As both a player and a manager, finding success can be as simple as throwing away the standard expectations and just creating your own, regardless of the circumstances. Eric Kennedy and Wraiths General Manager Spike Crown may have done just that, and both have to be feeling pretty good about it.
With the 93rd overall pick (that’s twelfth round, for the counting impaired), expectations for the running back out of New Orleans would generally be low. At that point, for context, the Otters had stopped drafting players 23 picks prior. Add to that, or maybe subtract from it, that the Wraiths had Bubba Nuck as their starter, who put up 1273 yards in Season One, leading the entire league in both rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage. Add again (or subtract again) that Domantas Sabonis was drafted 16 spots above him, and the future looked even dimmer. Sabonis was a lot faster than Kennedy, leaving the 12th rounder as nothing more than a blocking full back on a team that tended to stack speedy receivers. In addition, Kennedy was not a particularly skilled blocker, even though he clearly possessed the natural strength. It was obvious that he was more the type to push defenders out of his own way rather than clear a path for others. Despite appearing to lack the talent and fit for the explosive Wraiths offense, Kennedy was signed to a three year, 6 million dollar deal, with 3 million guaranteed. It seemed that despite Kennedy’s minor role, general manager Spike Crown was very optimistic about what the entirely unheralded runner and blocker could eventually contribute and was willing to gamble big on the rookie’s chances.
After that, his role on the team went through a series of peaks and valleys. 77th overall pick Domantas Sabonis announced his retirement during training camp, surprising many. Whether the cause was nagging injuries or simply an unwillingness to devote himself to the grueling life of an athlete, suddenly the number two back was no longer in Kennedy’s way. Unfortunately for him, Crown then traded away promising cornerback Rafael Reyes and the often-moved Jonathan Shaloiko for Damien West and Levon Novel. While the trade of Shaloiko for West was a simple matter of upgrading the Wraiths’ depth at wide receiver, Rafael Reyes for Levon Novel meant giving up a hard-working, versatile cornerback for a running back. Once again, Kennedy was a third string runner, behind two runners with plenty of talent and stamina. He was brought on the field a few times to block, but his entire preseason stats as a runner consist of ONE ATTEMPT against the San Jose Saber Cats. It wasn’t…a bad run, though.
However, after the game, Novel announced that he would be switching to defensive back, claiming that being a runner just wasn’t as challenging or satisfying anymore. With Week One of Season Two just around the corner, it is difficult to say just what role in the secondary Novel will have. He has the athletics to match up against receivers one on one, but also had the field vision that might translate to safety. Whichever role he plays, however, it seems safe to say that Dirk Cutter will be the one to lose a starting role, leaving talented rookies Dermot Lavelle and Marcus Kane on the field, and flexible veteran safety Alex Hansen taking over whichever role Novel is less suited for. The position change, while leaving a lot of questions unanswered, also changed the situation for Kennedy, and we called him to speak to him about it.
How did you feel when the Wraiths traded for Levon Novel, putting you back as the 3rd string RB?
Disappointed at first, sure, but it's also another reminder of the work that lies ahead. Nuck is a hard act to follow and I know I've got to work hard if I ever expect to fill his shoes. We're all here because we want to be the best at our position and that's my real goal. Even Nuck wants to be better every day and it's clear from how hard he pushes himself on the field.
It's an intriguing answer, but also a very exciting one. When a rookie latches on to a successful pro, there are a lot of good habits to be picked up, and all signs point to him doing exactly that.
Were you expecting Novel to switch to defense or was it a surprise?
Very surprised. Obviously, that opens back up a spot for me, but it's also exciting for him and the team.
It’s worth noting that this is the second time in under a month that Kennedy has moved up the depth chart without actually having to take anyone’s job. Will he seize the opportunity or simply wait for fate to give him more chances?
How much time do you think you will spend blocking for Nuck, and how much time do you think you'll be carrying it yourself?
With his speed and my size, I think it makes sense for me to be blocking for him and I'm open to the challenge. But I'm still ready to lead the charge when I'm called upon. We obviously bring different skills to the table and it's important that we keep teams guessing. Together, I think we make a good 1-2 punch.
Most assessments show Kennedy mainly functioning as a blocker, though with the Wraiths very talented receiving corps, it seems likely that Nuck will be alone in the backfield, with Kennedy having to occasionally spell him. While Nuck is clearly the better back, Kennedy does thrive in short yardage and could well be a touchdown vulture for the Wraiths.
Do you think Novel will be better as a cornerback or safety?
I'm not sure. So much of my focus right now is on the offensive side of things, but I can tell you that the morale of the defensive squad is strong. It's a big step for him and it gives us the chance to try new things and I know he's up to the challenge. Personally, I think he's going to be a real difference-maker and I have full confidence in our defense.
We have to agree. On a team where the offense has been the main focus, the defense looks ready to make some big plays of their own. With draft steals like Kennedy on the roster, just about anything is possible, and Yellowknife fans have a lot to be excited about.
