Jimmy Kerr To Continue His Football And Academic Career At Slippery Rock
Photo above courtesy of Brinley Kiskadden-BK Media – Jimmy with his family (front) Brady Ion, Jimmy, and Megan Kerr, (back) Taylor Ion, Madison Kerr, and Lucas Ion
Central Clarion Wildcat offensive and defensive line standout Jimmy Kerr signed his National Letter of Intent (NLI) to continue his football career playing for Slippery Rock University, on NLI Initial Signing Day, February 5th, in the Clarion Area High School library.
On hand for Jimmy’s special signing event were family members, friends and Wildcats’ head coach Davey Eggleton and assistant coaches, Dave Louder and Mike Hindman.
Coach Eggleton had this to say, “I am very excited for Jimmy’s signing to Slippery Rock. It is one of the top Division II programs in the country.
“Jimmy has been a great player for us the past 3 years. He has dominated on the offensive line earning multiple All-Conference and All-State Awards.
“I am excited to see how he grows as a player and a person at the next level. They are getting a top notch young man, who has been a great role model for other student athletes. I am excited to see the impact he makes at Slippery Rock.”
Jimmy and his offensive line mates that paved the way for 2,856 yards on the ground and provided protection so the Wildcats could amass 3,537 yards through the air this past season. Combined the yardage total was 6,393, an average of 426.2 yards-per-game.
Although he is always reluctant to talk about personal achievements, we were able twist Jimmy’s arm and get him to list some of his major awards. “Throughout my high school football career, I’ve been honored to receive several awards and recognitions that reflect the hard work I’ve put into the game. I’m a three-time First Team All-State offensive lineman and a three-time All-Conference offensive lineman, as well as a two-time D9 Lineman of the Year.
“(I was) invited to Pittsburgh’s top 150 camp. Ranked 15th O-Line in the Class of 2025 in Pa. I’ve also been invited to play in all-star games, including the Frank Varischetti All-Star Game, the Lezzer Lumber Classic, and the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA) East-West Game.
“These achievements mean a lot to me, and I’m grateful for the coaches, teammates, and family who have supported me along the way.”
Slippery Rock’s football team, which is consistently one of the top teams in the NCAA DII Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC), is guided by coach Shawn Lutz.
Coach Lutz shared a little of his background, “I’ve been here at Slippery Rock University for over 25 years. I’ve played college football at West Virginia University. I got my Master’s Degree at Slippery Rock here, and I’m going on my eighth year as head football coach and we’re real excited.”
“We had one of our best teams in school history. We end up being third in the country. We won our region in the National Playoffs. We’ve been to the National Playoffs now, six years in a row and we were beating Ferris (in the DII semifinal) going into the fourth quarter.” Ferris was the eventual national champion.
“Our goal is to win a national championship. We’ve been so close, and that’s what the call is.”
How does Jimmy fit into the Big Picture? “I think if it wasn’t even for the transfer portal, he would even have higher offers. He had one Double A offer. You know, first of all, we love Jimmy Kerr because of his success. He’s a winner, you know, they’ve (Central Clarion) been. They were in the state championship game.
“The things we like about Jimmy is the most physicality. He’s such a physical guy. He is strong. He can move people. That’s number one. Number two, He’s good athlete for how big he is. I really like him. I think he’ll get even better. We think he’s one of our top guys. We think he can play right away.
“I just think that the biggest intangible thing for success is really his work ethic to just drive how good he wants to be. I but I don’t know if there’s a better offensive lineman when it comes to just dominating people and driving them off of football than Jimmy Kerr?
“She (Jimmy’s mother) is a grinder, I think she does stuff with contracts or something like that. She came on a visit. But mom is just so driven. When we went over the offer, she was crying in the office. You could just tell the love. She never misses his games. She’s a big fan of his and takes it just seriously (as Jimmy).”
“That’s what it’s all about. I know they had a great quarterback there. You know, the quarterback gets a lot of attention. He’s going to Clarion, but Jimmy Kerr does not take the back seat to anybody. I just think he comes from a great family. Hard working family, their dedication is Relentless.”
“We want our guys to have that Relentless approach and Jimmy has all those intangibles we’re looking for. That’s how we built this Championship program.”
One thing that impressed Jimmy about Slippery Rock, was that their offensive line coach Chris Conrad played for the Steelers.
Coach Conrad shared about his playing days and how a career ending injury, was a blessing in disguise.
“Offensive Line Coach Chris Conrad: “I’m originally from Southern California. I played college football at Fresno State University. Then I had the opportunity after my senior year to go in the NFL and was lucky enough to get drafted by the Steelers in the 1998 draft class. I was drafted sixty-sixth overall in the top of the third round by the Steelers.
