PREP SCENE By Mitchell Palmer McDonald—Anderson and Gilreath in the NFL

Isaac Anderson

David Gilreath

-Photos courtesy of University of Wisconsin Athletics

ISAAC ANDERSON and DAVID GILREATH were high school football phenoms in their own right during the middle of the decade. Now, after stellar careers at the University of Wisconsin as receivers, both are trying to realize their dream of playing in the NFL.

Gilreath, who finished as one of the top kick and punt returners in Big Ten Conference history, is currently on the Indianapolis Colts’ roster. Anderson, the speedster who was third on the team in receptions, is trying out for the Washington Redskins.

Both made their mark during high school. Anderson earned all-state honors as a receiver at The Blake School. He also set a record for the 100 meters (10.94) as a junior in 2005.

Gilreath, who also graduated in 2006, starred at Minneapolis Washburn as a receiver, kick and punt returner during his sophomore and junior year and kept up his outstanding play after transferring to Robbinsdale Armstrong as a senior.
The former Wisconsin players also have athletic ties in their families.

Gilreath’s father, David Gilreath, Sr., had an outstanding prep basketball career at Marshall University High School in the late 1970s. He went on to play at Cal State Fullerton and Minnesota State-Mankato.

Anderson’s parents were outstanding prep performers as well. His father, Melvin Anderson, starred at receiver at Steel Valley High School a few miles outside of Pittsburgh before playing at the University of Minnesota from 1983-86. He also ran track before playing for Kansas City and Pittsburgh in the NFL.

Anderson’s mother, Lisa Anderson, was a track and field star at Minneapolis North in the early to mid-1980s before participating in the same sport at the U of M.

Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses to mmcdonald@spokesman-recorder.com.