Family Akili turns hard work into HISD production

Family Akili has emerged as one of HISD’s leading receivers in receptions and receiving yards, but the Sharpstown senior is still awaiting his first college offer. After spending his junior season at defensive back, Akili committed to becoming a wide receiver, and his offseason dedication has paid off with a breakout senior season.

“I wanted to play wide receiver at first, but Sharpstown already had four starting wide receivers, three of whom were seniors, so I had to play defensive back,” said Akili.

Akili trusted his coaches, who started him on defense and moved him to offense during his senior year.

“My coaches told me all summer long that with my hard work and athleticism, I would be one of the best wide receivers in HISD,” said Akili.

Akili’s coaches saw his potential, but they also recognized that his success would depend on his commitment to improving both on and off the field.

“Right before spring ball, Family finally decided to take his future seriously,” said Sharpstown head football coach Wilbert Perro III. “He committed himself not just to the game but also to being a better student in the classroom.”

The transition required more than a simple position change. Akili knew he needed to get stronger, faster, and more consistent to establish himself as one of the district’s best receivers.

Unable to attend collegiate camps because he learned about them too late, Akili dedicated himself to Sharpstown’s offseason program.

“During the off-season and all summer long, I committed myself to the weight room,” said Akili. “I improved my bench press from 145 to 185 and my squat from 260 to 315. I focused on improving my explosiveness because every good skill player is explosive, and I knew I needed that explosiveness to burst off the ball.”

His commitment extended beyond the weight room.

“Family did not miss a single day of Spring ball and SAC Camp during the summer,” said Perro. “He was always at the school, asking for extra work and watching film with Coach Wyn Perro and Coach Jeremiah Haydel. In the past, we rarely saw him. Family put in the work, so I am not surprised by the year he is having so far.”

Akili’s preparation has translated into production. After playing defensive back last season, he has established himself as a productive receiver and demonstrated the value of his offseason commitment.

“Being one of the leading receivers in HISD after playing defensive back last season means a lot,” said Akili. “It shows me that everything is finally paying off. All the days I showed up during the summer, waking up at 5 am for practice, then going to class, handling business in there, then the film room after school, and repeating the next day over and over, it’s really paying off.”

Perro said Akili’s understanding of the offense has made him difficult for opposing defenses to contain.

“What’s making him hard to guard this year is that he has a strong understanding not just of his position but of all the receiver positions and his playbook,” said Perro. “We have been able to move Family around, and that is a testament to the work he put in during the spring and summer. The defense just cannot pinpoint where he is going to be or how he is going to attack you.”

According to MaxPreps, Akili led HISD in receptions and receiving yards through five games, recording 27 receptions for 567 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 113 receiving yards per game. His breakout season was interrupted by an ankle injury against Madison in Week 6.

Akili sustained the injury against Madison in Week 6, forcing him to leave the game after only a few plays. He subsequently missed Sharpstown’s Week 7 matchup against Milby and is expected to return in Week 8 when Sharpstown faces Houston Math Science & Tech.

“Suffering the ankle injury against Madison in Week 6 and having to sit out the game after only a few plays left me devastated,” said Akili. “I knew how much it would impact my team going into a must-win game, and that not being able to play would impact the game heavily.”

Sharpstown entered the matchup against Madison after a 35-7 win over Wisdom, but fell to Madison, 55-20, and then lost to Milby, 56-21, the following week without Akili.

The injury sidelined Akili for two weeks, but his focus remains on returning to the field and continuing the progress he had made before getting hurt. His motivation also stems from his faith and the belief that his work will eventually open doors.

“I stay motivated because I know God has seen all the work I’ve been doing and will give me the opportunity one day,” said Akili. “I know I’m good enough to play at the next level. As long as I keep putting in the work, I’ll get that opportunity.”

Perro said that Akili’s determination reflects both his personal growth and his understanding of his family’s sacrifices.

“Akili’s continued work speaks volumes about his character, resilience, and determination,” said Perro. “Coming from humble beginnings, his family migrated from Burundi to the United States, with his mother leading the way in pursuit of a better future. He understands the sacrifices his family has made and carries that responsibility with pride.”

Akili understands that his pursuit of college football is more than an opportunity to continue playing the game. It’s also a chance to build a better future for himself and to honor the sacrifices his family has made.

Akili also knows what he wants from a college coaching staff: an environment that challenges him to improve rather than merely praising his accomplishments.

“I want college coaches to know that I don’t look for praise; I look for correction,” said Akili. “I want a coaching staff that will push me, critique my film, and help me erase my weaknesses. I want to prove no defensive back in this district can guard me.”