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Miami’s Kennedy a big presence on O-line

Miami University offensive lineman Matt Kennedy, left, talks with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks' coach Morris Watts at football practice on Wednesday, August 18.

Samantha Grier Miami University offensive lineman Matt Kennedy, left, talks with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks' coach Morris Watts at football practice on Wednesday, August 18.

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer Updated 1:04 AM Thursday, August 19, 2010

OXFORD — Matt Kennedy remembers the days when he was downright puny, at least for an offensive lineman.

“When I first came (to Miami University) I was under 230 pounds and I could definitely tell how much bigger and stronger everyone else was,” he said. “I was still able to hold my own, so I knew if I was able to put on weight I’d be able to play.”

Kennedy held his own at less than 230. Last fall as a redshirt freshman who weighed 258 he became a starter. This year he is up to 275. You can guess where this is heading.

“Matt Kennedy is one of the best players on our football team,” Miami coach Michael Haywood said. “He’s been doing a tremendous job with his retention and learning some of the new schemes we’ve put in on offense, and really being a good leader and helping teach the young guys the techniques and fundamentals.”

Kennedy also gives the RedHawks the type of physical presence they haven’t had on the offensive line for several years. It’s possible that Miami’s nonexistent rushing attack, which hasn’t had a running back gain more than 550 yards since 2005, could emerge from its cocoon when it starts plowing behind their right tackle.

“I’m extremely pleased,” Kennedy said. “I had a real good spring. I gained about 25 pounds and I’m staying right around 270, 275.

“It feels good and I’m going to keep the weight on,” he said. “I can tell a huge difference in run blocking.”

Kennedy gains weight by working in the weight room, but it has been a struggle for the sophomore from Mount Prospect, Ill.

“Originally I wasn’t able to keep the weight on because I got hurt last year,” Kennedy said. “I had a real bad sprained ankle and a real bad shoulder. It was during the season and I was able to play, but I couldn’t lift, so my body just sort of deflated.

“Once that all got fixed, I was able to get into lifting and (the weight) came on real fast,” said Kennedy, who had been back down to 245.

Kennedy was an offensive guard and defensive end at Mount Prospect High School, where he won a state title.

“I was recruited mostly as a defensive lineman,” Kennedy said, adding that the switch back to the offensive line “was pretty easy ... I’ve always kind of liked it. It’s all guts, no glory.”

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