By Jimmy Allinder
Even before Kyle Wiggins donned a helmet and shoulder pads for the first time, he was preordained to play football.
The rising senior for East Brunswick High School hopes to become the latest from an extended family to star on the gridiron. The two-way starter will suit up as the returning running back and linebacker in the fall.
His late uncle, Phil Hill, played for South River High School in the mid-1960s and another uncle, Troy Hill, starred a decade later at the University of Pittsburgh.
The most famous is a third uncle, Drew Pearson, who also starred for the Rams in the early 1960s and enjoyed an Hall of Fame career in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys.
Phil Hill’s son, Justin, played for East Brunswick in the early 1990s, and Wiggins’ father, Roscoe, coached his son when he starred for the Pop Warner East Brunswick-Spotswood Golden Bears.
Of course, it’s one thing to be born with a genetic makeup that promises a great career, but quite another story if that natural ability isn’t nurtured. Wiggins understood early the importance of being in the best shape possible and is now prepping for what he hopes is a banner season that opens the door for him to play college football.
“Kyle was selected as our team’s most valuable player last year,” East Brunswick football coach Bob Molarz said. “That award was not only based on statistics, but because of his work ethic and leadership.”
When it comes to training for the smash and clash of Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) football, in and out of season, Molarz raves how Wiggins’ commitment has become the standard for the entire team.
This is the fourth year since Molarz took over for long-time coach Marcus Borden, and returning East Brunswick to the top of the GMC heap has been a grind. The Bears finished 3-7 in 2013 (Molarz’ initial season) and improved to 4-6 the following year. However, the program took a step back last fall with a 3-7 record.
Still, Molarz remains steadfast the Bears can be a consistent winner as long as he can attract players who are committed to his no-nonsense coaching. Wiggins is that kind of player, and Molarz trusts he will be the catalyst that propels the Bears to at least finish with their first winning season since 2010 (6-4).
Wiggins’ offensive and defensive statistics demonstrate that when he is on the field, which is almost always, he impacts the game in a big way. Last year, he was the team’s leading rusher with 920 yards for a 5.3 average per attempt and found the end zone 10 times. Combined with 172 yards rushing his sophomore year, Wiggins has already eclipsed 1,000 yards for his career but is hoping to rush for another 1,000 yards in a single campaign.
On the defensive side, Wiggins’ speed and athleticism has allowed Molarz to use him a number of positions that mimic linebacker, and his specialty is bone-jarring tackles. Wiggins finished 2015 with 28 solo tackles and assisted on 17, which made him one of the team’s leaders.
“When I’m at running back, I not only go through a mental checklist of my responsibilities but what the whole team needs to do,” Wiggins said. “Defensively, I’m more focused on my own job and what I can do to get our team the ball.”
Wiggins also competes in various events during the winter and spring track seasons, but that is essentially his way of remaining in shape during the football offseason.
Wiggins’ 3.4 grade-point average qualifies him for the Silver Honor Roll, so it’s not surprising when he decides where he goes to college, the decision will be based on what school provides him with the best opportunity to continue his education and play football.
“I understand the importance of making good grades, so I’ve developed a very careful management of my time [with help of my dad and aunt,” he said.
Off the football field, Wiggins enjoys going to church with his family and is a fan of different types of music. He says his most memorable moment was the first time he scored a touchdown when he played for the Golden Bears.
Wiggins has come a long way since then and hopes there are opportunities to score more touchdowns, whether it’s returning kickoffs, punts or interceptions — or diving into the end zone. The season is right around the corner, and he can’t wait to get started.
“I am really excited to get out there and win a championship with my team,” he said.
That would make a lot of East Brunswick faithful excited.