Kayleb Wagner Breaks Florida High School Rushing Record
Kayleb Wagner has had true success in his athletic career at Baker High School. The junior running back recently broke the Florida high school single-game rushing record, a record that was previously held by Tennessee Titans All-Pro Derrick Henry. With 535 yards and six touchdowns that day, it’s safe to say that Wagner has made a name for himself in the world of high school football.
Wagner was 6 years old when he first started playing football. His love for the game came from watching his peers and family members play. He said that he and his cousins would always play the game in the backyards of their homes. Once his cousins signed up, he knew he had to follow in their footsteps.
Breaking the state’s rushing record wasn’t just something Wagner woke up one morning and decided to try. He had spent the past couple of years making that a goal, but he didn’t know that the win against South Walton would be the moment that dream would become a reality.
“I always hoped for it, but I never actually saw it happening,” Wagner said.
With breaking a rushing record, one could imagine all the buzz and excitement that spread across Baker and all throughout the state. One person who reached out to Wagner was Derrick Henry himself – a full circle moment.
“That was pretty cool because it was Derrick Henry,” Wagner said. “I got the opportunity to meet the guy when I got some tickets to the Jacksonville game when they played Tennessee. Before the game, I got to go on the sideline, and he came over there and talked to me, and we got some pictures.”
Being out on the field inspired Wagner that one day he will be playing professionally. Although the 6-foot-1 player has not had any scholarship offer letters come his way, it’s still early, and he still has one more season of high school football ahead of him. He does have goals to leave Florida for college but is open to any offers.
Something else that sets Wagner apart is that he was born with one hand. However, he does not allow his disability to stop him from playing the game he loves. He even says his coaches expected more out of him at times.
“I never really looked at myself as I have a disability,” he said. “I just always thought I was a normal kid for the most part. I tend to forget about it sometimes.”
There are more things in store for Kayleb Wagner’s future. His advice to young players out there: Keep trying and give it your all.
Watch Kayleb Wagner’s story in “Kayleb Wagner: Breaking Records & Ceilings,” an ITG Next original mini-documentary.
