University Trojans • Senior Spotlight
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS.
A torn ACL took most of his junior season. It did not take his purpose. Four-star safety and Baylor commit Davontrae “D-Train” Kirkland is back to lead University—and finish what he started.
THE TRAIN IS BACK.
Davontrae Kirkland has never needed much help announcing his presence. The four-star safety plays with the range to erase space, the physicality to change a possession and the confidence expected from one of Texas' most highly regarded defensive prospects. Around University, everyone simply calls him D-Train.
SAFETY • BAYLOR COMMIT
BUILT FOR
THE RETURN
Last season was supposed to be another step forward. Instead, a torn ACL brought Kirkland's junior year to an abrupt stop. The injury took away the games, but it did not change his place within the program.
Now healthy for his senior season, Kirkland returns as a leader, a tone-setter and a problem opposing offenses must account for on every snap. The comeback is bigger than recruiting attention. It is about unfinished business with the teammates and community that stood beside him.
A STANDARD SET BY SENIORS. Head coach and athletic coordinator Charles Foster believes this team's leadership begins with its veteran class. “It starts with our senior group,” Foster said. “They know the standard and the culture that we bring every day.” Kirkland embodies both.
A PROGRAM MOVING FORWARD. University enters the season after a stretch that includes at least seven wins in three consecutive years—a first in school history—and an outright district championship, its first since 1956. The next challenge is replacing departed production without losing the identity that created that progress.
MORE THAN ONE NAME. Foster points to Kirkland, LaQuan Hughes, Ro Enriquez, Leroy Thomas and Khylen Estelle among the players ready to step forward. He expects greater experience along the offensive line and in the secondary to shape this version of the Trojans.
THE HEAD COACH
CHARLES FOSTER
Sixteen years into his coaching career and entering his second season as a head coach, Foster sees a roster with new faces ready to compete—and an experienced senior group responsible for carrying the culture forward.
“It starts with our senior group. They know the standard and the culture that we bring every day.”
Kirkland's final high school season carries a clear mission: return University to the playoffs, lead from the center of its defense and close the chapter on his own terms before heading to Baylor.
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