Photo by Ethan Florence

Khalil Sanogo, 11, stands with teammates before the football game against Chisholm Trail on Sept. 6.

Breaking down in happiness, junior Khalil Sanogo celebrates with his mom in their living room realizing that his dreams of playing college football is turning to reality as he receives a call from the University of North Texas regarding a Division 1 offer. Sanogo earned his first offer over the summer and expects more to come.

Sanogo attended summer training camps for Texas Christian University, Southern Methodist University, University of Oklahoma, University of Houston and the University of Texas at San Antonio in order to further develop as a player and gain recognition from college coaches.

“I can’t let this attention get to my head so quickly,” Sanogo said. “That’s one thing my dad told me. You can’t be satisfied, you gotta stay humble.”

Immediately after receiving the call from UNT coaches, Sanogo was reminded to stay humble and remember how far he has come as a player since moving from playing basketball in Alabama. Basketball was Sanogo’s main sport until his sophomore year. After getting hurt, he made the decision to focus completely on football after he fully recovered.

“I was a lot better at basketball,” Sanogo said. “I stopped this year after realizing that I can really go somewhere with football”

Even when feeling unmotivated, Sanogo stays disciplined and works through mental roadblocks to stay consistent in his training.

“Some ways I stay motivated is just thinking about all the work I’ve done so far,” Sanogo said. “I remind myself that [being undisciplined] won’t fly at the next level.” 

Making the varsity football team in his sophomore year, Sanogo earned the role of a leader on his team. His teammates and coaches look to him this season to provide leadership and structure this year, and next year.

“His work ethic is tremendous on the field and in the weight room,” Head Football Coach Jeff Hulme said. “He is only a junior so he will only get better and stronger. My expectations are for him to improve every day.”

Despite Sanogo not having much vocal leadership or locker room presence, Sanogo leads the team by example and sets the standard for his teammates on the field, practice and weight room.

“I feel he will turn into more of a vocal leader as he continues to mature and grow,” Coach Hulme said. “ He is a junior and not real vocal but works extremely hard.”

On top of working toward his personal goals of playing at the collegiate level, Sanogo builds towards leading his team this season by working around the diverse personalities and play styles with new players joining, and seniors leaving.

“Even after just [a few] games I’m really confident in this team,” Sanogo said. “They’re a confident group of guys, [but] we just got to stay vigilant, keep our heads down and keep working.”