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Despite a season-ending injury, Devon Kennard has plenty of recruiting options.

Kennard Inspired To Make The Most Out Of Injury

By Billy Tucker

That strong resilience instilled in Kennard has carried over to his rehab; we checked in with ESPN's No. 1-rated defensive end prospect about a month out from his ACL surgery.

The feelings of self-pity and anguish went by as quickly as Kennard went past stationary offensive tackles on his way to an astounding 24 quarterback sacks as a junior. Originally devastated by the injury that struck him at the start of a much anticipated senior season, the Arizona native has handled this adversity with composure and perseverance. Kennard believes in the theory that everything happens for a reason, including his knee injury, and he continues to turn this setback into a positive experience for both his life and his future as a football player.

"This injury has actually made me stronger as a person and I have a greater appreciation of everything I have," Kennard said.

The 257-pound, chiseled defensive end has been challenged both mentally and physically through his rehab but has taken it step by step and endured the process with great resolve and unflappable determination.

"I have learned it's a process and there are just steps I need to go through," Kennard said. "The first month went by fast and it was the roughest; it's just going to go by faster from here. I am working hard at it and right where I'm supposed to be."

While explosive on the field, the humbled pass-rush specialist has learned to be patient in his goal of being 100 percent by mid-March. His physical therapist and doctor have kept him on a tight leash in an effort to make sure he is not exerting himself too much, too soon.

The determined Kennard commented, "I started physical therapy on Monday. I'm still on crutches but starting to walk a little on my own; the further away I get from the surgery, the bigger steps I will take. I am hoping to be off crutches in a few weeks and be jogging by Christmas."

Kennard acknowledged he misses playing with his senior teammates but has used this time to concentrate on improving his game off the field, both mentally and physically.

"I'm working out almost every day," Kennard said. "I can't lift with my legs but I am really improving my upper-body strength. I'm concentrating on keeping my GPA up and really paying attention to my final five schools that are recruiting me."

Humility resonates in Kennard's voice when discussing his status as one of the nation's most sought-after prospects, but there is also a strong feeling of pride and future validation.

"I have told my family I do not want to take my official visits until after I get off my crutches; I don't want to be limping across college campuses like this," said Kennard, who lists USC, Cal, Texas, ASU and UCLA as his final five schools.

Kennard is more determined than ever to get back to the once-dominating form that earned him the label of ESPN's No. 1 overall defensive prospect.

"I experienced being everyone's number one player but also see how quickly it can be taken away and have people question me," Kennard said. "I appreciate everything more now and know at some point it (my knee) will be even stronger.

"I want this real bad, I will get through it."

While every major injury carries a red flag regarding an athlete's future, it's hard to bet against this disruptive edge player when projecting for the next level. We knew the rare physical tools were there to dominate as a college football player, but we now realize Kennard's intangibles may be just as impressive.

Top Wideouts Nearing Decisions

The wide receiver position currently has the most available talent, with ESPN's five highest rated receiver prospects -- Rueben Randle (Bastrop, La.), Marlon Brown (Memphis, Tenn./Harding Academy), Shaquelle Evans (Inglewood, Calif.), Andre Debose (Sanford, Fla./Seminole) and Jheranie Boyd (Gastonia, N.C./Ashbrook) -- still left on the board. We did learn this week that recruiting fans will not have to wait much longer for Evans and Boyd to declare where they will be taking their playmaking skills; both will be announcing next week.

The 6-foot-2 Boyd is planning to add some excitement to his announcement ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 6.

"I am ready to do something that has never been done before," Boyd said, jokingly. "I have it narrowed down to N.C. State, Illinois, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Missouri."

Boyd said the Sooners and Tigers are at the top of his list, and he recently enjoyed his visit to Mizzou.

"It's a really nice campus with brand new buildings all around," he said. "I like their offense a lot, and they said they want to use me like Jeremy Maclin with my speed. I also have family in St. Louis."

Boyd could be lured to Norman by its storied tradition and prominent players and coaches.

"Just Sam Bradford and coach Stoops," replied Boyd, when asked about the positives of Oklahoma. "It's a great college campus and a place where you can compete for national championships each year."

The North Carolina native didn't completely hang the in-state Tar Heels out to dry, saying they had some of the better coaches in the country and they are a fast-rising program that continues to sign great recruiting classes.

Once rumored a soft Trojan pledge, Evans told us in early October that Notre Dame was the school he felt most comfortable with and was leaning toward the Fighting Irish after a great visit to South Bend.

In-state USC still appears to still be in the running for this explosive wideout. ESPN's West recruiting blogger Greg Biggins reported Thursday that Evans' coach, Khalid Ali, said Evans is set to announce his college choice on Friday, Nov. 7. Coach Ali said it will come down to USC, Notre Dame, Michigan and Colorado.

Evans has yet to visit the latter two, so it looks like he will be donning a USC or Notre Dame hat on Friday.

Brown told us this week he would be deciding between LSU, Tennessee, Florida, Ohio State and Georgia on signing day, and is wide open. The physically imposing wideout said he really liked the players and coaches on his visits to the latter two schools, as well as the game day atmospheres. Once thought to be an in-state lean to Tennessee, the 6-foot-5 receiver still has faith in the program he will officially visit last.

"I'm from Memphis, they are my home team. Tennessee is not having a good season this year, but they will turn it around and have some good recruits coming in," Brown said.

Debose recently got back from an official visit to Baton Rouge with Seminole teammates Dyron Dye (Sanford, Fla./Seminole) and Ray Ray Armstrong (Sanford, Fla./Seminole). The Tigers made a good impression on this electrifying athlete, but he is still wide open and putting a halt on visits.

"I had a great time at LSU and really enjoyed it," Debose said. "I had a nice experience at Georgia, too, when they played Vanderbilt. I am going to wait until after the season to visit Florida and Miami."

The Gators could be the team to beat for Debose and the talented Seminole trio as a whole may be difficult to pull out of state. (It doesn't appear that playing together will be a factor for them.)

Their much anticipated announcements could be made live at the Under Armour All-American Game on Jan. 4 on ESPN.

Randle has been one of the more difficult prospects to speculate on in regard to his recruiting. In mid-September, he told ESPN affiliate Web site CrimsonConfidential.com that Alabama, LSU, Miami, Michigan and USC were the programs he was talking to most and that he was following their games closely each week.

Randle is keeping his recruitment close to the vest, and he has yet to officially set any visits. We feel the receiver-turned-electrifying-quarterback this season will make his decision on or closer to signing day. The in-state Tigers may be tough to beat out for his services, particularly with ESPNU 150 teammate Joshua Downs (Bastrop, La.) already committed to play for the Tigers.