Kannon Webb, a native of San Marcos and senior at San Marcos High School, has hopes of bridging the gap between the local community and the university after recently committing to Texas State football.
Kannon Webb describes himself as a “simple guy” who loves Batman, hunting, fishing and hanging out with his friends. He says athletics, family and religion are the pillars of his life.
“I was raised on faith, family and football,” Kannon Webb says. “Those are my three Fs that I’ve lived by. Family is a big deal to me.”
Kannon Webb has lined up all over the field during his four years at SMHS, both on offense and defense. As a freshman, he played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back. Then, during his sophomore and junior years, he played free safety. Transitioning into his senior campaign, when John Walsh took over as the athletic director, he moved into more of an offensive role, primarily as a slot receiver.
“My favorite football player is Johnny Manziel,” says Kannon Webb, who is listed as a slot receiver coming into Texas State but willing to play anywhere. “I grew up wanting to be a quarterback; that’s what I thought I was going to play in high school, but I really don’t have a preference.”
Kannon Webb witnessed great success during his time at SMHS, finishing his career as the school’s all-time leader in tackles with 284, demolishing the previous record of 213. During his senior season, he had 92 tackles in only nine games.
His father, Bryan Webb, is the safeties coach at SMHS as well as the head baseball coach, a team Kannon Webb is also a part of. Kannon Webb says playing for his dad is “one of the most unique and enriching experiences” he has ever had.
“At first I took it for granted,” Kannon Webb says. “Really, you get to look at it, and it’s a blessing to be out there with your dad. You know, there’s dad and there’s Coach Webb. You love them both the same, but it’s constantly pushing because I know if I slack off in this drill or I don’t do this correctly I have to hear about it at practice, and the conversation at the dinner table won’t be too friendly either.”
Bryan Webb says despite the difficulties associated with separating “daddy” and “coach,” he thoroughly enjoys the time he gets to spend with his son every day.
“He maintains his morals and his values,” Bryan Webb says. “He’s a teenager; he’s made some mistakes, but the thing that’s really impressive about Kannon is his work ethic and his commitment to his family and his teams. It’s good to see, you know, that you can trust him.”
Marvin Nash, the co-offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at SMHS, says being a coach’s son has benefited Kannon Webb tremendously. He says Kannon Webb’s knowledge of the game has allowed him to find more success on the field.
“He’s a coach’s kid… he just understands football,” Nash says. “He doesn’t just understand just one position or one side of the ball. He watches the game like a coach… His IQ is amazing.”
“He’s one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met, great personality,” Nash says. “He’s very serious about his sports, but he’s also about having fun; he’s approachable. The kids look up to him as a hero.”
During Kannon Webb’s senior year, he started volunteering with kids with disabilities at SMHS and helped get them on the sidelines during some of the football games.
“I got in there, and it opens up your eyes,” Kannon Webb says. “You might be complaining because your legs hurt in the middle of a workout, but some of these kids would give it [their] all to be able to go to a workout… It makes you appreciate what you have more than anything. The stereotype around them is not what it seems. They get made fun of, but they’re great kids with great hearts.”
Kannon says he loves San Marcos — the people, the scenery and the community —which is one of the reasons he chose to stay home for his collegiate career.
His mom, Britney Webb, a senior lecturer of Athletic Training at Texas State, says there are two sides to San Marcos — the university and the locals — and she hopes a person like Kannon can help the two sides of the city come together.
“He wants to be a good role model for the little ones that are coming behind,” Britney Webb says. “He knows San Marcos, and he’s just one of those kids that wants to give back in a positive way and let people know, ‘Hey, San Marcos kids can do good things.’”
Kannon Webb had 12 other offers to play collegiate football, including Tarleton State University, his parents’ alma mater. He instead chose Texas State because he believes in what can happen if the city comes together.
“I moved here when I was three; I’ve grown up in San Marcos at Sewell Park every weekend,” Kannon Webb says. “Just being able to build the culture of San Marcos… trying to be an ambassador for the city. [I’m going to go up to Texas State] and do what I can to help the team out and hopefully get some more kids from San Marcos High School recruited.”