East Kentwood cornerback Kenneth Harris pushes forward despite recent loss of his mother

BY SCOTT DECAMP

For Michigan Sports Radio

KENTWOOD — When high school football practice began Aug. 10, East Kentwood junior Kenneth Harris showed up ready to work.

On the football field, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound cornerback and Division I prospect carries himself in businesslike fashion. But that Monday was not just another day at the office for the 16-year-old.

Harris lost his mother on Sunday, Aug. 9. Kenisha Harris passed away at age 42 following a battle with bladder cancer.

“I tried to give him days off and he wouldn’t take it. He’s like, ‘I’m locked in, Coach. I’ll be there,’” said East Kentwood coach Tyrone Spencer, who calls Harris a “tough, strong kid.”

“Maybe he needed me — maybe he needed us — more than I thought. I was just glad that we could be there for him at that time. He’s a great kid and I think he’s going to really grow from the situation. We’re wishing his family the best.”

Harris said his mom was a great inspiration to him and his family.

He’s honoring her memory by continuing to go to work every day and pursuing his dreams.

“She inspired me a lot. She was our hero,” Harris said. “Like, I watched her change her life. We didn’t have much, but she made sure she always put food on the table. Now I’ve just got make sure her sacrifice means something.”

Harris has an eye on the big picture and his future, but he’s focused on the here and now. And, right now, it’s time to kick off the 2026 season.

Coming off a 10-3 campaign and Division 1 state semifinals appearance against eventual state champion Detroit Catholic Central last fall, East Kentwood is looking to take the next step. The ultimate goal is a state title, but Harris and the Falcons are taking a game-by-game, process-driven approach.

East Kentwood opens the season tonight (Aug. 27) with a home game against Southfield A&T, which won the Division 1 state crown in 2023. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Falcon Stadium.

“We went 10-3, but now this year everybody’s looking at us,” Harris said. “They’re expecting us to come up big and we’re just ready to show everyone what this year’s team can do because last year really doesn’t matter.

“Obviously, the goal is to win a state championship, but right now we’re just going game by game — just focusing right now on Southfield (A&T) and the next week — whoever we play.”

It won’t get any easier next week for East Kentwood, which visits Byron Center. Then, it’s time for the OK Red gauntlet, which Harris believes will prepare the Falcons for another long playoff run.

Harris is confident that East Kentwood is up to the challenge. With a lock-down duo at cornerback, featuring another Division I prospect in junior Austin Nelson opposite Harris, that’s a great place to start. Both are very athletic players. 

Harris possesses the prototypical frame for the secondary, including a 6-foot-6 wingspan. He likes model his style after Denver Broncos star cornerback Patrick Surtain. It’s no wonder schools such as Louisville, Memphis, Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), and Toledo have offered him.

As a sophomore last season, Harris filled the role of East Kentwood’s No. 3  cornerback. He notched 17 tackles and one interception. He has climbed the depth chart and he’s poised to really make his mark.

“You just look at him, he’s long, tall — just a long guy, athletic guy, track dude,” Nelson said. “He’s a physical specimen and that’s what makes him scary. He’s got long arms — as a corner, that’s one of the best traits to have.”

Harris also excels in track and field, an All-American in the long jump and New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet qualifier in hurdles. He’s been a “track guy” for a while, so his skills from that sport certainly help on the football field as well.

“I feel like my ability to go get the ball, to get out of my breaks (are his strengths),” Harris said. “I feel like I’ve got very good movement, like my technique is great — getting out of my backpedal, flipping my hips, tracking the ball, going and getting the ball.”

Harris, a 3.3 student, has NFL hopes and plans. Regardless of what happens in football, he plans to explore real estate or maybe become a principal as possible career paths.

Harris began playing football in seventh grade. He’s come a long way since the beginning and continues to show growth as a player and young man entering his third varsity season.

“That guy, man, he’s grown a lot over just a year,” East Kentwood senior receiver  Stephan Jones said. “This summer, I think he’s grown a lot. His perseverance, I think he’s used that as motivation a lot. Even before his mother passed (he was highly motivated). I feel like he’s a great guy. I think he comes out here, brings our team energy, our defense energy. He’s one of the top corners in Michigan, I feel.”

When practice officially began Aug. 10, there was no doubt in Harris’ mind that he’d be there in spite of it being a very traumatic time with the loss of his mother.

He kept pushing forward.

“I mean, I just laid it all out on the field,” said Harris, the son of Terrel Harris. “When I come (to the field), I’m ready to go. I don’t let my emotions get in the way of (football). I keep my emotions inside … (His mother) inspires me.”

Harris’ teammates certainly recognize and appreciate the maturity and leadership traits that he brings to the table.

He’s been through a lot but keeps his head up and eyes locked on the prize.

“I think he’s handled it very well because some teenagers, you know, maybe they don’t play sports, maybe they don’t come out the next day after that happened,” Nelson said. “His mom died on (a) Sunday morning. Monday, a day (later and he was) back. 

“He’s been phenomenal even after his mom passed. Just to push through everything he’s been through and still put a smile on his face, coming out (to practice) for the team, it’s just amazing. He’s special.”

Featured photo at the top: East Kentwood junior cornerback Kenneth Harris (1) is focused on a drill during practice Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at Falcon Stadium in Kentwood, Mich. (Photo | Scott DeCamp)