Kilby named to the NJCAA All-America Squad
By Mike Pilosof
Garden City, KS-It has been a busy month for Nigel Kilby.
Last week, the sophomore announced his commitment to Louisville, something he can make official during the early-signing period on Dec. 20. On Tuesday, the Broncbusters tight end was named a first-team, NJCAA All-American.
Kilby, who transferred from Eastern Michigan, caught 43 balls for 458 yards and 10 touchdowns. He finished with the fourth most touchdown grabs; was 31st in receptions and 64th in yards. His best game by far came in week four vs. Hutchinson, when he pulled in 10 balls for 115 yards and three touchdowns.
"People don't know that soccer was my first sport in high school," Kilby said. "It's definitely been a journey for me, but I've learned a lot along the way."
If you're thinking it was a 6-9 player running up and down the pitch, you'd be wrong. Kilby was just 5'11 entering high school. Now he stands as one of the most intimidating forces in Junior College football.
"I'm really looking forward to competing at the next level," said Kilby, who did not garner a single Division-I offer on national signing day during his senior year.
Interestingly enough, Kilby only started one year in high school, notching 25 receptions for 200 yards at Northrop. He was given the opportunity to walk on at both Purdue and Indiana before earning a full-ride to Eastern Michigan where he redshirted his first season.
"I've learned a lot coming to Garden City," Kilby said. "Junior College is a humbling experience. You learn that nothing is given to you. You have to make the most out of your opportunity."
It was the third straight year that a Garden City player earned first-team honors. During their national title run in 2016, defensive lineman Jamie Tago and defensive back Mike Hughes made the squad. The year before that, defensive lineman, Jeremy Faulk, who was named the national defensive player of the year, earned a spot on the first team. Interestingly to note, the Broncbusters have had four players on the first team over the past three years compared to just three over the previous 10.