Ranking the Contenders: Offensive lineman Drew Kendall
Bloodlines and some early hype got offensive lineman Drew Kendall onto the scene early in his high school career, but major offers didn’t flow in as quickly as they did for others. Still, the Boston (Mass.) Noble and Greenough School star has plenty of opportunities to play at college football’s highest level.
Boston College was all over Kendall before the rest of the recruiting world because of his ties to the school through his father, Pete Kendall. Many high academic programs began to emerge as top contenders for Kendall’s commitment. Duke, Virginia, Michigan and Vanderbilt all piqued his interest, but visits are playing a major part in Kendall’s recruitment. Spring visits to Michigan and Virginia had to be postponed because of the pandemic and recruiting dead period, but more visits will get scheduled prior to Kendall announcing any sort of commitment.
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COUNTDOWN: Most important countdown, Nos. 16-20 | Nos. 11-15 | Nos. 6-10
FACT OR FICTION: Games should be played without fans, if necessary
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
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1. MICHIGAN
It isn’t too difficult a choice to slot Michigan in the top spot here. The Wolverines have countless connections to New England and to Kendall’s inner circle. Defensive coordinator Don Brown, even though he doesn’t coach Kendall’s position, is a master at recruiting talent out of the New England area.
Kendall’s previously scheduled visit to Ann Arbor was going to be a significant moment in his recruitment. The Wolverines also hold a commitment from Kendall’s teammate, Casey Phinney, and he is already working to try to help Jim Harbaugh, offensive line coach Ed Warinner and the rest of the Michigan coaching staff reel in Kendall’s commitment.
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2. PENN STATE
The Nittany Lions are one of the newest schools to enter the race for Kendall’s commitment, but they are already moving toward the top of his list. New offensive line coach Phil Trautwein offered and recruited Kendall while coaching at Boston College, and the two already have a very strong relationship. Trautwein is also pretty close with Kendall’s father.
It’s been more than a year since Kendall visited Penn State last, but the Nittany Lions will surely see Kendall on campus soon after the recruiting dead period is over.
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3. BOSTON COLLEGE
Pete Kendall is a big name at Boston College and Jeff Hafley and his staff are working hard to recruit the former NFL first-round pick and two-time All-Big East offensive lineman’s son. New offensive line coach Matt Applebaum is building a relationship with the 2021 prospect, but it will still be an uphill climb for the hometown team.
Kendall has been on campus countless times but this new coaching staff will have to prove to him that it can have success on the field and develop prospects for the next level.
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4. DUKE
The Blue Devils were able to host Kendall for a visit earlier this year and did a good job showing him what their program is all about. The academic program in Durham is very intriguing to Kendall, and he knows Duke has been able to develop linemen in the past.
Continuing to build his relationships with the coaching staff and getting back on campus again this fall will be very important for Duke if it hopes to sign him at the end of this recruiting cycle.
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5. VIRGINIA
Bronco Mendenhall’s squad really needed Kendall to make it for his visit this spring, but the Cavaliers will have to take advantage of their opportunity with him later in the recruiting process.
Offensive line coach Garett Tujague has really made a name for himself on the recruiting trail and players seem to love him. Kendall has built a strong relationship with him, but getting Kendall to the Charlottesville campus is a must for Virginia if it hopes to keep pace with the rest of his top contenders.