WEST VALLEY PREPS

After making mark at Desert Edge, McKinnon ready for Idaho

Desert Edge senior running back Markhi McKinnon smiles after signing to play for the University of Ida.ho Dec. 20 in Goodyear, while Scorpions co-coach Mark Carter puts his hand on McKinnon's shoulder. Teammates Deshawn Warner )left) and Aundre Gibson (right) flank McKinnon. FIve Desert Edge players signed that night

(Richard Smith/West Valley Preps)

Desert Edge senior running back Markhi McKinnon stiff arms a Horizon defensive player trying to tackle him low during a 5A football semifinal Nov. 24 in Goodyear.

(Courtesy Matt Bushnell/For West Valley Preps)

Desert Edge senior running back Marki McKinnon bursts into the open field during the first half of the 5A state final Dec. 1 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe. Higley senior cornerback Chansyn Mapa lunges toward him.

(Courtesy JJ Digos Photography/For West Valley Preps)

Markhi McKinnon will remember 2023 as the year everything came together.

The running back started the calendar year transferring from Goldwater High in Phoenix to Desert Edge. Five days before Christmas, he signed to play for the University of Idaho in the Desert Edge auditorium.

Idaho recruited McKinnon while he was at Goldwater, which McKinnon said was important to him. The Vandals were there when nobody believed in him, and that didn’t change when Coach Jason Eck took over.

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