Good sport: Mt. Whitney 4-star football recruit Israel Briggs

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — At just 16 years old, Visalia’s Israel Briggs has celebrated more D-1 offers than birthdays.

“Especially coming from a small town like Visalia and just coming off 559, we don’t get those looks,” Briggs said.

With 17 offers from Power 5 schools like Ole Miss, Oregon and Florida.

The 4-star junior has proven to be a promising elite offensive target at 6’3″ tall and 200 pounds.

“It was pretty crazy at first to think ACC and SEC schools would call you to school,” Mt. Whitney Pioneers head coach Nathan Chamberlain said.

A three-sport athlete in basketball, track and field and football.

Chamberlain says trainers from across the country are eager to get their hands on Briggs.

“You go into a program, he gains 20 pounds and he turns 18,” Chamberlain said.

“If you look at your profile on Twitter, it says quarterback, tight end, running back, wide receiver. You’re known as a wide receiver, but if you could put it that way, what are you?” I asked.

“I am a football player. I can play anywhere that is not possible. Tight end, wide receiver, safety… I’m available anywhere,” Briggs responded.

As a sophomore last season, Briggs had 44 catches for nearly 600 yards and eight touchdowns.

Most schools are hoping to see him at the tight end position.

“How do you stay humble and focused on Mt. Whitney while you’re getting all these offers?” I asked.

“My father,” Briggs replied. “You know, that’s the greatest thing, when you can be on top of the world and everything can change in a minute.”

Briggs’ father suffered from Parkinson’s disease his entire life.

Most people on campus don’t even know what he goes through on a daily basis.

Three years ago, his caregiving duties became even more difficult when Briggs’ mother died of complications from COVID-19.

“A 14- to 15-year-old boy has to do certain things that men didn’t have to do,” Chamberlain said.

With his mother away, Briggs considered leaving the valley.

“I really thought about getting out here, but something in my heart told me from God and my mother: You don’t have to be at a big school or Mater Dei to get noticed,” Briggs said. “If you work hard and release the film, you will get some blessings.”

Briggs makes Friday nights on the field look easy, but his journey has been anything but that.

“As I was going through the ups and downs of everything, God just had a plan for me. I stuck it out and look at me now,” Briggs said.

“Any school you’re leaning towards right now?” I asked.

“I can’t say it, but I’m blessed for all 17 of them, so thank you all,” Briggs said.

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