KENNARD ON THE GRIDIRON
Kennard's leadership and athletic ability helped lead Franklin to a 10-2 record last season.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
Kennard also has a football offer to play quarterback at Louisville. Others could offer but are waiting to see what his future holds in each respective sport, according to his Franklin coaches.
This fall, Kennard will again be the team’s starting quarterback after he lit up defenses on the field last season in helping to lead Franklin to a 10-2 record.
"He's got some real moxy," Franklin football coach Rodney Roberts said. "He never gets rattled. He’s so emotionally mature."
Kennard tossed 24 touchdown passes last season.
Photo by Wayne Litmer
Roberts said Kennard’s arm strength has improved and his understanding of the game has grown. Seniors looked to him for leadership as a sophomore and that will be more pronounced this season.
"He makes a lot of sacrifices," Roberts said. "He is all over the country. He doesn’t get to be a normal kid a lot."
No one should ever doubt how serious Kennard is about improving each day, Roberts said.
"He’s the ultra competitor," Roberts said. "If you and him were walking down the hall to go to the bathroom he will beat you and get done peeing before you."
Roberts, who has coached high school football for 18 years and is also the school’s athletic director, said Kennard is a naturally gifted athlete who has handled all the early success in stride.
"I told a reporter from Kentucky you could walk the hallways (at Franklin) and not one person would say a bad word about him," said Roberts, who has known Kennard since he was born and lives in the same neighborhood as the family.
Kennard earned Ohio Division II honorable
mention honors in football in 2012 after he threw for 1,880 yards and 24
touchdowns as a sophomore. He says he can’t wait to begin the
football season.
"I just like Friday night. There is nothing like
that," Kennard said. "Just being able to play in front of a big crowd,
nothing beats it. I have a lot of fun doing that."
Roberts admits
he’s not just a coach and athletic director, but a fan of the 2015
standout, and marvels at what he has accomplished already and his
potential the next two years.
"And here's the thing. The final chapters haven't been written yet," Roberts said.
Franklin opens the season against Carlisle Aug. 31 at
Centerville High School (8:30 p.m. kickoff) as part of the Skyline Chili
Crosstown Showdown.
