Burnet’s Maynard takes steps toward realizing his college dream

Several Highland Lakes athletes are using the summer to take a step closer to turning their dreams into reality, including Burnet senior offensive lineman Kaleb Maynard.

He attended camps at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Tarleton State University and the University of Incarnate Word and will head to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La. July 2 with one goal — to earn a football scholarship.

“Their coaches sent me an invitation,” he said. “They have been looking at me and my tape. All the coaches have been really nice, really cool.”

The 6-foot-3-inch, 320-pounder has learned new techniques that will help him and the Bulldogs, adding he has faced high school and junior college players who are similar in size and strength who pose great challenges. The best way to improve, he said, is to keep practicing, especially his hand placement.

“Being around good competition brings out the competitor in me,” he said. “You’re going against other kids from Dallas and Houston. You’re getting more exposure. I need to make sure I keep giving good effort on every play.”

Maynard is one of three Burnet returners expected to anchor the line and protect senior quarterback Tanner O’Hair. The others are center Cameron Stires and Jesse Bachmayer, who is the left tackle. Other senior linemen include Knox Ward and Dalton Orrison. These players have worked together for years and should provide valuable leadership.

The camps weren’t all about going up against other lineman. Coaches also had drills that called for flipping tires, running and lifting other objects. Each camp was between 2-3 hours.

Maynard noted the extra work has been worth it.

“It’s my dream to play college ball anywhere,” he said. “It teaches you much better technique to get at the next level. It teaches you how perfect you need to be on technique when you get there.”

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