A scholarship offer from the University of Virginia is important to Millbrook (Winchester, VA) rising senior running back prospect PK Kier on many fronts, but perhaps the most important is an opportunity to bring more exposure to a cause that has become near and dear to his heart.
“Kids with cancer, or anyone with cancer, has to fight every day for their lives. After my cousin Brayden got cancer, it really opened my eyes to never take anything for granted,” Kier wrote in an interview over Twitter direct message. “Cause there are people out there fighting every day for their lives and even though Brayden passed away, he still fought every day. And his best friend Caleb fought every day and he is now in remission. I want to play for all those who just want that one chance to be able to live a regular life without having to go through so much everyday.”
(Click here for Brayden’s GoFundMe page and click here for Caleb’s “Caleb Kick’s Leukemia” page)
Kier accepted UVA’s scholarship offer last Friday, June 17, informing head coach Bronco Mendenhall of his decision following the Cavaliers’ one-day camp.
“I knew I was going to commit and once I got there they made me feel like family. I committed right after camp,” Kier recalled.
So how does Millbrook’s star running back feel about being a Hoo?
“Feels great! I can’t wait to get up there! So hyped,” he answered.
After receiving scholarship offers from James Madison, Marshall and Texas State, among others, the 5’11”, 205-pound Kier initially committed to JMU back in April. Virginia’s offer came on June 2. Kier cited a “great education” and UVA being a “super nice school” as primary factors in his decision. He has also been impressed with the new coaches, who he appreciated even more following last Friday’s camp.
“It wasn’t like a normal camp, “Kier described. “It was like a practice and they worked us on the field. But it’s so family-oriented down there and they push you on the field but love you harder off the field.”
Kier gave no thought to waiting to see if any other offers came this summer. He is strongly committed to the Hoos.
“UVA is where I want to go. It’s about two hours from us so my family could come to a lot of games,” Kier said.
“Speed back” is the position for which coach Mendenhall is recruiting Kier, who along with Lake Braddock (Burke, VA) product Lamont Atkins gives the Hoos two “speed back” prospects in this class. Kier accumulated 1,352 yards rushing and 19 total touchdowns as a junior last season, earning Group 4A second-team all-state honors for his performance.
“I think my speed, power and vision are my strengths,” Kier noted, adding that he continues to work to build his speed. He is working to improve his elusiveness as well.
More with Kier
– Possessing a strong work ethic, Kier works with a pair of trainers — James Frisby of FASST and Nate Sowers of Body Renew — in addition to the workouts he does at Millbrook. He trains Monday through Friday.
– Kier wants to study Physical Therapy, a subject he says he has always had an interest in.
– Kier is pleased with the response he has gotten from other Virginia commitments since he announced his decision.
“They make it seem like we already are teammates, which is a good thing,” he wrote.
