Destiny Jenkins, Guest Writer
Photo submitted by Shorter Athletics
“I want to make Shorter known,” Shorter University’s slot black, Kirby Wilson said.
Wilson will be going to Texas to compete in the NFL combine on Feb. 14, 2015. He was selected, out of numerous applicants, to be a competitor.
Wilson has not taken his acceptance lightly, considering how the NFL is known for extensively researching the many applicants that submitted an application, saying appreciatively, “Not everyone was chosen.”
Wilson is a 5th year senior and is majoring in Communication. He is not only a football star, but he is also a star competitor in track and field as well. One of his many accomplishments includes competing in the 2014 USA National Championship in Sacramento, Calif. While he was there, he made a statement by placing 8th in the nation with a 20.53. Once again, making Shorter known.
Wilson left Shorter University a few days early to travel to Texas on Feb. 11, 2015 hoping to get recognition by the coaches and scouts that will be at the combine. He also wanted to get acclimated to the time difference, which is two hours behind Georgia’s time.
When asked how he felt about the upcoming combine, Wilson said, “I have mixed emotions.”
Wilson admits that he knows very little about what to expect on the day of competition concerning the drills and skills, but he is confident in the 40-meter-dash segment.
Wilson said, “The 40 is the most important aspect because coaches can teach others drills, vertical tests, how to catch, how to block, but cannot teach someone how to be fast. That has to be natural.”
When asked what his best time was in the 40 meter dash he responded with, “I have never ran a 40, but I am confident because it is going to be just like another meet. I am going to get in a three-point stance, just like track and go.”
He is also feeling a little nervous because of a current hamstring injury.
“I have hamstring tendonitis that’s due to the overuse of a certain muscle,” Kirby said, which could potentially make the process somewhat painful.
Additionally, Kirby notes he wants to put Shorter on the map. He plans to wear Shorter attire upon arrival at the Houston Texans Training Facility, but is going to be wearing gear given to him when he starts competing.
Kirby expects to make it to the NFL, but if that does not work out he has a “Plan B” in track and field.
He said that football is his first love, but he also runs track for two reasons—“Just in case football doesn’t work out. I want to go pro in track after this semester;” the second reason would be “to get faster and stay fast when he goes to the league.”
At the Houston Texan Training Facility, he is going to be competing against various divisions in hopes to be draft eligible.