“I played for three years, but I ended up breaking my neck during preseason, and then basically had to walk away from the game. Once I walked away from the football game I basically got into coaching. I started coaching at the high school level.
“I coached the Chandler Area High School. That’s where I thought I was going to be. A high school teacher and a college coach or a high school teacher and a high school coach, but really, I found the college game to be just be a little more interesting. That’s what I wanted to do.
“I was lucky enough to go to Carnegie Mellon. That’s where I started college coaching. I was there for about three years. Then I had the opportunity to go to Slippery Rock and I came here as a volunteer coach for three years until I got hired full time.
“I’ve been here now going on seeing my 13th or 14th year here at Slippery Rock. Which is tremendous. Doing what I love is is a beautiful thing, especially coaching up front, the guys up front.”
“Talking about Big Jim, I mean he’s been on my recruiting boards for a while. I knew him since, basically, he was a sophomore when he came to one of our football camps. Watched him grow and develop. That was huge.
“I thought he basically had a tremendous senior year, just the way he plays very physical; Road Grader, type of person.
“That’s something we always look for on film.
“But when it comes down to it, you know, just really meeting with him and the family, they basically fit the mold of Slippery Rock football. It’s one of those things we always talk about character and production.
“He’s a very high Character Grade.
“And you know, the staff loved them, loved meeting them as a family. And I think that’s why we offered them. We are lucky enough get them (the family) to commit to Slippery Rock, and hopefully he’ll have one hell of a career here.”
Jimmy is equally impressed with the Rock. “What I really like about the Slippery Rock football program is the strong culture of success and development, especially within the offensive line.
“The coaching staff is top-tier, and I have a lot of respect for the offensive line coach and what he brings to the table his knowledge, coaching style, and ability to help me grow and maximize my potential really stood out to me.
“The program’s commitment to winning and developing players both on and off the field makes it the perfect place for me to take my game to the next level.
“Plus, the atmosphere at their venue is electric, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.
“I chose Slippery Rock University because it offers me the incredible opportunity to play football at a high level while earning a full scholarship. It has always been a major goal of mine to go to college for free. The coaching staff is outstanding, and I truly believe I can develop and achieve great things within their program.
“Plus, it’s not too far from home, which is a big plus, allowing me to stay close with family and friends while focusing on my athletic and academic success.”
Jimmy plans to pursue a degree in Criminology.
His grandfather’s influence is what drives his career plans.
“After college, I plan to use my criminology degree to pursue a career as a game warden and state police officer. Protecting wildlife and enforcing the law have always been passions of mine and following in the footsteps of my grandfather Jim Parker.”
Jimmy is thankful for all who recruited him. “I’m incredibly grateful for all the college football coaches who took the time to recruit me, whether it was visiting me at school, coming to my house, or inviting me to visit their programs. Schools like West Point/Army, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, VMI, Lehigh, Temple, Buffalo, Youngstown State, West Virginia, Clarion, St Francis, Slippery Rock, Indiana University, and Lock Haven all showed interest in me, and I truly appreciate the opportunities they offered.
“It was an amazing experience getting to meet so many great coaches and learning about their programs, and I’m thankful for the time and effort they put into recruiting me.”
So many others to thank. “I want to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey my coaches, teammates, family , and my girlfriend.
“To my coaches, I truly appreciate all the time and effort you’ve put into making me a better player and person. You’ve always had me prepared for game weeks and practices, and beyond football, you’ve taught me valuable life lessons that I’ll carry with me forever.
“To my teammates, I couldn’t have asked for a better group to compete with. The bonds we’ve built on and off the field mean everything to me.”
“To my mom thank you for always being there, for never missing a game, no matter how cold, rainy, or far it was. Your unconditional support means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be here without you.
“To my mom and my stepdad I’m beyond grateful for all the sacrifices you’ve made, traveling six or more hours at times just to take me to football visits and camps to help me chase my dreams. And to my family and girlfriend, thank you for always believing in me and being by my side. I couldn’t have done this without all of you.”
Jimmy’s mom, Megan Parker Kerr shared about her joy. “Jimmy is a testament to what happens when you work hard. From backyard games and peewee football through varsity and now onto college football he has been so dedicated to do the best he can and has worked so hard to get to this point.
“He wears that football jersey with such pride. I’m so proud of the man he’s becoming, both as a football player and as a person. His character is unwavering. He shows genuine care for others and tries helping where he can.
“I’m lucky to be his biggest fan in the stands! Keep grinding & shining son! I can’t wait to see him play for SRU. September can’t come fast enough!”
(Congratulations to Jimmy and his family, the Wildcats and the Rock!!!! Thanks to everyone who contributed to this article!!)