Unfortunately, Greg never had the chance to enjoy his last year at Leander High School.
Instead, he waited to go to trial and then to prison, for a crime he didn’t commit.
Leander safety Greg announced Friday that he verbally committed to play football at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
Kelley also had offers from Texas State and Rice, but made the decision to commit to UTSA after making his second visit to the school Thursday. “It’s a great feeling,” Kelley said.
“For me it wasn’t all about how good the football school is, it’s about my education and what I’m going to get out of it,” Kelley said.
“Nobody really compared to the on-campus life at UTSA. It was pretty awesome (being there Thursday), everyone was really friendly — three people actually held the door open for me.”
Kelley was the first student-athlete to commit to UTSA for the class of 2014, snagging the only safety spot the Roadrunners were looking to fill in the class.
Throughout the recruiting process Kelley said he talked to some of the now-graduated Leander seniors who are going to play college football next season, including Texas Tech-bound Caleb Woodward, who told him to, “follow your heart, if you see yourself at the college in four years, than go to that school.”
Entering his senior season at Leander, Kelley said he’s happy to have made the decision and is ready to focus on his final season at Leander.
“As far as finishing up as a Leander Lion, it’s going to be fun,” Kelley said. “I’ve got some unfinished business here and it’s going to be fun spending this last year (here) and I’m not going to waste those opportunities.”
100’s of Testimonies Supporting Greg Kelley. Only 3 were allowed to be heard in Court. A few more follow…
“He has a huge heart and a great future.”
“I have known Greg since the 7th grade. He was the hardest working athlete I knew. He wanted to play football and run track like his older brothers did. He admired them and would do whatever it takes to be like them.”
“I am very impressed with his lifestyle and his ability to connect with others. he is trustworthy and has integrity. These are things I have seen with my eyes. His life demonstrates strong character and he is an outstanding young man.”
“I have worked with many young people over the past 27 years and seen them in action. Greg Kelley would rank in the top 5% of outstanding people and leaders that I have witnessed in action. He brings light to a room that may be filled with darkness.”
“Greg and his family have been through so much over the past couple of years. Her is always giving back to his mom and dad through love, work, and time with them. Throughout his life he has shown nothing but strength and the desire to be the best person possible.”
“Greg has always been a determined, hard-working,caring and given person, always helping people when they needed it, no matter what the circumstance was.”
“He conveyed to many of his friends a passion for life and the future. He seemed to be ‘everybody’s close’ or ‘best friend’. They really care for him. His goodness is supported by the things we are hearing about his present life–even in ‘hopeless circumstances’–he continues to make many friends in prison.”
“He is an honor roll student, captain of his beloved football team, holds down a part-time job at a movie theater, and still finds time to be an amazing friend to everyone he encounters.”
“Williamson county has once again ruined a good man’s life– …a very, very good man!”
“Greg Kelley is a young man who attended the school where I teach and I have many coworkers who have taught him throughout the years. He is kind, honest, generous, and a God-fearing Christian.”
“There is nothing that can justify sending Greg to prison for 25 years, without parole or rights to appeal, solely on the word of a 4 year old child.”