((Ready to grade. 1082 words, 80% payout to @SwagSloth))
GRADED
With the 93rd overall pick (that’s twelfth round, for the counting impaired), expectations for the running back out of New Orleans would generally be low. At that point, for context, the Otters had stopped drafting players 23 picks prior. Add to that, or maybe subtract from it, that the Wraiths had Bubba Nuck as their starter, who put up 1273 yards in Season One, leading the entire league in both rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage. Add again (or subtract again) that Domantas Sabonis was drafted 16 spots above him, and the future looked even dimmer. Sabonis was a lot faster than Kennedy, leaving the 12th rounder as nothing more than a blocking full back on a team that tended to stack speedy receivers. In addition, Kennedy was not a particularly skilled blocker, even though he clearly possessed the natural strength. It was obvious that he was more the type to push defenders out of his own way rather than clear a path for others. Despite appearing to lack the talent and fit for the explosive Wraiths offense, Kennedy was signed to a three year, 6 million dollar deal, with 3 million guaranteed. It seemed that despite Kennedy’s minor role, general manager Spike Crown was very optimistic about what the entirely unheralded runner and blocker could eventually contribute and was willing to gamble big on the rookie’s chances.
After that, his role on the team went through a series of peaks and valleys. 77th overall pick Domantas Sabonis announced his retirement during training camp, surprising many. Whether the cause was nagging injuries or simply an unwillingness to devote himself to the grueling life of an athlete, suddenly the number two back was no longer in Kennedy’s way. Unfortunately for him, Crown then traded away promising cornerback Rafael Reyes and the often-moved Jonathan Shaloiko for Damien West and Levon Novel. While the trade of Shaloiko for West was a simple matter of upgrading the Wraiths’ depth at wide receiver, Rafael Reyes for Levon Novel meant giving up a hard-working, versatile cornerback for a running back. Once again, Kennedy was a third string runner, behind two runners with plenty of talent and stamina. He was brought on the field a few times to block, but his entire preseason stats as a runner consist of ONE ATTEMPT against the San Jose Saber Cats. It wasn’t…a bad run, though.
However, after the game, Novel announced that he would be switching to defensive back, claiming that being a runner just wasn’t as challenging or satisfying anymore. With Week One of Season Two just around the corner, it is difficult to say just what role in the secondary Novel will have. He has the athletics to match up against receivers one on one, but also had the field vision that might translate to safety. Whichever role he plays, however, it seems safe to say that Dirk Cutter will be the one to lose a starting role, leaving talented rookies Dermot Lavelle and Marcus Kane on the field, and flexible veteran safety Alex Hansen taking over whichever role Novel is less suited for. The position change, while leaving a lot of questions unanswered, also changed the situation for Kennedy, and we called him to speak to him about it.
How did you feel when the Wraiths traded for Levon Novel, putting you back as the 3rd string RB?
Disappointed at first, sure, but it's also another reminder of the work that lies ahead. Nuck is a hard act to follow and I know I've got to work hard if I ever expect to fill his shoes. We're all here because we want to be the best at our position and that's my real goal. Even Nuck wants to be better every day and it's clear from how hard he pushes himself on the field.
It's an intriguing answer, but also a very exciting one. When a rookie latches on to a successful pro, there are a lot of good habits to be picked up, and all signs point to him doing exactly that.
Were you expecting Novel to switch to defense or was it a surprise?
Very surprised. Obviously, that opens back up a spot for me, but it's also exciting for him and the team.
It’s worth noting that this is the second time in under a month that Kennedy has moved up the depth chart without actually having to take anyone’s job. Will he seize the opportunity or simply wait for fate to give him more chances?
How much time do you think you will spend blocking for Nuck, and how much time do you think you'll be carrying it yourself?
With his speed and my size, I think it makes sense for me to be blocking for him and I'm open to the challenge. But I'm still ready to lead the charge when I'm called upon. We obviously bring different skills to the table and it's important that we keep teams guessing. Together, I think we make a good 1-2 punch.
Most assessments show Kennedy mainly functioning as a blocker, though with the Wraiths very talented receiving corps, it seems likely that Nuck will be alone in the backfield, with Kennedy having to occasionally spell him. While Nuck is clearly the better back, Kennedy does thrive in short yardage and could well be a touchdown vulture for the Wraiths.
Do you think Novel will be better as a cornerback or safety?
I'm not sure. So much of my focus right now is on the offensive side of things, but I can tell you that the morale of the defensive squad is strong. It's a big step for him and it gives us the chance to try new things and I know he's up to the challenge. Personally, I think he's going to be a real difference-maker and I have full confidence in our defense.
We have to agree. On a team where the offense has been the main focus, the defense looks ready to make some big plays of their own. With draft steals like Kennedy on the roster, just about anything is possible, and Yellowknife fans have a lot to be excited about.
((Ready to grade. 1082 words, 80% payout to @SwagSloth))
GRADED
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