Kenney follows family legacy to join an elite room of specialists
Stanford is loading up on talented specialists. North Dakota kicker Emmet Kenney committed Oct. 17 after receiving a preferred walk-on offer from the Cardinal — Stanford already has a commitment from one of the top punters in the 2021 class, Connor Weselman.
"Stanford is a perfect fit for me because of the great academics as well as football," Kenney said in a direct message to Cardinal Sports Report. "I had a brother go to Stanford Law and another one just graduate from Stanford undergrad, so we have a connection to the university and I jumped on it right after I got the offer."
The Kenney pipeline of intellectual talent to The Farm is impressive and obviously explains why Emmet was attracted to the university in the first place. He got onto Stanford's radar as a prospect in part because he has had a record-setting senior season in Fargo.
He made a state-record 58-yard field goal and in one game had two made field goals of more than 50 yards. Special teams coordinator Pete Alamar told Kenney that he likes the power generated by his long legs and leg speed.
Kenney is excited to work with a coach who is dedicated to specialists and has years of expertise coaching kickers and punters on their technique. Jake Bailey is starring for the New England Patriots and has already established himself as one of the best punters in the NFL.
Stanford recruited arguably the best kicker in the country in 2020 (Josh Karty) and have a versatile punter/kicker in Ryan Sanborn lined up for three more years. Add in Weselman and Kenney and the rich get richer.
"It’s been nice getting to know some of the other ‘21 commits but I haven’t talked to Connor all that much yet," Kenney said. "I’ve seen him at the Kohl’s Kicking Camps though and I know he’s very talented. I’m excited about what we can bring to the specialist room and I’m looking forward to forming a friendship with him and everyone else in the specialist room as well. I think we are a great unit and we will be able to push one another to become the best we can be."
Kenney has a good understanding of how the Stanford community can make each other better because of what his brothers have shared with him about their experiences. He also did a virtual visit: "It was such a remarkable presentation. The coaches were so genuine and I loved seeing the team culture and hearing from some of the guys.
"It’s an amazing place with a culture of excellence on and off the field and I love that aspect. Davis Mills and Thomas Booker really stood out to me. They seem like great leaders and I can’t wait to join such a great group of guys. Coach A is a class act. I can tell that he’s a genuine guy that wants the best for his players. I’m so excited to play for a coach like him who I believe can teach me a lot about the game."