Preseason Perspective: Douglass OL Demeco Kennedy
We’re less than two months away from the start of another high school football season in the state of Kentucky. Heading into the season, KSR will be interviewing some of the state’s brightest high school football stars, getting to hear some thoughts and perspectives before another exciting year of football in the Commonwealth. We’ve already spoken with Corbin’s Kade Elam and CAL’s Cole Hodge. Next up is Frederick Douglass’ Demeco Kennedy.
Demeco Kennedy, the seventh-ranked player in the state of Kentucky from the class of 2024, was one of the key pieces to Frederick Douglass’ first-ever state championship victory last season. Kennedy, rated a three-star IOL by On3, was just one of two players to play on both offense and defense in the state championship game (the other being current Kentucky football freshman DB Ty Bryant).
“It was a great feeling to not only bring home the championship and be the first in Douglass history, but to be one of two people who played both ways was just amazing,” Kennedy said.
This upcoming season, Kennedy and fellow three-star OT Zuri Madison, who is committed to Arkansas, will anchor one of the strongest offensive lines in the state. Madison is currently the third-ranked player in the state of Kentucky from the class of 2024.
When asked if he thought the Douglass offensive line was the strongest in the entire state heading into the season, Kennedy responded, “Definitely. I feel it wouldn’t be possible without the best o-line coach in not only Kentucky, but the nation.”
Along with his head coaching duties, Nathan McPeek oversees the offensive line. Before taking over for former coach Brian Landis in 2020, McPeek was one of the most prolific offensive linemen in the history of Marshall University. McPeek started in 52 consecutive games, winning three bowl games and two MAC championships from 2000-2003. Seeing his coach/mentor get that long-awaited ring meant a lot in the eyes of Kennedy.
“It was great to get to see him after we won state because I know the time that him and all the other coaches put into us. I can say that he’s a great head coach. He really cares about the kids, winning, and making sure kids get a chance to play at the next level.”
One of the biggest storylines in all of Kentucky high school football this season will be how Frederick Douglass adjusts to 6A following their jump from 5A. For the first time ever, Douglass will play the likes of Trinity and Corbin this upcoming season.
Kennedy, however, isn’t worried at all, saying “I definitely am excited about the jump because we just get to go out there and show everybody why we are who we say we are. Also, I feel that we will fit in great and I can’t wait for us to prove that.” The Broncos were picked to finish fifth in 6A by Nations Elite.
While senior Broncos Zuri Madison (Arkansas) and three-star CB Terrion Hicks (Northwestern) have already announced their college commitments, Kennedy and teammate three-star CB Jeremiah Lowe have yet to announce where they will be playing next season. Kennedy is being recruited by Purdue, Illinois, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Louisville among others, with the Boilermakers viewed as the current leader by a slim margin. While no commitment date is currently scheduled, Kennedy detailed what will go into his decision.
“I don’t have a commitment date set yet but when looking for a school, some important things are culture, who can develop me the best, and where can I play early.” Kennedy has yet to take an official visit to Kentucky.
Finally, Madison didn’t mince words when asked what the goal for his final season as a Bronco was. He simply responded, “We here to run it back.” Frederick Douglass will begin their season on August 19th, when they travel to Ohio for an out-of-state opener against Archbishop Hoban. Hoban was ranked 40th in the country in the High School Football America Preseason National Top 300 Poll. Douglass was ranked 200th.
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