GHS senior signs on as preferred walk-on at GT
Will Kiker has been voted to the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association’s Class 3A All-State football team.
Kiker was a valuable asset for Gilmer High on the gridiron, and his latest honor comes after he was voted Region 7-3A’s athlete of the year for the 2022 football season back in December.
Gilmer head football coach Paul Standard had high praise for Kiker. Standard just finished his 38th season as a coach, which includes 22 at head coach and two leading the GHS program.
“Will Kiker is one of the finest football players I’ve ever coached, and I’ve been fortunate to coach a lot of very good football players,” he said. “What makes Will special is that he has tremendous athletic ability, but what sets him apart is that he’s such a humble young man and team player at a skill position where players want the recognition. Will never wanted any of that. He did whatever the team needed, which is evident by the fact that he never left the field.
“He has tremendous selflessness and desire to help the team in any way. He’s a great leader who took care of the younger players with the entire senior class. He is certainly deserving of all the accolades he’s received.”
Kiker proved to be a weapon on offense, defense and special teams for the Bobcats. At halfback, he torched defenses for 9.5 yards per carry. He finished the season with 587 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns and also caught six passes for 137 yards and two more scores.
From his defensive back position, Kiker recorded 82 total tackles, which ranked second on the team. He also broke up four passes, intercepted one, recovered a fumble and blocked two kicks.
He served as Gilmer’s punter and also returned 17 kickoffs with an average of 22 yards and a long of 53.
Kiker will continue his football career at the next level as he was recently offered a preferred walk-on spot on Georgia Tech’s football roster. He was one of 10 to receive a preferred walk-on spot by the school.
“I’m thankful Georgia Tech sees what’s in Will and is giving him this preferred walk-on opportunity,” Standard said. “It’s a great honor, and I will not be surprised one bit that he will eventually find his way onto the field. He is relentless, and his pursuit of excellence is what sets him apart. I’m just glad to say he was a part of our team and I had the opportunity to coach him.”