When Mick and I first received the list of schools we were going to visit for the Team USA Road Tour I was very excited to see Detroit’s Renaissance High School.  While I didn’t know specifics about the school I was familiar with the name because of Renaissance alumni Malik Harrison, and Tajuan Porter. Two star basketball players who eventually played at the University of Oregon, where I was a student at the time. Being a Public school in the city of Detroit I didn’t know what to expect, but after visiting it I was very impressed. While Renaissance High has amassed trophy cases full of State Championships, the school was originally founded on academics, and the tradition still holds strong.

Head football coach Antiono Watts greeted us at his office where the walls were covered with scholarship offers for players, and business cards of top college football programs from all across the country. As we waited for Team USA linebacker Chris Norman to arrive Coach Watts spoke to us about the mission of Renaissance High. It was about excellence, and not specifically athletics, but academics and life as well. The school is one of a few magnet schools in Detroit and only accepts the best students. With 7,000 applicants for the incoming freshman class of 300, they can afford to be picky. Which makes the school that much more impressive, having a 100% college attendance rate to go with its athletic achievements, and it was evident in the way Chris handled him self during the interview.

When Chris walked into Coach Watt’s office wearing a collared shirt and tie and greeted Mick and I as “Sir” I immediately knew this guy was special. It’s was obvious he had the athletic ability because he was selected for Team USA, but his beyond-his-years maturity and demeanor was a pleasant surprise. He was very polished for his age, a testament to Coach Watts and the entire Reinsurance staff. The word “character” came up numerous times during our visit to the school. More then power, speed, or any other words associated with football players, an emphasis that will prove invaluable to team USA.

Before we left Coach Watts walked us around the school, showing off the numerous awards, including the National Ribbon of Honor for academic excellence. We even had an opportunity to drop in on Principle Mrs. Russell-Jones, who couldn’t help but show the excitement she had for Chris to be playing in the IFAF Junior World Championship.

Visiting Detroit Renaissance was a very great experience. It was great to see first hand that a school can succeed on the field without letting its academics suffer. There are many situations where one overtakes the other, but not at Detroit Renaissance, a tribute to the community and staff of the school. I’m excited for the next school, and see how it stacks up to such an amazing program.-

- Matt

We’re looking forward to catching up with Michigan State-bound linebacker Chris Norman. Norman, 6′2, 218-lbs is considered the state’s No. 2 overall prospect by the Lansing State Journal. He will join fellow MSU recruit, Micajah Reynolds on Team USA this summer. Norman, a three year start at Detroit Renaissance High School had 109 tackles as a senior, including 34 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

Renaissance High School, nationally recognized for academic excellence, is an example that you don’t have to send your kids to private school or the suburbs to get a high-quality education. In addition, Renaissance has strong athletic programs. Most noteworthy; the girls track and field team have won seven Class B State Championships since 2000.

Under Head Coach Antonio Watts, Renaissance High School has produced talented football players who go on to earn scholarships at quality schools such as Notre Dame, Michigan, and Michigan State. Norman will be joined at Michigan State with fellow classmate WR/DB Dana Dixon. The team has made numerous playoff appearances, including winning a division championship in their first varsity season. The football team won their first city championship in 2004, and repeated in 2007.

Previously : Interview with LB Storm Klein’s high school coach.

The USA Football Road Tour will be passing through Detroit, Michigan on this date:

• Thu, April 30

Check back on this post to see where Matt and Mick will be setting up or follow the Road Tour’s Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/TeamUSAFootball.