Post by David on Jul 14, 2016 16:37:18 GMT -8
RB Trevor Kennedy was named IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (image courtesy of Dan Pelle / Spokesman-Review)
7.14.16 -
The Indoor Football League announced its recipients of the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards. As expected, Spokane Empire rookie running back Trevor Kennedy was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.
It's a well-deserved honor for the rookie RB from MercyHurst University (PA). Initially a tryout player in the Empire's mini-camp, Kennedy was converted from his natural position at wide receiver to running back by head coach Adam Shackleford, making the team. He was a critical contributor to the success of the Empire in their inaugural season in the IFL, finishing 1st in the Intense Conference with a 12-4 record.
Kennedy made a big impression on Empire fans in the team's home opener. In their home IFL debut, he displayed the fun of what the running game can do for arena/indoor football, rushing for 50 yards and 3 touchdowns, including an electrifying 45-yard touchdown run late in the 1st Quarter to give Spokane a 13-12 lead. The Empire would hang on to win 66-65.
After a month away from home due to bye weeks, the Empire returned home to take on the Iowa Barnstormers. He got Empire fans jumping out of their seats early in the game, scoring on an improvised 10-yard touchdown run that resulted from a failed sweep jet sweep play. Throughout the night, Kennedy made Barnstormer defenders crash and burn, rushing for 86 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 54-51 victory.
The following week, Kennedy had his most memorable game against the Colorado Crush. In the 97-72 win, he rushed 59 yards and 4 touchdowns. Kennedy also made an impact in Spokane's passing game, hauling in 4 passes for 18 yards and 3 touchdowns, including an acrobatic somersault over a Colorado defender into the end zone. His 7 total touchdowns on the night were tied for the most scores in a game by an IFL player this season.
Although his season was cut to 13 games due to injury, he rushed for 720 rushing yards and a league high 27 rushing touchdowns, the most since LaRon Council's 32 touchdowns in 2012. He also made his impact felt in Spokane's passing game, catching 35 passes for 273 yards and 9 touchdowns, as well as Spokane's kick return game, returning 28 kickoffs back for 525 yards and a touchdown.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year is the latest award in recognition for his outstanding rookie season. He earned back-to-back IFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Weeks 7 and 8, and was recently named First Team All-IFL.
Meanwhile, the Defensive Rookie of the Year award went to DB Jabari Gorman of the Nebraska Danger. He recorded 125 total tackles (95 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 7 INTs and 7 pass breakups.
- DKH
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