In the first half of Red Bank’s second 2011 game, junior quarterback Hagen Wilkey dropped back on a third-and-long and threw into double coverage. The pass was intercepted, ending the Lions’ drive.
It was the last snap Wilkey got at quarterback last year. Considered a college prospect, the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder filled in at other positions, including tight end and defensive end. He bounced to spots where coaches felt he was needed after they handed the quarterback duties to Niquia McDuffie.
“He handled it better than I would have,” offensive coordinator Kraig Campbell said. “Was he happy about it? No, but he knew the direction we were going was what we thought was best for the team. He was very mature about it. He could’ve come in and griped and complained, but he didn’t, and you knew when he went out on that field, whether he was playing tight end or defensive end or linebacker, that he was going to do it 100 percent. That’s the big thing about him. We don’t have to worry about him. He’s a character kid.”
Wilkey almost single-handedly lifted Red Bank to a season-opening win over Soddy-Daisy, completing 12 of 15 passes for 185 yards and averaging 10 yards on seven carries. Combined with his first-half stats from the next week, he finished the year 15-of-19 with two interceptions, 250 yards, three passing TDs and two rushing scores.
The senior, who has been corresponding with Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech, UTC, Navy, Air Force, Bethel, Lindsey Wilson and Stetson, has put last year behind him following a leadership dinner for seniors just before two-a-day practices began.