Harrisburg native fights through adversity to achieve pro football dreams

Harrisburg native Ronald Kent Jr. has played the game of football his entire life. Like most young athletes his dream was to one day play the game he loves professionally. The former Harrisburg High School star has completed that goal but it didn't come easy.

After going undrafted out of Central Michigan, Kent did not know what the next chapter of his life was going to look like.

"Not getting drafted, I could of easily crashed out. I could of easily lost my mind. My goal was to play in the NFL and play in the United States so when it didn't happen it crushed me" said Kent.

But Kent didn't give up. He continued to work out and stay in shape knowing that if the opportunity ever came he would be ready. Kent became a teacher at his high school alma mater and began coaching football and wrestling as well.

"Having my family checking up on me, making sure I worked out every day was very important for me. My mom, my dad, my brothers, my agent made sure I stayed in shape, they didn't give up on me" said Kent.

Earlier this year in January the BC Lions signed Kent Jr. to play professionally after not playing football for an entire year and the Harrisburg alumni made the most of his opportunity. The 5′8, 170 pound defensive back recorded 51 total tackles, including 48 solo, 1 interception and 3 pass breakups this season for the BC Lions.

"The CFL is different, I had to adjust a lot, you know receivers are running at you from 10 yards away. It was a lot of learning" said Kent.

"But one thing I always could do was tackle and cover and the coaching staff liked that about my game."

Kent has elite agility and awareness and his skillset has bolstered the BC Lions' secondary and helped lead them to another CFL playoff appearance in 2024.

"This was my first time playing in the post season since high school. At Western Carolina we didn't make the playoffs and at Central Michigan we didn't make a bowl game. The intensity of practice, the intensity of film study that goes into trying to win a playoff game was exciting to be apart of again, I missed it" said Kent.

Kent has made a big statement in his first professional season in the CFL and became a favorite of the BC Lion fanbase. Kent says his plans for the off season are to study the different types of offensive schemes.

"I cant wait to really lock in and learn the ins and outs of the game. You know there is 12 players on the field in the CFL, you have different schemes. I want to understand the game more. I want to study the concepts of what opposing offenses are trying to do."

Along with learning the ins and outs of the CFL Kent Jr. also plans to train more and put some more weight on for the long 18 game CFL season.

"The CFL season is longer so I definitely want to build my body up more" said Kent.

Ronald Kent Jr. has relentlessly overcame challenge after challenge while pursuing his football dreams. His unwavering determination and grit on the football field as well as in life will serve him well in the future.

The 2024 CFL Championship also known as the "Grey Cup" will take place on Sunday, November 17, at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. The match will feature the champions from the CFL's East and West divisions, who will be determined after the divisional finals on November 9.

In the East, the Montreal Alouettes will face the Toronto Argonauts, while in the West, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will play against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Winners of these games will advance to compete in the Grey Cup, which starts at 6:00 pm ET and will be broadcast on TSN, RDS, and CBS Sports Network in the U.S.