Spokane Empire notes: Trevor Kennedy proves he’s good as advertised

Spokane Empire coach Adam Shackleford heard about Trevor Kennedy from assistant coach Cleveland Pratt and was impressed with Kennedy’s highlight video.

But the coach wanted to see it with his own eyes so Kennedy was invited to an open tryout in Miami.

“He ran 4.4 electronic on grass,” Shackleford said. “We were really impressed with everything he did and instantly offered him a contract.”

The longtime wide receiver and kick returner showed so much after-the-catch ability that coaches gave him a shot at running back. Shackleford had signed Andrew Pierce but the 2015 All-IFL performer later hooked up with Major League Football, a fledgling outdoor league. The next option appeared to be proven IFL back Washaun Ealey.

After the first four days of Kennedy’s career practicing at running back, Ealey was released.

“We saw once he gets the ball in his hands he’s just electric,” Shackleford said. “We didn’t want that kid to leave town.”

Kennedy, who is listed as an offensive specialist, proved to be a quick learner after he got over his initial skepticism.

“First and foremost I’m willing to do anything for the team and anything to get on the field, but I was like ‘Coach, I catch the ball. I don’t run into other people,’ ” Kennedy said, chuckling. “So it was kind of a shock but I told him I’d do anything.”

He relied on his background as a receiver and returner and the rest he’s learning on the run.

“In one word, it’s fast,” the 6-foot, 205-pound Kennedy said. “Everything happens now. There’s no time to sit in the hole and wait for stuff to develop. It’s now, get north.”

Kennedy was a standout receiver at Division II Mercyhurst University in Erie, Pennsylvania, alma mater of former Shock player and head coach Rob Keefe. Kennedy is an IFL rookie but he spent time in a rookie minicamp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and in training camp with CFL Winnipeg. Both stops ended with Kennedy suffering injuries.

Kennedy sat out for a year to train in California. He worked in construction and later in customer service for Chevron Headquarters. His Empire debut resulted in an IFL-best 82 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns in Saturday’s 60-51 win over Tri-Cities in the season opener.

“Sunday did not feel too good, I’m not going to lie,” he said. “I was hurting, but coach does a great job with our recovery workouts. The blood got flowing and I feel a lot better (Tuesday).”

Opening night reviews

Quarterback Charles Dowdell had an impressive debut, passing for 160 yards with six touchdown passes and running for 42 yards and another score. JJ Hayes had six catches, three for touchdowns. Carl Sims and Sam Charles combined for three TD receptions.

The offensive line performed well, allowing one sack and clearing the way for 124 rushing yards.

“Other than the two turnovers, which I hate, I saw some really good things,” Shackleford said.

Spokane’s defense came up with two turnovers and yielded only 235 yards. Tri-Cities converted just 2 of 9 third-down situations.

“They’ve had a ninth man all camp (with a fairly low ceiling at the Spokane Soccer Center),” Shackleford said. “They’re sitting at 13 yards in here making plays (in coverage). Down there, we’re sitting at 13 yards and there’s receivers running behind them.

“When it got to 39-39, you could see it in our veterans’ eyes. They’ve been there before and they kind of settled the rookies down and I was really proud of the way we finished.”