Former Hoosier DE David Kenney Transfers to Illinois State
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Former Indiana Defensive David Kenney gets to Quarterback Nate Sudfled during the Hoosiers 2014 Spring Game. Kenney is headed to Normal, Illinois to continue his career with the Illinois State Redbirds.
Written By Nick Holmes (@HoosierHolmes)
When Illinois State opens up fall camp in 2015, Quarterback Tre Roberson will think he’s experiencing Déjà vu when he sees former Hoosier teammate David Kenney staring back at him from across the line of scrimmage. On Monday evening Kenney announced via Twitter that he would be playing for the Redbirds next season, joining former Hoosier Quarterback Tre Roberson in Normal, Illinois after the two played in Bloomington together in 2013. Since Illinois State is a member of the FCS, Kenney will be immediately eligible to play and will have three season left to play for the Redbirds.
Kenney was a member of the Hoosiers’ highly touted 2013 recruiting class that included fellow Indianapolis 4-star defensive recruits, Safety Antonio Allen and Defensive Tackle Darius Latham. Indiana fans were hopeful that the talented defensive end would be the pass rush threat the Hoosiers’ defense had not seen since the likes of Greg Middleton and Jamie Kirlew. Unfortunately, those dreams were never realized as Kenney’s Hoosier career barely got off the ground before it was brought to a screeching halt. After seeing limited action in 7 games as a true freshman, the team announced on August 8, 2014 that Kenney would be taking a leave of absence from the university for unknown reasons.
At this time, David needs a break from Indiana University,” coach Kevin Wilson said. “We will continue to support David and wish him nothing but the best. There is no timetable for his return and we will not comment any further.”
Kenney, who was ranked 11th nationally at Weakside defensive end and 244th overall in the 2013 class, had offers from Indiana, Cincinnati, Iowa, Louisville, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Nebraska, and Tennessee among many others. Kenney had originally committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes before switching his pledge to play for the Hoosiers.
Up until Monday evening’s announcement many Hoosier fans were optimistic that Kenney might make his way back to Bloomington, as he would occasionally send out tweets implying he would be playing for the Cream and Crimson in 2015. While his announcement is far from a devastating blow to Hoosiers defense, it’s always disappointing when a highly ranked recruit does not quite pan out, especially at a position of need.