Javon Kelly's rise from untested senior to state record-setting star continued Friday, as Downey High's receiver was selected to the CalHiSports.com all-state team.
The only other Stanislaus District player named to the team is Modesto Christian quarterback Isaiah Burse.
CalHiSports announced its all-state small- and medium-school teams earlier, but this team was for all players regardless of school size.
You've got to believe Kelly is the most inconceivable of the players honored Friday.
The 6-foot, 170-pounder never had played football prior to his senior year, but his 105 receptions topped the previous state regular-season record of 99. His 1,565 receiving yards was a Sac-Joaquin Section record -- the old mark was 1,535 yards, set over 13 games.
He got in the end zone, too, leading the state with 20 TD catches in the regular season.
The Knights used a potent passing attack, spreading the field and using five receivers. It made a star of quarterback Jason Lee, too: He passed for a state regular-season record 3,392 yards.
Kelly, who caught 16 passes in each of his last two games, was best known for catching short balls and using a burst of speed to gain more yards.
He expects to play football at a junior college in the fall.
Burse, runner-up for CalHiSports.com's Small School Player of the Year, is taking his talents to Fresno State. A quarterback at MC, the Bulldogs project him at receiver and Burse expects to sign his letter of intent Wednesday.
Kelly and Burse were both recently named to The Bee's All-Decade Team; Burse was the Player of the Decade.
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