a great chef,” Gerald told me during the annual 561Showcase Media Day. “I’ve been cooking since I was about six years old. I cook a lot for Thanksgiving and Christmas. My mother and grandmother both taught me how to cook at a young age, and it’s become a passion of mine.”
For Gerald, cooking is more than just preparing meals. It’s his escape.
The life of a student athlete is a rigorous one. From maintaining a standard of excellence inside the classroom and on the field to a never ending recruitment cycle then adding in all of the hours spent training when the lights aren’t on, finding moments of clarity are few and far between, but when you get one, there’s no better feeling.
“I definitely look at cooking as an opportunity to decompress, 100%. You’re letting your creativity come to the top of your head. So it’s just you know taking your mind off things for a few hours, listening to some music, and just having some peace of mind. You know you just get to be creative, try new things, and especially when it comes out good, it’s a great success.”
Naturally, the next question was simple: If Chef Kelsey had to cook three dishes on national television, what would make the menu?
His answer didn’t disappoint:
- Oxtail with Butter Beans and Rice
- Any Soul Food: Fried Chicken, Mac n Cheese and Collard Greens in particular
- Brisket Quesadillas
“A lot of people don’t know how to make a brisket good, you know. You’re just obviously smoking brisket for the right amount of time, the right seasoning things, things like that, and just keep it juicy.”
That same attention to detail has carried over onto the football field.
After studying his junior film, Gerald made improving his split-second decision-making a priority entering his senior season.
“The biggest thing I wanted to improve was my split-second decision-making,” Gerald said. “Watching my film from last season, I saw a lot of cuts I could’ve made. Instead of a touchdown or a 50-yard gain, I ended up with 10 or 15 yards. That’s something I’ve really worked on, and I think it’ll help me create more explosive plays this season.”
On Friday nights, Kelsey Gerald’s recipe is simple: patience, explosiveness and excellence. Whether he’s serving dinner for his family or carrying the ball for the Chiefs, he’s found that success comes from mastering the little things, and he’s hoping that formula leads to a memorable senior season.
Cover Photo Credits: Damion Nosistel, NewEraPrep
