Eagles add local linebacker
You may not see his name roll across the ticker on signing day, but Ta'Dren Kennedy will be just as much of a Golden Eagle as any Southern Miss signee.
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound linebacker accepted a preferred walk-on offer from the Eagles earlier this week. Kennedy had several scholarship offers but the opportunity to play for the hometown Golden Eagles was too strong.
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"I just feel like it's the best fit for me athletically and academically," Kennedy said.
He selected the Eagles over offers from Nicholls State, Delta State, Pearl River CC as well as a number of other Division II and NAIA schools.
Family is important to Kennedy and being able to play close to home was a big factor in his decision making process.
"It's very important," he said. "Being able to be right here at home, all my family can come to every game."
Another factor that weighed heavily is the fact that Southern Miss has a long history of awarding scholarships to preferred walk-on.
"A lot of Southern Miss players start off as walk-ons" he said. "Gerald Baptiste started off as a walk-on and he was one of their best players when he finished."
"I feel like I can do the same," kennedy said. "I think I can go in and make an impact and help the program."