AMERICUS — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Shaun Hill and Auburn quarterback Chris Todd were founded there.
And Americus-Sumter senior wide receiver Keon Wiggins hopes he will, too.
Wiggins, a Second Team All-Region selection for 1-AAAA this season, signed a national letter of intent to play for Hutchinson Community College (Kan.) on Wednesday.
“I’m very excited about being able to play at the next level,” said Wiggins. “The level of competition will be a greater challenge than high school ball. It will be a fun experience.”
Wiggins followed up a junior campaign where he had 33 catches for 459 yards and three scores with similar numbers as a senior, catching 34 passes for 481 yards and three touchdowns.
Both seasons ended with him being an All-Region selection, and he was an All-Star in the Border War Classic that pit the best from Southwest Georgia and Northwest Florida.
Watching five or six plays on film of Wiggins was all it took for quarterbacks and receivers coach Corey Robinson to know he wanted Wiggins a part of the Blue Dragon program.
“Keon’s an explosive player, and he’s a kid that can make big plays once he gets the ball in his hands,” said Robinson. “He’s a game-changer. You can’t coach that kind of speed. He’s an electrifying player.”
Wiggins runs a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash and has shown glimpses of his potential on special teams as well.
Hutchinson was 7-4 this season and finished 13th in the country after being as high as No. 4. The college has sent 30 players on to four-year schools the past two seasons, including 17 to Division-I schools, including Louisville, Missouri, Kansas State and South Florida.
Wiggins knows it’s going to take a lot of work to have the opportunity to play on the next level.
“I have to work hard in the weight room and work hard in school,” said Wiggins. “I’ve got to be committed to waking up early and going out there playing for my team. I’ve got to learn to practice hard and practice hard every day. They have a winning program, and it will give me a better chance at getting prepared to go to a bigger school after my two years are up.”
Robinson said they only bring in athletes who have the ability to go on to four-year schools.
“The Jayhawk Conference is arguably the premier conference in the country,” he said. “We have a history of young men who come through the conference and move on to major college football. We try to get those Division-I prospects that fall between the cracks. He’ll have a chance to compete and make a roster spot.”
Despite his 5-foot-8 size, Robinson said his speed makes up for it. He added that if Wiggins focuses on his academics, he has a chance to go far.
“I think Keon h as to get in the weight room and get stronger, and that will be an asset to him,” said Robinson. “He’s got to focus on catching the ball away from his body and with his hands and attacking the football. That’s the key for him to be successful.
“He has good hands; he needs to do it more consistently. We’ve got 12 wide receivers, and it’s competitive. That’s why we just don’t offer a scholarship to any kid. We want guys who will compete at a high level.”
Former Panthers coach Mark Wilson said the sky’s the limit for Wiggins.
“He’s probably the fastest kid I’ve ever coached,” he said. “This year, he got hurt toward the end of the year and showed a lot of guts to go out and play. He works hard and has God-given ability. Hopefully some schools will come calling.”
Wiggins wants to move on and play for Florida or Georgia, and he said he has to be better than everyone else on the field at his position.
“I’ve got to be outstanding there,” he said. “I don’t like blending in with everyone else. I want to stand out and make a name for myself. I want to live up to the hype that’s already set for me and not disappoint anybody.”
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