Arizona 09 prospect is big time
While it is a bit early to start singing the praises of athletes for the class of 2009, after all there are still plenty from the class of 2008 to write about. However Rivals.com wants to introduce to you a surefire national recruit for the class of 2009.
The player in question is Devon Kennard (6-3, 235, 4.8) from Phoenix (Ariz.) Desert Vista.
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If the name Kennard rings a bell to you, that's because he comes from outstanding football bloodlines. His father, Derrick Kennard, Sr. use to open up holes for Emmett Smith and provide pass protection for Troy Aikman for the Cowboys and even earned a ring while he played in Dallas.
Kennard's older brother, Derrick Kennard, Jr., was a standout defensive tackle for Nevada and played a season in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts.
Though Kennard is only 15 years old, he is already getting serious interest from Arizona, Arizona State and Oregon State. The word on the street is these three schools will offer Kennard officially when they are allowed to.
Kennard earned all-city and all-region honors after racking up a team leading 91 tackles, eight sacks and two interceptions from his defensive end position.
That's right two interceptions as a defensive lineman. Let Kennard explain.
"One of my picks I batted the ball up in the air, recovered and caught the ball," Kennard said. "The other one my teammate batted the ball and I dove and caught the ball.
Kennard has excellent work habits on and off the field.
"I always want to improve so I'm constantly working on my game," Kennard said. "There is always room for improvement.
Another thing that will open up the eyes of D-I schools besides his size at the age of 15 is his quite heady 3.9 GPA.
Is there a school that Kennard has always liked and is looking at in the early going.
"I've always liked USC," Kennard said. "They are fun to watch and are entertaining.
"I'm also a fan of Arizona State. They are my hometown team and I grew up watching them play.
"I'm definitely going to camp at Arizona and Arizona State this summer and possibly USC."
"When it comes my time to be recruited though, I'm going to put personal favorites aside," Kennard said. "I'm going to go the school that fits me best."
That comes as a relief to schools across the nation.
Even though Kennard is very young, he already has the reputation of a defender that the offensive coordinator has to take account of on every play.
At the beginning of his sophomore season Kennard didn't see a lot of double teams, but by the middle of the season he was double teamed on almost every down and the opposition ran away from him.