2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kendren Smith, DB, University of Pennsylvania

• Name: Kendren Smith
• Position: DB
• College: University of Pennsylvania 
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 205
• Twitter: ksmith_01
• Instagram: kendren.smith

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

My ability to impact all aspects on the field in the run and pass game as well as making several big time plays when it is needed most.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

5 years old playing flag football.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I am a man who takes pride in my character and view of life. I value how others perceive me both on and off the field. Perspective determines your trajectory in life. These ideals help me take advantage of every opportunity I’m a part of. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

Wounded Warrior Project. The majority of the men in my family are veterans. I have first hand seen how some veterans are treated after serving, and I would love to to make an impact on the lives of people who deserve it.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Be where your feet are”, it helps me understand to stay present in whatever I am dealing with and is a perfect mindset of being a DB with a “next play” mentality.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My Mom was my childhood hero because she was, and still is, the epitome of doing whatever it takes to better her children.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Julien Stokes. He’s a Swiss army knife on the field, a true Athlete, and will continue to make a lot of plays for Penn in the future. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Laziness/Complaining, I hate when people do things half way or don’t make the best out of their situation. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Having to persevere through the pandemic my freshman year was one of the hardest moments of my life. Not being able to play the game I love, not knowing what I wanted to do academically, and doing Ivy League classes online put me in a tough space. That experience helped me understand that my identity is not just as a football player and understand that those hard times don’t last, but it’s how you grow through those situations.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

My school is special to me because it has a great emphasis on professional development, and helps us athletes find our identity outside of our sport before it’s too late.

What is your favorite snack food? 

PB&J can be eaten at any point of day.

What is the best part of football? 

The process, you have to love it because it’s the only sport where you prepare that much more than you actually play. While also putting in work day in and day out with your guys, it doesn’t get any better than that. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

Kendren Smith is a player that is accountable on and off the field and has the frame and ability to compete at a high level on Sundays.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Nnamdi Asomugha, he’s was a beast that affected all aspects of the game at a very high level and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty just like me.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Jesus, he’s everything in my life, My uncle Victor (Pops) McKinnon who was the backbone of my family, and MLK because who wouldn’t want to meet him.