Before he was the guy chasing down Budda Baker like a heat-seeking missile or making NFL cornerbacks look like middle schoolers, Dekaylin Zecharius Metcalf was just a kid in Mississippi. Well, "just a kid" is a stretch. Even at Oxford High School, the dude was basically a laboratory experiment.
Most people think DK Metcalf just woke up one day with 1.6% body fat and the ability to run a 4.33. But his high school days in Oxford were a wild mix of triple jumps, power forward blocks, and a receiving stat line that honestly looks like a video game on rookie mode. He didn't just play; he loomed over the entire state of Mississippi.
The Oxford High School Era: More Than Just Football
If you only know Metcalf for his viral combine photos, you're missing the best part of the story. At Oxford High, he was a three-sport nightmare for opposing coaches. He wasn't just a football specialist. He was a First-Team All-American (MaxPreps and U.S. Army) who caught 224 passes for 3,302 yards.
Think about those numbers for a second.
Most high school wideouts are lucky to break 1,000 yards in a career. DK averaged over 14 yards every single time he touched the ball and hauled in 49 touchdowns. It’s kind of ridiculous when you see the old film—he was already 6'3" and pushing 200 pounds as a teenager, going up against 5'9" corners who were just trying to survive the Friday night.
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A Hoops Star? Honestly, Yeah.
Basketball wasn't just a hobby for him. Metcalf played power forward for the Chargers, and he wasn't just there to take up space. He was a double-double threat. In 2016, his senior year, he helped lead Oxford to a 20-10 record.
There’s this one game against Canton where he basically took over. It wasn't about finesse; it was about the fact that no one in the 5A classification could keep him off the glass. He used those same hands that were catching fades in the end zone to rip down rebounds and block shots into the third row.
The Track and Field Freak Show
We have to talk about the track. This is where the "DK Metcalf high school" legend really separates from the pack. Usually, guys his size are throwers. They put the shot or toss the discus.
Not DK.
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He was a hurdler. Imagine a 210-pound freight train coming at you over the 110m hurdles. He clocked a personal record of 14.89 seconds in the 110m hurdles at the 2016 MHSAA 5A State Championships.
- Triple Jump: 46' 5" (Yeah, he could fly even then).
- 300m Hurdles: 40.11 seconds.
- 4x100 Relay: He was the anchor because, obviously.
He finished second in the state in both the triple jump and the high hurdles during his senior year. It’s that track background that explains why he can maintain top-end speed for 100 yards today. He’s not just fast for a big guy; he’s technically a sprinter who happens to be built like a Greek god.
Recruiting: The 4-Star "Underdog"
It’s kind of funny looking back, but DK wasn't a 5-star recruit. 247Sports and Rivals had him as a 4-star prospect. He was ranked as the No. 70 overall player in the country and the 14th-best wide receiver.
Why wasn't he No. 1?
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Scouts back then actually questioned his "lateral agility" and his "route tree." They saw a guy who could run past anyone and outjump everyone but wondered if he could do the technical stuff. Most of the big schools came calling anyway—Alabama, Auburn, and Cal all wanted him. But honestly, he was never going anywhere else but Ole Miss. His dad, Terrence Metcalf, was an All-American offensive lineman for the Rebels. The legacy was already written.
Why the High School Stats Matter Now
When you look at DK Metcalf today, you're looking at the finished product of the Oxford Chargers' development program. They didn't just let him be a "big target." They moved him around. They used him in the return game. They let him jump.
If you're a high school athlete or a coach, the takeaway here is simple: Don't specialize too early. DK’s ability to track a ball in the air? That’s the triple jumper in him. His physicality at the line of scrimmage? That’s the power forward. His closing speed? That’s the hurdler. He became a freak of nature because he spent four years doing everything.
Actionable Insights for Athletes:
If you want to emulate the Metcalf path, start by diversifying your movement. Don't just lift weights; join the track team to work on your hip flexibility and explosiveness. Play basketball to improve your hand-eye coordination under pressure. The scouts in 2026 aren't just looking for football players; they're looking for "positionless" athletes who can survive the modern pace of the game.
Next Steps for Fans:
Go back and watch his 2015 high school highlights on YouTube. Pay attention to his blocking, not just the catches. You'll see the same intensity that defines his NFL career today. It wasn't a transformation—he’s been this guy since he was fifteen years old.