Tweet
With his junior season at Penn State complete, Jimmy Kennedy had a decision to make before the 2002 NFL draft. Projected as a late first- or early second-round pick at the time, the 6-foot-4, 320-pound defensive tackle had two options - fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL or return for his senior season.
In an era where the lure of millions of dollars often compels athletes to leave college early, it would have surprised no one had Kennedy decided to do the same. Instead he stuck it out, earned his degree, improved his game and moved up the draft board. His reward was being selected No. 12 overall in the April draft by the Rams.
"He made the mature decision," said Kennedy's position coach in high school, Juan Aquino. "He wanted to come back and improve. It was the smart thing to do. He tries to do the smart thing more times than not."
Kennedy, however, did not make his decision before doing his homework. He consulted Penn State coach Joe Paterno, some of his teammates and the NFL's draft advisory committee. He also spoke with a football analyst, the late Joel Buchsbaum.
more
In an era where the lure of millions of dollars often compels athletes to leave college early, it would have surprised no one had Kennedy decided to do the same. Instead he stuck it out, earned his degree, improved his game and moved up the draft board. His reward was being selected No. 12 overall in the April draft by the Rams.
"He made the mature decision," said Kennedy's position coach in high school, Juan Aquino. "He wanted to come back and improve. It was the smart thing to do. He tries to do the smart thing more times than not."
Kennedy, however, did not make his decision before doing his homework. He consulted Penn State coach Joe Paterno, some of his teammates and the NFL's draft advisory committee. He also spoke with a football analyst, the late Joel Buchsbaum.
more
