North Gwinnett (Ga.) defensive lineman Braxton Kyle, currently committed to Rutgers, is reconsidering his options after receiving a significant offer from the University of Georgia.
Kyle showcased his skills during the season opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where his football intelligence was on full display. During a critical moment against McEachern (Ga.), Kyle initially rushed the passer but quickly realized something was off when he wasn’t blocked.
Recognizing the setup for a screen play, Kyle adjusted, intercepted the pass, and returned it to within five yards of the end zone. His sharp instincts and quick reaction earned him the title of Corky Kell player of the game.
Reflecting on the play, Kyle said:
“Really, I was like, I know they watch film, and they weren’t blocking me, so I was like, something’s off. I was like, oh, they let me go through on purpose. I saw the running back out of the corner of my eye, and I was like, oh, they’re going to run it right behind me. The quarterback just threw it right to me.” He added, “It was nice. Really, I just wanted to win. That’s all I wanted to do.”
With this impressive performance, Kyle has attracted the attention of one of the nation’s top programs, making his commitment to Rutgers less certain.
It’s likely this won’t be the last time Kyle makes a statement on the field at Mercedes-Benz this season.