University of Connecticut running back, Worcester native Kevin Mensah is entering his senior year of college football with high hopes. Mensah was born and raised in Worcester, MA but attended high school at Shepherd Hill Regional in Dudley, MA. He dominated central Massachusetts in both football and track throughout his high school career. Despite receiving an offer from powerhouse BIG10 school University of Michigan, he decided to stay closer to home and attend University of Connecticut. Since then, Kevin has become the first UConn RB to run for 1,000 yards in back to back seasons (‘18 and ‘19) since former pro Jordan Todman did it with the Huskies in ‘09 and ‘10. Off the field, he founded a non-profit called Mind. Elevation. Relaxation (check it out here). MER is designed to help people overcome mental illness, or any mental blockade, to achieve their goals.

Johnny Dube: What was your childhood like in Worcester?

Kevin Mensah: My childhood in Worcester was okay, I was more so focused on my family than wanting to play at a young age.

JD: What was the transition like from Worcester to a relatively small rural high school like Shepherd Hill?

KM: I honestly think the transition wasn’t as bad. Obviously dealing with outside issues outside of football was frustrating but I wasn't really focused on who I would become friends with, it was more of what do I have to do to achieve my dreams, you know?

Mensah playing for Shepherd Hill, photo from the Worcester Sun

JD: What has football taught you so far and where do you see it taking you the next few years?

KM: Football has taught me a lot in my life man. Learning your priorities and what to focus on more, becoming a man and having to strive to be successful. Ever since I played football the main goal has always been playing in the National Football League so that is where I see football taking me

JD: What is Mind. Elevation. Relaxation? and what or who inspired you to start it?

KM: Mind Elevation Relaxation is a small non-profit organization that I started in February 2018. It’s an organization to help younger generations and adults fight through mental health and strive to achieve their ultimate goal. We want the individual to not feel alone and to know that support will always be there for you and you can achieve many goals in life when you find freedom. Being a collegiate athlete and starting a non profit organization is tough due to the rules but i'm excited to officially launch the organization soon.

JD: What has it been like running MER and have you had to dodge any obstacles?

KM: It’s been cool honestly, some people have messaged me for advice and help and I've been doing research as well to start the organization. Like I said before, it is very small right now but i'm excited for it to launch.

JD: Have you been able to help your fellow teammates with MER or maybe even some opponents?

KM: Yeah for sure. I try to help my teammates as much as I can because they’re family and I always give them advice and let them know that they’re not alone.

JD: What’s next for Kevin Mensah and MER?

KM: What’s next? Ask me this in a year haha!

Check out MER here!

Follow Kevin on Instagram: @kmackthreefour

Feel free to watch highlights from Kevin’s 2019 season below, courtesy of The Breakshot

Kevin Mensah: What’s Next?-Q&A

Meech: Foot on the Gas-Q&A

Dennys Hernandez: La Gente-Q&A