University of Connecticut Athletics
Long Trip For Anthony From Locust Grove To Storrs
9/10/2022 8:52:00 AM | Football
Sept. 10, 2022
        It's been a long road to this point in his football career for UConn sophomore defensive back Kaleb Anthony. He began his athletic career on the basketball court.
        "Growing up, I was hoopin'," Anthony said. "But, in late middle school, I started playing football."
        Yet despite Anthony not picking up football until late middle school, he was always raised around the game. With six years of experience in the CFL, his father played a big part in growing his love for the sport.
        "He played cornerback," Anthony said. "When your dad plays cornerback, he's going to teach you everything. I was just picking his brain and getting better. He's always been hard on me, so that just helped me in the long run. Looking back on it now, I really appreciate it."
        When it came time to make the jump to the college level, Anthony made the decision to be a UConn Husky and travel from Locust Grove, Ga., to Storrs. Despite being hundreds of miles away from home, he's certainly not the only Georgia-born Husky on the roster. With players like Keelan Marion and Durante Jones all growing up just 45 minutes from Anthony around Atlanta, the bond has been close.
        "Midtown boys. They're my dogs. They're my brothers," Anthony said. "Coming from the same state and keeping each other on track while we're in Connecticut, far from home, it's good for us. Just keep those Georgia boys coming in."
        While Anthony's father may be giving advice from afar, Anthony has continued to improve after making his Husky debut against Wyoming in 2021. After recording nine tackles last season, Anthony is now the starting cornerback in a new and improved UConn defense.
       Anthony says it's been a blast to work UConn DB Coach Dalton Hilliard.
        "If somebody's bringing energy, you gotta bring energy back and Coach Hilliard is always going to bring energy," Anthony said. "No matter what, he's going to always want the best out of you as a man and as a player. We're constantly growing."
        Two games into the UConn football season, Anthony gave his remarks on his play thus far.
        "I feel like I've been playing well," he said. "It can always be better, though. I'm hard on myself, so I don't think I've played up to my true potential."
        Now, with UConn set to take on a strong Syracuse team, Anthony talked about the mentality of the Huskies' defense.
        "It's us versus us. We've just got to come hard every day," Anthony said. "It's really us versus us this week, like it was last week. We're just going to come out flying."
