‘Jewel of a RB, jewel of a human being’: Shekai Mills-Knight’s coach tells why he’s special

Baylor School (Tenn.) head coach Erik Kimrey has coached football for a long time.

The former South Carolina quarterback got his start as a graduate assistant with the Gamecocks in 2003 before coaching tight ends in Columbia for Shane Beamer . He also coached from 2004-2020 at Hammond School (S.C.) where he won 194 games and 12 state championships.

In 2022, Kimrey won a state championship at Baylor School in his first season as head coach. Last season, the Big Red finished runner-up.

Prior to last season, Kimrey was able to add a premium talent at running back: new Ole Miss commit Shekai Mills-Knight . The Montréal, Québec prospect found his way to Chattanooga, Tenn., via Baylor School’s connection to the Great White North. Kimrey welcomed Mills-Knight with open arms.

“He was interested in our school and program so he applied,” Kimrey said. “We watched his film and we could tell off the jump he was incredible gifted. Him and his mom both have magnetic personalities and are a great fit for our program and the culture at Baylor.”

Upon arrival, Shekai Mills-Knight was an instant fit with what Erik Kimrey and his staff do.

“As talented as he is on the field, he’s just as talented off the field,” Kimrey said. “He’s a culture builder, guy you want in the locker room. From the way he treats my family, my wife, my kids, everyone at Baylor.”

Most people only get to see Mills-Knight on the field. And when you do, it’s easy to see why Ole Miss wanted him so bad.

“He grew up playing Canadian football. It’s different slant, but it’s football,” Kimrey said. “He’s unique. As big as he is and fast as he is at 220 pounds, he’s extremely explosive, has great hands. We can line him up anywhere, put him in the slot, we can throw him the ball… he’s an incredible pass protector and has a great eye for it. No real weaknesses.”

An ankle injury slowed him down last season. Now, he’s ready to roll in 2024.

“He’s put on 10 pounds of good weight and is now a more diverse threat,” Kimrey said. “He’s big and explosive at the same time. Another year in our system and he’s improved as a pass-catcher. He reminds me a lot of Najee Harris and Leonard Fournette.

“Physically he can play right away,” Kimrey said. “Sure, there’s going to be a transition to college, but he’s improving on making the first guy miss and being more explosive through the line of scrimmage.”

Kimrey lit up when talking about Mills-Knight the person. The football acumen is evident and it’s easy to talk about the four-star playmaker. But it’s the off-the-field prospect Kimrey thinks will make the biggest difference in Oxford Miss.

“He’s got a larger than life personality and is very confident, but in an endearing way,” Kimrey said. “He’s a jewel of a running back and a jewel of a human being.”

The post ‘Jewel of a RB, jewel of a human being’: Shekai Mills-Knight’s coach tells why he’s special appeared first on On3 .