CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – On Thursday, Jarian Basden, who goes by Prophet, officially signed to the University of Kansas track and field team as a mid-distance sprinter. Basden became the first signee in Kirkwood High track history in the Cobras first year of existence. However, less than two years ago, Basden didn’t even run track.
During his first three years of high school, Basden attended Rossview High, where he played basketball. After his junior season, his friend and teammate, Caleb Crum, convinced him to go out for track.
“I actually didn’t start track until my junior year,” Basden told Clarksville Now. “My friend Caleb really enjoyed track and was always talking about it. One day I decided I was going to go out, and I fell in love with it ever since.”
The transition wasn’t easy for Basden, but he slowly realized there was a lot of potential for him in this sport. Heading into his senior year, the dual-sport athlete transferred to Kirkwood High School, where he continued to play basketball and run track. Basden believes the move helped him in various ways.
“With it being a first-year school, I had to take more of a leadership role,” Basden said. “I wanted to help the young guys and keep them accountable. Kirkwood matured me into my own man.”
No one was more excited Basden landed at Kirkwood High then track and field coach DeAngela Forte. With his senior year being the first full year he ran track, Forte wanted to help Basden reach his full potential.
“From the moment I met Prophet, I knew he had something special, a type of talent that you don’t see very often,” Forte said. “I can say with total confidence that Prophet gave 110% every day. He never missed a practice. I am beyond thrilled for him, and I am so excited for what his future holds. He is truly a diamond in the rough.”
After Basden finished out his high school career with a fifth-place finish in the 400M at the TSSAA State Championships, the recruiting process kicked up a notch. Forte’s relationship with Stanley Redwine, the track and field coach at the University of Kansas, landed Prophet an official visit, and he fell in love with Lawrence. Very soon after his visit, he signed with the team. Two years ago, Basden didn’t even run track. Now, thanks to all the work he has put in, he signed with a power-five school.
“I just had to trust the process,” Basden said. “I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates for all the support, they’ve helped me so much throughout this whole thing. Most importantly, I want to say thank you to my lord and savior Jesus Christ. Without him, I would not be here today.”