Iowa’s 2024 recruiting class now has 13 pledges. Three-star defensive end and edge rusher Devan Kennedy announced his commitment to the Iowa Hawkeyes on Monday.
It looked like his recruitment was headed in this direction after recruiting predictions came flying in quickly over the weekend. After taking part in the Hawkeyes’ big recruiting weekend, Kennedy decided Iowa was the right spot for him. Kennedy is out of Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Ariz.
Rated as the nation’s No. 120 EDGE and the No. 43 player from Arizona per 247Sports, Kennedy chose Iowa over offers from fellow Power 5 programs Illinois, Oregon State, and Penn State. He also had offers from Bowling Green, Fordham, Idaho, Nevada, and UTEP.
Kennedy took to Twitter to share the announcement.
“First and foremost, I give all the glory to GOD! I’ve been blessed beyond measure for the experiences God has put me through over the past few years. These experiences have been good, while others have been ugly. I’ve learned in times of confusion, anger, or sorrow, to keep fighting and put all my trust and faith in the Lord.
“Second, I want to thank my family, coaches and teammates for always having my back and showing me love. You all keep me grounded, humble and helped me learn to appreciate this process.
“Lastly, I want to thank all the coaches that have recruited me, gotten to know me, and helped along the way. You all saw the untapped talent that I possess and encouraged to strongly consider seeing myself in your amazing programs. I can’t thank you enough. Thank you ALL!
“With that being said, I’m excited to announce that I have COMMITTED to the University of Iowa! Go Hawkeyes!” Kennedy wrote on social media.
COMMITED!! 🟡⚫️ @HawkeyeFootball @CoachK_Bell @LeVarWoods @Kennedy73 #GoHawkeyes pic.twitter.com/VkZw9tkgnT
— Devan Kennedy (@DevanKennedy91) June 26, 2023
Since the beginning of last football season, Kennedy has undergone a physical transformation. The rising defensive end and edge rusher has added 50 pounds of weight to his frame. Now, Kennedy checks in at 6-foot-3, 240 pounds.
The son of a former first-round NFL draft pick out of Penn State, Kennedy just finished up his first season playing football. Per MaxPreps, Kennedy registered 12 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. His father, Jimmy Kennedy, played defensive tackle for the Nittany Lions and was a first-round pick by the St. Louis Rams in 2003.
The Hawkeyes are banking on the continued on-field development matching Devan Kennedy’s rapid physical development. If that transpires, the Hawkeyes might have just found another Iowa diamond in the rough.
Here’s a look at Kennedy’s junior season Hudl tape. Plus, his full recruiting profile below.
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