Diamond in the Rough: WR D’Khai Joseph, East St. John (Reserve, La.)

Located in southeast Louisiana between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, the River Parishes have always produced talent that includes former and current NFL greats Justin Jefferson, Ed Reed and Jarvis Landry. However, there are sometimes kids that often get overlooked.

One of those kids is wide receiver D’Khai Joseph out of East St. John High School in Reserve, Louisiana. Despite measuring at 5’10, 160 pounds, he is a big-time playmaker who is not afraid of the bright lights. Joseph had over 850 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns to close out the 2023 season. Last season, Joseph racked up 62 catches for 1,271 yards and 19 touchdowns while averaging 20.1 yards per catch.

Interestingly, Joseph did not start playing football until he got into high school when he joined East St. John’s as a freshman.

Despite his lack of experience compared to some of his teammates and kids in the area, Joseph stood out because of his elite speed. Joseph’s 40-yard dash time was recorded at 4.4, making him a dangerous deep threat that will give opposing defensive coordinators nightmares.

Joseph has also gone up against some pretty stiff competition as six-time state champion Destrehan and two-time state champion Hahnville also reside in the same district that the Wildcats are in. Matter of fact, he has had to go up against some of the best defensive backs in the nation, including Ole Miss commit Anthony Robinson, Jr.

His favorite player is Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. During Williams’ time at Alabama, he was a deep threat for the Crimson Tide’s prolific passing attack.
Off the field, Joseph is a great student as he has a 3.8 GPA.

“School is first, football is second,” Joseph said. “Without academics, there is no football.”
Joseph is committed to Southeastern Louisiana. He also has offers from Alabama State, Alcorn State, Louisiana Tech and Nicholls State.

“The love they showed me made it feel like home as they saw something in me that nobody else did,” Joseph said on why he committed to Southeastern Louisiana.

Joseph said that head coach Brandon Brown and coach Jarrod “Bam” Jackson have been his biggest motivators throughout his entire high school career.

“I want to be remembered as someone who always worked hard, had a big heart and is doing what it takes to lead my team to victory,” Joseph said about how he would want people to remember his time at East St. John High School.