Kier Townsend commits to Rhode Island University
Underrated. Overlooked.
Those are ugly words in the athletic community. College recruiters are the tireless type though, sifting through the sand for a diamond. Kier Townsend believes he that could be that player.
“In my opinion I was overlooked and it just made me work harder and strive to become a better athlete all-around,” Townsend said. “I made sure I did something to make myself better every day. I knew someone would take a chance on me.”
One school got their potential diamond in the rough when the wide receiver and cornerback announced that he would be attending Rhode Island University this coming fall. The news came just days before National Signing Day.
“They welcomed me in like I was already a Ram,” Townsend said. “The atmosphere was great, the coaching staff is phenomenal and they took great interest in me.”
While Rhode Island did not offer Townsend a scholarship, he will sign on as a preferred walk-on, meaning that he’ll have a roster spot and can earn one through excellent play on the field.
Despite a great season on both offense and defense for L.C. Bird, Townsend fielded just one offer, obtained about two weeks ago from Bluefield College. Other schools such as VMI, William and Mary, Chowan, Christopher Newport and Bridgewater showed interest at various points.
This year for L.C. Bird, Townsend was an important part of the offense and defense. In fact, he was the leading receiver nabbing 22 receptions for 378 yards and seven touchdowns. All of those figures led the team. Defensively, he contributed solid coverage in the secondary intercepting a pass and breaking up two more. At Rhode Island, he will play wide out.
“I learned this year that if you don’t have chemistry and a strong bond with your team it will be really difficult to accomplish all of your goals,” Townsend said. “I want to thank my receiver coach Chant Thompson for coaching me – he improved my I.Q. and my ability to be a great athlete.”
Walking on is not something that is unfamiliar to find L.C. Bird athletes to having success at. Lionel Williams, class of 2013, walked on at Louisiana State and has stuck on the roster. He will be a rising junior next season. Like Townsend, he played wide receiver and defensive back.
“My brother, Courtlin Lewis played basketball with Lionel,” Townsend explained. “He honestly inspired me to never give up and always told me there are plenty of ways and options to play college football.”
Townsend becomes the second L.C. Bird athlete to go Division I this year so far, with others that could follow on Wednesday. The first is cornerback and top tier recruit Jalen Elliott, who will sign with Notre Dame.
