Dual-sport star Terrence Kiel Jr. following in father's footsteps

Sons watch their fathers. They observe. They imitate. They learn.

Observation, imitation and education are steps to follow to be like daddy.

But what if the steps come to a sudden halt before the son can follow them?

Then, a son must rely on stories, photos and videos.

That’s what Terrence Kiel Jr. has done.

He never really knew his father, a rattlesnake-tough strong safety for Texas A&M and the San Diego Chargers.

You remember Terrence Kiel for spectacular plays.

Former coach R.C. Slocum and former teammate Terrence Murphy remember his toughness and talent.

“He was a fun guy to coach,” Slocum said. “He was a tough player. He could have been a linebacker. He had linebacker toughness, but really good speed, too.

“You could count on him to show up and play. He made big plays. An aware player. He was part of our DNA. He brought it.”

Murphy has similar recollections.

“TK was a warrior,” Murphy said. “TK was the glue that held everything together on the defense. He was a great teammate. He just showed up every week and would be consistent.”

But Terrence Kiel Jr. doesn’t remember — not directly, anyway.

He wasn’t yet three years old when his father passed away in an automobile accident in 2008.

However, Terrence Jr. has heard the stories, and he has watched the videos.

And as a tough and talented multi-sport athlete, Terrence Jr. is following his dad’s footsteps on a path that might lead to Texas A&M.

Terrence Jr. is a rising three-star receiver/defensive back prospect from Pace Academy in Atlanta. He’s also a star centerfielder and shortstop that is currently committed to A&M baseball.

But as more football programs — including A&M — extended scholarship offers, he’s taking a second look to decide his future.

“Growing up a little kid, I was always an A&M fan,” he said. “When I was 10 or 11, I set my sights on A&M because Dad went there. I wanted to continue his legacy.

“Obviously, with the other offers I have, I can’t push them away. The A&M football offer is a big deal for me. I’m keeping my options open, but the A&M offer made me feel better about myself.”

If Terrence Jr. ever needs another reason to feel good about himself, he can consider genetics.

“Almost every day, my mother (Stacy Muckleroy) reminds me I look like him,” he said. “My smile, my lips, the way I play reminds her of him. A lot of people say I look like my dad.”

Some say he plays like his dad, too. In that case, a glance at his father’s highlights on YouTube should be the affirmation Terrence Jr. would ever need.

• There are numerous big hits.
• There’s a sack against Texas.
• There’s a fumble he forced, which was returned for a touchdown against Nebraska.
• There are interceptions against Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Baylor and Iowa State.
• There’s the toss of the football to Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops after the interception that clinched a 30-26 upset victory over the No. 1 Sooners in 2002.

“I’ve seen videos of him with A&M and the Chargers,” Terrence Jr. said. “He was a dog! He was a hard hitter. I can definitely see the genes in me.

“He could catch, too. I’ve always wondered why my hands are so good. I don’t drop a pass, as hard as that is to believe. I catch everything.”

Sometimes, Terrence Jr. feels like he even catches a glimpse of his father watching him compete.

“I just feel like his presence is with me on the football field,” Terrence Jr. said. “That’s why I excel. I feel like he’s always watching me. That’s why I do what I do on the field. His presence is there.”