KADE WESTON
Kade Weston expected to continue his football career when he moved to New Jersey three years ago. Instead he began a new one.
A native of Trinidad & Tobago, Weston arrived at his uncle's and aunt's home in Red Bank as a physical freak -- a 6-3, 270-pound 14-year-old so agile that he was a standout soccer goalie in his homeland.
He figured he'd join the soccer team at his new school as a way to make friends. But his sisters, who live in Brooklyn, and aunt had other ideas.
"They said I had to play football, you are playing and that's it," Weston said. "I said okay."
Red Bank football coach Harry Chebookjian was a bit more enthusiastic in his reaction.
"I know his uncle (Pete Reaves) because he's been the disciplinarian at Red Bank Middle School for years," said Chebookjian. "When I took one look at him, knowing from his uncle that he had played soccer, I knew he had the tools to be something special."
It didn't take long. Weston started for the varsity at defensive tackle as a sophomore and a year later earned First Team All-State honors by recording 118 tackles and 14 sacks. He's up to 6-6, 315 and is among the top-ranked defensive tackles in the country.
"He's still getting better, which is scary," Chebookjian said. "Every day he picks something new up. It is amazing to watch."
