‘FANG’TASTIC LEADER: Cobras relying on multi-talented Calhoun

 ‘FANG’TASTIC LEADER: Cobras relying on multi-talented Calhoun

Senior Devvin Calhoun is ready to lead Canton’s football team during its first season as the Cobras. PHOTO BY LG FRAMES

Throughout his accomplished decade-long football career that started as a 7-year-old with the Plymouth-Canton Steelers, Canton senior Devvin Calhoun has almost always had his older-by-one-year brother Dillon to lean on during the ups and downs that have unfolded on the gridiron.

Dillon Calhoun graduated in June, meaning his younger brother will be swimming in uncharted waters this fall.

“Except for the year he was a freshman at Canton and I was an eighth-grader playing for the Steelers, Dillon and I have been teammates almost the entire way,” reflected Devvin Calhoun.

“I’m going to miss having Dillon as a teammate because — along with being able to play with my brother — he’s the one who, after a bad play, would calm me down when I came off the field.”

On the bright side, Devvin Calhoun will rarely be coming off the field during Canton’s 2024 season, which kicks off Aug. 30 at Temperance-Bedford.

Two-way contributor

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound difference-maker is in line to serve as the Cobras’ starting quarterback as well a a first-stringer in the team’s defensive secondary.

“I’m excited about the possibility of playing both ways,” said Calhoun, “because, honestly, I don’t like coming off the field.”

Devvin Calhoun during one of his rare breaks at a Canton football camp
Devvin Calhoun during one of his rare breaks at a Canton football camp

Calhoun’s excitement is shared by first-year Canton Head Coach Eric Newton, who has been impressed by his senior’s ability and character.

“Not long after I was hired, I had a nice conversation with Devvin and he asked great questions about our scheme and the direction we’d be leading the team,” said Newton. “Once we got on the field — and in the weight room — for the first time, I loved watching the leadership skills he displayed. He would go out of his way to help teammates with their workouts, things like that.

“Devvin bought in to what we want to do right away and the other seniors and juniors — some of whom may have been iffy given the history of coaching changes here — follow him, so his leadership has helped with the transition.”

Rare scenario

Newton will be the Cobras’ seniors’ and juniors’ third head coach in the past three seasons — a scenario few high school football players experience.

Devvin Calhoun shows off his defensive ball hawking skills during a 7 on 7 game
Devvin Calhoun shows off his defensive ball hawking skills during a 7 on 7 game

“Obviously, coaching changes are hard, but this new coaching staff has really made it easy for us,” Calhoun said. “Coach Newton has made sure they’re not rushing us into anything; they adding new plays and alignments gradually so we’re not overwhelmed.

“Our 7-on-7 games have gone great. We’ve really only lost one game, which I credit to my chemistry with our returning skill players like Nick Parrish and the other receivers. This is a solid group all-around.”

The Calhoun brothers’ work ethic and dedication to be the best has spilled over from the football field to the business world as they are key players in the success of Plymouth’s PS Nutrition Cafe, which was launched by their dad, Ron, earlier this year.

“Whether it’s making shakes at PS or playing sports, I love to compete,” Calhoun said, smiling. “I loved playing football the first time I stepped on a field with the Steelers.”

Epic comeback

Of the many memory-making games Calhoun was a part of with the Steelers, one stands out, he said.

“My JV year, we got blown out by West Bloomfield our first game of the season,” he said. “When we played them again on homecoming, we trailed 28-0 at halftime but ended up beating them in overtime. That’s a game I’ll never forget.”

Calhoun wants to play football at the next level before moving on to a successful business career — and he already has sparked interest from collegiate programs.

“100% I want to play college football,” he said. “But a lot of that will depend on my senior season.”

Ed Wright can be reached at 734-664-4657 or edwright@socialhousenews.com. 

Dillon Ron and Devvin Calhoun inside their PS Nutrition Cafe in Plymouth
Dillon Ron and Devvin Calhoun inside their PS Nutrition Cafe in Plymouth

Ed Wright

Related post