Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org
A former Christiansburg High School football player will continue his playing career at Campbell University. Xavier Kane played the past two seasons at Blue Ridge School, an all-boys boarding college preparatory school, near Charlottesville.
He felt as soon as he stepped foot on campus, it had a feel that could be there for the next four years and be happy with or without football.
“What was big for me was that it was a family atmosphere. Also, the coaching staff was all about life after football. I had to have the mindset of, this is 40-year decision not just a four-year decision,” he said.
Last season, Kane passed for 1,900 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also rushed for 750 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, which he is expected to play at Campbell, he had 40 tackles, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups.
He was named first team all-conference at both quarterback and defensive back, first team All-Central Virginia at QB, first team all-state (VIC) at QB and second team all-state at defensive back.
“I had an amazing experience at Blue Ridge, playing with multiple high caliber Division 1 athletes such as Aamir Simms for Clemson, and Jahlil Puryear playing at Hampton. Playing with such guys whether on the field, the court or in the classroom they were always pushing you to be better. Blue Ridge as set me up for the college life like no other. Without Blue Ridge, I wouldn’t be who I am to this day,” Kane said.
An estimated 200 students attend Blue Ridge from 33 states and 10 foreign countries. At Christiansburg High School, Kane led the football team as a sophomore, playing QB and DB.
Campbell competes in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision and are members of the Big South Conference.
Campbell finished 2018 at 6-5 overall and 1-4 in its inaugural Big South season. With six wins, the Camels secured back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in the program’s modern era (since 2008), and tied an overall program record for victories.
Former Carolina Panthers standout and Nebraska Football Hall of Famer Mike Minter completed his sixth season as head football coach at Campbell.
Kane said his college goals are simple.” Go in make an impact for my team and help them win games. Off the field, I hope to enjoy the moment, not to take anything for granted and to put my best foot forward in anything I do,” he said.
Kane plans to major in business at Campbell with a focus in marketing and a minor in homeland security.