Greenville High School’s J.J. Kennedy has only played football for one season, but he has already made an impression as one of the Hornet’s most feared defenders.
Kennedy, a speedy defensive back, will be a senior when Greenville begins its football season this year. He said he learned a lot from his first year on the gridiron.
“When I do something, I always do it 100 %,” Kennedy said. “This is how my parents raised me. Now, that I am a football player, I am going to be the best football player I can be.”
Kennedy already had a passion for both soccer and baseball before joining the Hornets’ football team. He credits Greenville High School head coach Quintarus McCray for pushing him to give football a try.
“Coach told me just to come out and run with the team, and when I started running with them, I was the fastest one there that day,” Kennedy said. “This taught me that if I am this quick then I should definitely give football a try.”
While Kennedy has not been able to practice with his teammates this offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic, he said he is doing his best to stay in shape for when the time comes for that first kickoff.
“I am doing all that I can on my own,” Kennedy said. “Whenever I have a chance, I am working on drills that can help me be a better defensive back. I am doing a lot of drills to improve my footwork.
“This whole experience has been eye opening for me,” he said. “My biggest hope is that everyone takes care of themselves and stays safe.”
The Hornets finished last season with a 3-8 record, a record Kennedy said he believes his team can definitely improve.
“We learned last season that when you put your mind to something, you can accomplish any goal,” he said. “We know that Greenville has not had a winning team in a long time, and we all have something to prove.”
With a 3.7 grade point average, Kennedy said he hopes to one day have a career as a computer engineer. He is also hoping to play football at the next level.
“I know that I can continue to get better because I am coachable and willing to do what it takes to make it in this sport,” he said. “With a hard work ethic and a great attitude, you can go a long way.”
The Hornets are now scheduled to open the season Sept. 4 against Ruleville.
