Career: Closed career with a tremendous season at offensive guard ... Was moved to the offensive side of the ball late in his career and he responded with an all-conference-type season ... Made rapid progress as an offensive lineman.
2008: True senior ... Earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in first year as a starter ... Recipient of a Randy Walker Wildcat Warrior Award (presented to a player who demonstrates the work ethic, toughness and attitude of a warrior) ... Started all 13 games at guard ... Made first career start at left guard against Syracuse after switching from the defensive line less than one year ago ... Wrote a bowl blog for NU's website, NUsports.com ... Academic All-Big Ten ... Named to NFF's Hampshire Honor Society.
2007: Started the year on defense before moving to the offensive line ... Academic All-Big Ten ... Played in 10 games ... One tackle against Northeastern ... Named team's defensive practice player of the week vs. Eastern Michigan.
2006: Reserve defensive tackle ... Notched a tackle as well as his first career pass deflection in opener at Miami (Ohio) ... One solo tackle at Wisconsin ... Two QB hurries vs. Michigan State ... Three tackles (two solos) at Michigan ... Two tackles vs. Ohio State ... Credited with three tackles, including a 3-yard pass sack, in win over Illinois.
2005: Played in nine games (defensive tackle) as a true freshman ... Notched a season-high three tackles vs. Arizona State ... Also had a pair of solo hits at Illinois ... Notched his first career sack against the Fighting Illini.
High School: An all-state, all-area and all-county (Palm Beach Post and Florida Sun-Sentinel) defensive end and fullback at Cardinal Newman in West Palm Beach ... Coaches' MVP Award and team captain ... Helped the Crusaders win back-to-back district championships ... Selected to play in Outback All-Star Game ... Recipient of team's Ultimate Crusader Award ... Named Gatorade Offensive Player of the Year for the team in 2003 ... Began his high school career in Phoenix, Ariz., at Brophy College Prep ... Played at Brophy in 2002, and was the only sophomore on the team ... Earned a letter as a fullback/linebacker ... Lettered in powerlifting as a junior at Cardinal Newman ... State qualifier as a heavyweight powerlifter ... Coached by Sam Budnyk (junior year) and Don Dicus (senior year).
Personal: Born Keegan R. Kennedy ... Son of Brien and Resa Kennedy ... Communication studies major.
The Keegan Kennedy File
Q: If you could dine with anyone from any period in history, who would it be?
A: Abraham Lincoln
Q: If you could have a starring role in any film already made, which movie would it be?
A: Braveheart
Q: What is the greatest lesson in life that you have learned?
A: Do the right thing and you will always be right
Q: My favorite opposing stadium to play in is...
A: Ohio State
Q: My ultimate SportsCenter highlight would be...
A: A sack turned into a fumble recovery and returning for a TD against Ohio State
Q: The person that inspires me the most is...
A: My grandfather
Q: My favorite food is...
A: A Chipotle burrito
Q: Which current NU football player is the biggest jokester?
A: Chris Malleo
Q: My football-related superstition is...
A: Eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before the game
Q: My favorite pre-game ritual is...
A: Listening to music
Q: If you were to select a food that best describes your character, what food would it be?
A: Something hot and spicy
Q: The three words that best describe me:
A: Dependable, respectable and competitive
Kennedy's Career Stats
TACKLES G UA A Total TFL-Yds PD FF FR Blkd2005................ 9 5 2 7 1.0-1 0 0 0 02006................ 12 6 4 10 1.0-3 1 0 0 02007................ 10 0 2 2 0.0-0 0 0 0 02008................ 13 0 0 0 0.0-0 0 0 0 0TOTAL............... 44 11 8 19 2.0-4 1 0 0 0
SACKS G UA A Total Yds2005................ 9 1 0 1.0 12006................ 12 1 0 1.0 32007................ 10 0 0 0.0 02008................ 13 0 0 0.0 0TOTAL............... 44 2 0 2.0 4