Bayfield High School offensive guard, Wyatt Killinen, recently took multiple trips to test his football mettle, and came back more knowledgeable and ready for the new football season to begin.
Killinen first attended the Blue-Grey Colorado Regional Combine at Valor Christian then went onto the Blue-Grey All-American Super Combine in Dallas at AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys call home.
“I would love to start the season now, but you have to take those small steps to get prepared,” said Killinen, son of Dustin and Rachel Killinen. “The experience was fantastic, it was great going down there and work with other extremely talented athletes.”
As if winning the Colorado High School Athletic Association Class 2A Football Championship in the fall wasn’t enough motivation, Killinen, an incoming junior, came away from the experience with even more motivation.
“We have a chance to perform and repeat,” said Killinen. “We have hardworking committed members that are willing to take time and effort to be great.”
Killinen’s talent as a sophomore allowed him to start every game except one in 2015 at offensive guard. Offensive line coach Frank Hawkins implemented a new blocking scheme that made Killinen shine based off his size. At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, he is considered undersized, but is a fleet offensive lineman with good footwork.
“There were some big guys there, everybody that I had to compete with had at least 30 pounds on me,” said Killinen. “I had to focus on my form and footwork, which was taught by coach Hawkins. He’s been a great mentor and made it to where I can compete with all these big guys.”
The versatile lineman was anonymously nominated to attend the invite-only Colorado Regional Combine in April. He did such an impressive job that he was selected to participate in the Blue-Grey All-American Super Combine from June 25-26.
He not only held his own against bigger competition, but excelled in some areas. His 40-yard dash was best among offensive lineman with 4.79 seconds, and he 8 feet, 4 inches in the broad jump. He also did the bench press 19 times at 185 pounds.
“He had a great year last year,” said Hawkins. “Nowadays, you have to start early. The main thing is to show up on film and show that you can play. Wyatt is very athletic, fast and a willing player. I am happy to have him back for two more seasons. He gives 110 percent every play until the whistle blows.”
For prep football players, competing on an NFL field was an eye-opening experience.
“We were competing on the field,” said Killinen. “At first it was overwhelming to start off with warm ups with everyone. I let the nerves get the best of me on my shuttle run. I didn’t get the best time, but I pulled it together.”
Killinen’s shuttle run wasn’t bad though with 4.84 seconds.
“Wyatt has a great frame, work ethic and speed,” said BHS defensive coordinator Mike Wnorowski. “Possibly the most coachable player I have had the joy of coaching in all my years of football. Opponents think he is a running back due to his size and speed, and are shocked at his power as a pulling guard and outside linebacker. His future is limitless.”
Bayfield will conduct it’s team football camp at the BHS football field starting July 18 before heading to Colorado State University-Pueblo on July 24 for it’s preseason camp that played an integral part in it’s state run.
jmentzer@durangoherald.com
