EJ Kelly is a running back from Houston, Texas who attended Klein High School. Rated a four-star prospect by Rivals and a three-star by recruiting services, Kelly joined SMU as a true freshman. During his sophomore year in 2023, he appeared in five games with 147 rushing yards and four receptions for 56 yards. As a junior in 2024, he played in nine games, rushing for 1,468 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 163.1 yards per game, adding 23 receptions for 217 yards and three receiving touchdowns. In his senior high school season (2025), Kelly appeared in 10 games, recording 2,138 rushing yards with 25 touchdowns and 28 receptions for 470 yards with seven receiving touchdowns, accumulating 3,088 all-purpose yards and 35 total touchdowns.