Kamani Addison had no choice but to become a football player. That’s because the sport runs deep in Addison’s family bloodline.
Addison, the talented and extremely quick Lincoln High School running back, is the nephew of former Snyder High School and University of Iowa great defensive back Lou King, a member of the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame.
Addison’s cousins include current Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers, who spent the last two seasons with the New York Giants, and Courtel Jenkins, the defensive tackle for the University of Miami Hurricanes.
That’s some elite group to be related to.
“It’s pretty cool,” Addison said.
But Addison is not related to former Snyder, Syracuse and NBA hoops standout Rafael Addison.
Addison is working hard to make a name of his own, as the go-to running back in the high-powered Lincoln offensive attack.
“I was looking at myself to take the role of the premier back,” said Addison, a senior and three-year varsity contributor. “I knew I had to step up and take that role. I like it. I like the idea of being the main back. That’s mostly what I’ve been working for. When it became my time, I knew that I had to show what I can do.”
Over the previous two seasons, Addison had moments of brilliance. In 2014, Addison broke free in almost shocking fashion for an 80-yard touchdown run against Madison in the NJSIAA North Jersey Section 2, Group II semifinals.
“That was an unexplainable run,” Addison said. “After it happened, it gave me the courage and the joy to do it again. I worked hard to get to where I am.”
Last week, the Lions had a familiar foe on the regular schedule. They faced Mountain Lakes, the same team that defeated the Lions in the North 2, Group II championship game at MetLife Stadium in 2014.
“I saw Mountain Lakes on the schedule and knew that it was a revenge game for some of us,” Addison said. “It was definitely on my mind. I was thinking about that game. I knew we had to get this ‘W.’ We needed this.”
Lincoln head coach Robert Hampton knew that Addison had a world of talent and speed to burn. He was clocked at The Hun School summer camp at 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, one of the five fastest players at that prestigious camp. No one teaches that kind of speed.
“He was a wide receiver and we converted him into a running back,” Hampton said. “And he’s been running ever since. He’s not a demonstrative kid. He just runs straight ahead and then goes. I thought he would get better against the better competition. He’s just a great kid.”
Last week, Addison carried the ball 15 times against Mountain Lakes and collected 163 yards, including three touchdowns, all of 35 yards or longer. Addison’s explosion helped the Lions to secure an impressive 42-6 victory over the Herd, a seven-time NJSIAA state champion over the years.
For his efforts, Addison has been selected as The Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Week.
Hampton knew that the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Addison was ready for prime time.
“He shared the ball in the past and gained 800 yards last year,” Hampton said. “But this year, he’s probably going to go after the school’s rushing records. I knew he could do it. He provides quiet leadership. He’s very powerful and very strong.”
“That game gave me a lot of confidence,” Addison said. “I can see myself putting more points on the board. It’s our time.”
Addison said that he spent a lot of the off-season in the Lincoln weight room.
“It all starts in the weight room,” Addison said. “I had to get stronger and quicker. By the time spring football came around, I was ready. I also did a lot of football drills to work on my footwork. I also studied the opponents. That makes it easier as well.”
Addison hopes to become an NCAA Division I football player.
“That’s my No. 1 goal,” Addison said. “I can see myself at some college. That’s definitely in my mind. Not many kids get that opportunity. I’m very fortunate.”
Addison has already been recruited by Towson, Delaware State and Norfolk State. Hampton has been working hard to get another school involved.
“I’ve called Rutgers and told the coaches to look at him because of his speed,” Hampton said. “He’s starting to get noticed now.”
Addison hopes that his performance last weekend will only lead to bigger and better things.
“Personally, I hope it leads to better things,” Addison said. “My performance in the Mountain Lakes game was a big step for me. I definitely hope to expand that in the other games we have left.”
Addison just had to show he was a standout player. After all, it was all in the family. – Jim Hague
Jim Hague can be reached via e-mail at OGSMAR@aol.com