University of Hawaii freshman wide receiver Keith Kirkwood said there is nothing like attending a college football game for the first time.
Or so he’s heard.
When the Rainbow Warriors open the season against USC on Aug. 29, it will be the first NCAA game he will have seen in person.
"I’ve watched college games on TV, but I’ve never been to one," said Kirkwood, who was raised in Neptune, N.J. "It’s going to be a great feeling walking into Aloha Stadium. I can’t wait to walk into that atmosphere."
Kirkwood probably will have a good view. There are discussions about moving senior Chris Gant to Z receiver, opening the way for Kirkwood and freshman Marcus Kemp to get more reps at X receiver.
"Kirkwood is a good player," coach Norm Chow said.
Kirkwood played well in Saturday’s scrimmage. During Monday’s drills, he made two impressive catches. On the first, a pass was thrown behind Kirkwood on a crossing route. He batted the ball in the air, volleyed it a second time and then secured it for the reception.
"I used my long reach to tip the ball," Kirkwood said.
Soon after, he out-jumped 6-foot-3 cornerback Barry Higdon on a 30-yard pass.
Kirkwood said he does not know his vertical jump or his reach. But he knows he is an inch shorter than 6-5, his listed height in the UH media guide.
"Maybe it was the flight (to Hawaii)," he mused of the lost inch.
He also knows he can soar when needed. He was a freshman playing on Neptune High’s varsity when he levitated over a defender for his first dunk.
"It was an amazing feeling," Kirkwood said.
But while he was a very good prep basketball player, he believed his next-level future was in another sport. He joined Neptune’s football team as a senior.
A lifetime fan of the New York Giants — he did attend NFL games growing up — Kirkwood styled his game after receiver Victor Cruz.
"I’d love to wear (Cruz’s) No. 80 because if I scored, I’d do the salsa," Kirkwood said.
Kirkwood wasted little time adjusting to Hawaii. The day after Neptune’s graduation ceremony, he and his mom were on a flight to paradise for UH’s summer session.
"My mom is well prepared," Kirkwood said. "Even when I was little, she had me prepare for anything. When I came to college, she had everything prepared: bedspread, video games, TV. I felt I was right at home."
After his mom returned to New Jersey, Kirkwood recalled, "She wanted to come right back. She loved it out here."
As for Kirkwood, he said, "I feel I’m right at home."
