Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with All-Conference TE Nigel Kilby
09/04/2019 | 3:00:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Senior tight end Nigel Kilby enters his second season with the Saluki Football program. The 6-foot-8 threat caught six touchdown passes in 2018, which earned him All-MVFC honorable mention honors. Kilby was recently named to the Reese's Senior Bowl Watch List and is eager to prove that he is more than just a receiving tight end.
You went through a point where you attended three different colleges in a three-year span. How does it feel to now be in year two at SIU?
I have built a lot of confidence since I have gone through a full season and offseason. I feel like I have learned the offense a lot better, but I'm still continuing to learn more everyday. Feeling more comfortable with the playbook and coaches has put me in a good spot.
What was your experience playing JUCO football at Garden City Community College like?
Since JUCO is typically a short-term experience, it's hard to create a sense of unity on the field. It can sometimes be selfish compared to D1 ball. I feel like the kids here at SIU play for each other and it's taught me how to play for my team and coaches in return.
Has playing in a team-oriented culture helped your mentality?
I would say that it's not only helped my mentality, but it has also pushed myself further than I ever thought I could go. When you are playing for your whole team instead of individually, it motivates you to go that extra mile. But JUCO is an experience that improved and humbled me as a person. I think that prepared me for SIU.
Was it difficult learning the playbook last year since you missed Spring Ball and most of the summer?
It was kind of fast paced for me when I arrived, especially with the way our offense is ran. We take in a lot of the offense real quick, so it was a lot for me to take in. But my coaches did a great job teaching me everything and coaching me up. Some of my teammates helped when they could too.
What have you improved most on since your arrival here?
It has definitely been my blocking. I was a receiver-heavy tight end when I came in and struggled at times with my blocking. Through the offseason, I feel like I have gotten a lot better at blocking, which was a big focus of mine. I started taking pride and energy into the craft and it has worked out for me. I would also say that my mentality has gotten a lot better. I'm very focused and goal driven, so I'm excited to see how the improvements help me throughout the season.
How has tight ends coach Pat Poore helped your game?
Pat Poore is definitely a great guy and one of the best coaches I have ever had. He is someone who will work you hard every practice and get in your face. But at the end of the day, it's all love. He is someone who wants to see you get better and I have always been appreciative to have a coach like him to help me get better.
You were recently named to the Senior Bowl Watch List. How does it feel to be one of only three FCS tight ends named to the prestigious list?
It's always good to earn that type of recognition. For Jeremy Chinn to earn it was awesome as well. But the Senior Bowl is ultimately after the season, so I'm not really focused on it. The goal right now is to just play to the best of my ability each week.
How has it felt to be back on the field after a long offseason?
We've been beating up on each other for months, so to be back on the field was very exciting. I'm just ready to get out there each week and show the southern Illinois community what we are made of and to prove to even ourselves that all of this hard work will to pay off.
Does anything feel different with this being your final season of college football?
I'm definitely not taking anything for granted. A big focus of mine is not getting complacent and focusing on something to get better at each day.
Many people know that you're a talented football player, but what is something that most people don't know about you?
I'm a pretty cool dude and am really good at Fortnite. But in all seriousness, I have a great family. My stepmother and father are amazing and supportive towards my goals. I also have five younger siblings who are always fun to be around.
Does your family ever make the trip from northern Indiana to southern Illinois to visit you?
It's quite the hike, but they try their best to visit me and are always excited when they're here. They love watching me play and my little brother Reed is probably one of my biggest fans. It's always amazing to see them and I cannot wait for them to come up for a few games this season.
The football team has volunteered steadily since your arrival to SIU. What is your experience volunteering around the community?
I have done a fair amount, ranging from reading stories at elementary schools to helping pick up trash around the community. That is really one of the biggest things here and it's amazing that the athletics family takes pride in helping our community and giving back.
What are you most excited for this season?
I'm just ready to continue going to work with my boys. We have worked hard for this season and we're ready to show the world what SIU football is about.
