Michigan State lands 2024 PWO commitment from prep school defensive back
Michigan State added another commitment of the preferred walk-on category, landing defensive back DJ Kennard of Palmetto Prep School in South Carolina. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder was originally a class of 2023 recruit, transferring to Palmetto in order to take a post graduate year and reclassify to the class of 2024. He is eligible to enroll in college in the spring of 2024.
“As an under recruited athlete at the post grad level, this power five offer has brought a sense of excitement and relief as I finally have the opportunity to give myself a name and keep working to complete my dreams,” Kennard previously told SpartanMag.com. “Michigan State is a great place, and I can’t wait to visit to get the full feel of being a student-athlete at the college level. Spartan football has had plenty of success in the past, and I can imagine that the future of the program will be great.”
Former Michigan State interim head coach Harlon Barnett led the charge in recruiting Kennard. He visited Michigan State in late November.
“It was a great visit,” Kennard said. “I learned a lot and felt very welcomed by the coaches and staff. It was also nice to take a college visit with my mom and my former high school coach, we really enjoyed it.”
“Being away, at prep school for about 17 weeks, by myself, without my friends and family, being with her on that visit brought a sense of happiness to myself. That is my future and I hope she is in my future every step of the way. We probably took about 1,000 photos just for the memories.”
Kennard and his mother were joined by his former high school coach Franklin Weaver, who played for Michigan State in the 1990s.
“My high school head coach played football at MSU back in the old days,” Kennard said. “He showed us around a lot and had a lot of information from when he went there. That was a big push that helped me learn more about Michigan State and what they have to offer.”
The long defensive back will be coached by assistant coach Blue Adams. He is not currently ranked by the 2024 On3 Industry Rankings as of now. Kennard also visited James Madison, Virginia Tech, and Eastern Carolina earlier this off-season.
“I am a defensive back that uses my long wingspan and athletic frame to an advantage,” Kennard said. “I love playing press. In high school I was known for shutting down my side of the field. I want that to be my goal throughout college while also working in every aspect of the game to perform well. You can expect for me to cover deep balls and break up lots of passes while also being very physical.”
