Recruiting Reset: Anthony Kennedy, Jr. is a great building block

Dec 18, 2024 | Uncategorized

Written By


Mizzou’s 2026 recruiting efforts get started with a big, versatile, defensive lineman.

Missouri’s first commit of the 2026 class comes from the state of Arkansas, one of Eli Drinkwitz’s favorite states to plunder athletes from. And while the first commit might not be an elite blue chip, a prized quarterback, or even an in-state tight end, it’s still an important piece to add to the team in the versatile defensive lineman Anthony Kennedy, Jr.


Where He Fits: Kennedy is a 3-star defensive end according to Rivals and ESPN while 247 and On3 have pegged him as a 4-star non-descript defensive lineman. His current Hudl film is only a minute long but it shows his ability to line up anywhere. The majority of the snaps you see him take is as a 3-technique interior lineman lined up between the guard and tackle. In those plays you see him bully his way through the line to provide pressure on the QB or take down the ball carrier. As an edge rusher he’s fairly slow on his get off but does a good job of taking routes to the ball. Each site has him down for various heights and weight but, on average, he’s about 6’3” and 285 pounds which puts him as a bigger end or a slightly underweight tackle at the next level. Obviously the staff has an elite strength and conditioning program to have him fit in wherever but his skillset seems like more of an interior lineman than an edge player.

When he’ll play: I see a lot of raw talent here that definitely needs some refinement. Playing on the line is tough for even the best linemen and I think Kennedy could use a year or two in the gun club before he needs to contribute on the field.

What it all means: Missouri starts its next recruiting campaign by nabbing a player from some fairly elite company, including Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Michigan…you get the idea. While he’s not an instant-impact type of player it is just as important to get as many program/development guys and bring them up through the program to keep the culture strong and make sure they’re ready to contribute positively. This is a great commitment and furthers the narrative of Arkansas players heading north to play college ball.

You Might Also Like

Injuries, obstacles mounting for Mizzou Wrestling

Injuries, obstacles mounting for Mizzou Wrestling

Cal Tobias/Rock M Nation The Tigers are currently without their three expected key contributors, two gone for the rest of the season For the second straight year, Mizzou Wrestling has begun its season with high hopes and expectations before seeing the year take a...

read more
Commute: Who is declaring for the NFL draft?

Commute: Who is declaring for the NFL draft?

The Morning Commute for Friday, January 3rd, 2024. Welcome to the Morning Commute We all need our moment, right? That’s the benefit of social media, it allows every one to play the title role in their own script. With that said I’m not sure I fully understand...

read more
Defending champs blow out Mizzou WBB

Defending champs blow out Mizzou WBB

Karen Steger Action Photography Tigers fall to South Carolina 83-52 Mizzou WBB (11-5, 0-1 SEC) competed early on with No. 2 South Carolina (13-1, 1-0 SEC), but faltered in the second half as the talent discrepancy showed. South Carolina ended the first quarter ahead...

read more

0 Comments