After being dominated by quarterbacks and linebackers alike, we finally get another skill position that earns the Gridiron Football Player of the Week this time for Week 6 and that is New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis.
“Honestly, I’m grateful. It’s good to be in the spotlight, but I’m not satisfied with it. I want to accomplish more.”
New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) 2026 RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis
Kendrick is the first player this year to have won the award despite his team being on the losing end losing last week 44-41 to Sulphur, but all of the Yellow Jackets’ touchdowns came from him. In one of the most impressive stat lines that you will see, he had 40 carries for 350 yards and five touchdown plus another 5 catches for 102 yards and a receiving touchdown. Altogether, he touched the ball 45 times for 452 yards and six total touchdowns in the game, which is Madden like numbers.
“I wasn’t surprised with the stat line. I know what I’m capable of doing given the work I put in.”
New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) 2026 RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis
His head coach Derek Landry can vouch for him about the amount of work that his versatile running back/wide receiver puts in. Coach Landry said that Jeanlewis started off the season as a slot receiver and now, he is the team’s leading running back. Through six games, Jeanlewis has 100 carries for 817 yards and 10 touchdowns while also having 23 catches for 350 yards and two more touchdowns. Having the ability to run, catch, and even block has made the Yellow Jackets’ triple threat a player that is severely flying under the radar.
“He has a similar skillset to some of the guys that I’ve coached at Westgate like Amaaz Eugene (Northwestern State) and Dedrick Latulas (Louisiana Tech). Both are starting at Division I programs right now and if you look at him, don’t let the size fool you because again, he’s the same size as those guys as well and he does everything. He doesn’t give me any problems. He’s not a troublemaker. He’s a very humble kid and like I said, he’s the complete package as an athlete. You’d be crazy not to come in and give him a shot.”
New Iberia HC Derek Landry
What is even more insane is that Jeanlewis is putting up these numbers and he is not at 100%. Coach Landry stated that he is probably around 85% and if he was at 100%, he would also be returning kicks and punts, which only adds to those numbers.
A lot of people would be satisfied with what Jeanlewis is doing. What he did last week against Sulphur is a season’s worth for a lot of players, but yet, he is still not satisfied.
“I feel I could have done more in order to help the team win. Us not winning, I take accountability for a loss. I always feel like that’s on me because I should be better. I’m always looking to be better whether it anything I’m doing: receiving, throwing, rushing, anything. Even in school, I just want to get better.”
New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) 2026 RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis
Not only is Kendrick Jeanlewis’ ability, but his drive to become great is another reason why colleges should give him the opportunity to play at the next level.
“Like Coach said, I got it all. I’m the complete package. I could do everything, but I don’t think it’s more so my game. I think it’s more so my mentality of approaching the game.”
New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) 2026 RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis
Kendrick Jeanlewis got emotional when he found out that there was another surprise for him as he has earned an invite to play in the 2025 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game that will be played on Tuesday, December 30th at Louisiana Christian University in Pineville, Louisiana in front of college coaches.
“Like I said in the beginning, I’m grateful. I want to thank God. I’m kind of at a loss for words because I’m grateful for real. Honestly, I’m trying not to cry right now man. I’m grateful and I don’t have nothing much else to say.”
New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) 2026 RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis
Kendrick Jeanlewis wanted to make sure to give a shoutout to the NISH community as he won the fan vote for player of the week and will get a special “Gridiron Football Player of the Week” letterman jacket patch thanks to receiving 18,096 votes.
“I’m honestly not even surprised with it. I got the best supporting cast ever. I want to thank God, my mom, my dad for supporting me when I was small, Coach Landry for giving me this opportunity, and my teammates because I couldn’t have done it without them.”
New Iberia High School (New Iberia, LA) 2026 RB/WR Kendrick Jeanlewis
Here are the winners this year so far for the Gridiron Football Player of the Week! Week 4’s finalists will be revealed right here at www.gridironfootballusa.com on Monday afternoon!
Week 1: St. Amant (LA) 2026 QB Cooper Babin
Week 2: Pine (LA) 2026 LB Cadyn Stogner
Week 3: Buckeye (LA) 2026 LB Ty Curtis
Week 4: Grand Lake (LA) 2026 QB JJ Labove
Week 5: Lake Arthur (LA) 2027 LB Wyatt Monceaux
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