Former Colfax football star Gull finds new role at Sierra

Colfax High School has had a long history of successful tight ends, and that was no exception in 2022 with Kenny Gull. Going into his senior year, Gull was regarded as one of the best tight ends in the Sac-Joaquin Section and earned all-Pioneer Valley League and Optimist all-star honors. Now, he's gearing up for his first collegiate season at Sierra, where he has seen his role change from tight end to slot receiver. Gull says the transition has been relatively smooth but noted he has to get used to being a receiver who is used to stretching the field rather than running crossing routes. "I'm definitely running a lot more verticals, which has been an adjustment, but the quarterbacks have really helped me with it and made it a smooth adjustment," Gull says. "They have also helped with my physicality and just being able to perform with the next-level athletes." Gull says the physical nature of the college game has been the hardest adjustment so far, especially as he lines up against players with a higher football IQ than many of his opponents he played on Fridays. "The main thing is that I'm going against bigger and better defensive backs. That's been a big adjustment, learning to play against smarter and more intelligent players," Gull says. "Everyone watches a lot of film at this level. I feel like I have a pretty decent football IQ, but just watching film and learning the habits of other players helps you a lot." Gull has had help with the transition. Former Colfax and Sierra standout Hudson Stroup, who now plays at Stephen F. Austin, took Gull under his wing and told him what to expect as he prepares for the collegiate game. "He really helped me out and showed me the ropes," Gull says of Stroup. "He told me to make friends on the team and get chemistry with my quarterbacks." Gull has had an impressive camp and has no plans of greyshirting or redshirting. "I'm trying to earn a starting spot coming in. I'm not going to be at the top of the depth chart right away, but I am currently trying to earn a spot and trying to get playing time right away," Gull says. "I've really gotten off to a good start and feel that I can get to at least second string in my position this year." Gull has seen some stiff competition in camp but has developed strong chemistry with his quarterbacks and is doing everything in his power to stand out to coaches. No matter what, Gull says his biggest goal is to get bigger this season and improve so he can prepare for the upcoming year and beyond college. "I want to make a lot of progress. My main goal is to be at least 200 pounds or 210 pounds and learn the playbook in and out and get into a spot where I provide value to the team," he says. "I just want to make myself better and my team better."