The Slightly Personal Podcast Interview: Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy 

Kimani Vidal has emerged as a standout running back during his collegiate career at Troy University, captivating audiences with his electrifying playmaking ability. Vidal’s talents caught the attention of college recruiters, leading him to commit to playing collegiate football for the Troy University Trojans. As a member of the Trojans, Vidal wasted no time making his mark on the field. He showcased his exceptional vision, elusiveness, and ability to break tackles, earning him significant playing time as a freshman.

Throughout his collegiate career, Vidal has continued to excel, becoming a focal point of the Troy University offense. His dynamic running style and big-play ability have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing defenses. Whether running between the tackles or catching passes out of the backfield, Vidal consistently finds ways to impact the game and help his team succeed. Vidal’s journey to football stardom has been fueled by his exceptional talent, work ethic, and determination to succeed.

Strengths:

Explosive Acceleration: Vidal possesses elite-level speed and acceleration, allowing him to burst through holes and break away from defenders in the blink of an eye. His explosiveness makes him a threat to score on any given play.

Elusiveness and Agility: Vidal’s agility and shiftiness make him a nightmare for open-space defenders. He has a natural ability to make defenders miss with his quick cuts and change of direction, consistently gaining extra yards after contact.

Versatility: Beyond his capabilities as a rusher, Vidal is a valuable asset in the passing game. He has reliable hands and can be deployed as a receiving threat out of the backfield, creating mismatches against linebackers in coverage.

Physicality: Despite his smaller stature, Vidal runs with physicality and toughness. He’s not afraid to lower his shoulder and absorb contact, consistently fighting for extra yards and breaking tackles.

Areas for Improvement:

Pass Protection: While Vidal is an effective blocker, particularly for his size, he could improve his technique and recognition in pass protection situations at the NFL level. A better understanding of defensive schemes and blitz pickups will be crucial for his success in protecting the quarterback.

Route Running: While Vidal is a capable receiver out of the backfield, refining his route-running ability could enhance his effectiveness as a pass-catching threat at the next level. Working on his route precision, timing, and understanding of route concepts will allow him to create separation and maximize his impact in the passing game.

Conclusion: As one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, Kimani Vidal is poised to make a significant impact at the next level. With his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility, he has all the tools necessary to thrive in the NFL. By addressing areas of improvement and continuing to refine his skill set, Vidal has the potential to become a difference-maker for whichever team selects him in the 2024 NFL Draft. Keep an eye on Vidal as he embarks on the next chapter of his football journey and looks to leave his mark on the professional stage.