UWA's Office to play in Blue-Gray game
By Staff
Special to the Star
Dec. 15, 2000
For the first time in school history, a University of West Alabama football player has been invited to play in the Kelly Tires Blue-Gray All-Star Classic to be held on Christmas day in Montgomery, Ala.
Butler native Kendrick Office has been a mainstay on the defensive line at West Alabama for the past four years, and will conclude his collegiate career on a national stage in front of millions of people.
Office came to UWA from Choctaw County High School, where he was voted team MVP in both football and basketball. In his senior campaign on the gridiron, Office posted lofty numbers, including 80 tackles, 20 sacks and three fumble recoveries. Once at West Alabama, it did not take Office long to make an impression on his coaches, as he started all 10 games as a true freshman, recording 36 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
The 6-foot-5, 252-pound defensive end only got better as he anchored a defensive front at UWA that ranked among the top in all of the Gulf South Conference. In a total of 41 games, Office started 39 of them. Over an impressive career, he totaled 166 tackles including 72 unassisted, 23 for a loss (-131 yards) and 14.5 sacks (-126 yards).
As for the game itself, Office views it as an opportunity to showcase his talents on a national stage. "Football has always been fun for me, and that is how I'm going to take this game," remarked Office. "My first goal is to do the best I can, but I also want to enjoy the experience and have fun."
When the pro scouts look at Office, they see a 250-pound lineman with above average speed that excels at rushing the passer and plays tough against the run. They also see a young man with the work ethic of a champion and a burning desire to win.
Office, however, is quick to not take all of the credit for his success.
When Office makes the trip to Montgomery, he will not only be representing himself and the University of West Alabama, but he will be representing Division II football. Office wholeheartedly believes that Division II athletes are fully capable of competing at the professional level, and will take stage in Montgomery in just under three weeks with the full intention of proving that belief to the nation.
As for the future, Office is willing to just play hard and let the other things take care of themselves. "I hope that I can continue to play football at the next level," closed Office. "But I'm not going to worry about it. I'm just going to go onto the football field and do what I do, and let my actions speak for themselves."
