Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Kendell Wimberly: Football means the world to me. Without football I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Football has taught me discipline, has kept me motivated, and has taught me how to be tough on and off the field.
Joe Gaiter:Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
Kendell Wimberly: I was born in Atlanta, GA but I grew up in Riverdale and Atlanta.
Joe Gaiter:What are some of your fondest memories at Mays High School?
Kendell Wimberly:Some of my fondest memories were being able to bond with the teachers, my classmates, and my coaches. When you talk about family, that’s what Mays High School was for me. Everybody knew each other and treated one another like brother and sisters. I still have close bonds with some of my teammates and classmates from school today.
Joe Gaiter:What made you choose Clark Atlanta to further your academic and sports career?
Kendell Wimberly:What made me choose Clark is that they gave me a chance when no other school would. Being accepted at an HBCU made my decision even easier. I also met several alumni who described their CAU experience and I immediately felt that I wanted to be a part of the type of experience they talked about. And, one of the halls on Clark’s campus is named after one of my cousins. I felt like that was a sign that Clark was a pretty special place. As far as sports are concerned, I felt like I could be an immediate contributor to the CAU Football team. The coaches agreed which made my decision to come here that much easier.
Joe Gaiter: Clark Atlanta went 0-10 during the 2019 season. What went wrong in your opinion?
Kendell Wimberly:The only thing that went wrong this season is that it seemed like we couldn’t finish games. If we finished our games this season how we started them, we would be undefeated. We have a lot of talent across the board on offense and defense so in 2020, I wouldn’t count us out because we are working hard to become better than ever. Our new coaching staff has high expectations of us, and we want to prove to them that we are a better team than our record shows.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you different from other players playing your same position?
Kendell Wimberly: What makes me different from other players is my demeanor and work ethic. I work hard from the beginning of practice to the end. I listen to my coaches and I learn from my peers and competitors. I have nothing but respect for my coaches which makes me very coachable. I also feel like every ball is mine. If the ball is thrown my way, my mind considers it a catch. This mindset makes the game easier and more fun for me. I might not be the fastest, but I give the most effort every second and every play of the game.
Joe Gaiter: What drives you?
Kendell Wimberly:My parents drive me. I’m the only in my family who has been in a spotlight position like this and to think if I let them down would be devastating, so I drive myself every day to get better and better.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Kendell Wimberly: I never been looked at as an elite receiver. I’ve always been underrated, and this is what motivates me to keep working hard and getting better so I can prove the ones who missed out on me wrong.
Joe Gaiter: How would you describe your style of play?
Kendell Wimberly:My style of play is aggressive yet relaxed. I never panic. If figure if I’m relaxed, then everything will go smoothly and as planned.
Joe Gaiter: Next year, how will you step up and lead the team as a Junior?
Kendell Wimberly: I will step up by leading by example on and off the field. I will encourage my teammates use our past season as motivation to work harder, so the season won’t repeat itself. I will also mentor the younger players who might need pointers on how to balance everything required of a college athlete.
Joe Gaiter: What are your post season workout plans?
Kendell Wimberly: I plan continue hitting the weights hard so that I can stronger. I plan to continue toning my body and working on drills that will help me increase my speed.
Joe Gaiter:How have you dealt with adversity this year?
Kendell Wimberly:
I dealt with adversity by looking past it and thinking about what I can do to get better. Adversity is just another obstacle that needs to be pushed out the way and forgot about.
Joe Gaiter:How would you rate your football IQ?
Kendell Wimberly:My football IQ is pretty high. For example, it usually takes me one look at the safety or cornerback to identify the coverage.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Kendell Wimberly:I see myself in the NFL Of course if that doesn’t work out, I hope to be planning a career as an adolescent counselor.
Joe Gaiter: What is your major?
Kendell Wimberly: My major is psychology.
Joe Gaiter: When are you most happy?
Kendell Wimberly: I am most happy when I’m alone because there are less problems, nobody bothering me, and I have time to do whatever I want.
