John F. Kennedy will enter the upcoming season needing to replace a large portion of its offensive production.
The Knights are losing Derik Betances, Jasihya Beauford and Hamidou Ferseru. Those four players played major roles in Kennedy’s rushing and passing attacks and gave the offense several different ways to move the football.
Betances was Kennedy’s leading runner, averaging more than 100 rushing yards per game. Samake was another major contributor out of the backfield and led the Knights in total touchdowns.
Ferseru provided additional production as a runner, while Beauford was Kennedy’s leading receiver. Their departures leave the Knights searching for new playmakers at nearly every offensive skill position.
Kennedy will not only have to replace their yardage and touchdowns but also the experience and leadership they provided in important situations.
Fortunately for the Knights, they will have an experienced quarterback leading the transition.
Jeremiah Senat returns after throwing five touchdown passes as a sophomore. Senat will enter the new season as a three-year starter, making him one of the most experienced players on Kennedy’s offense.
His continued development and leadership will be two of the biggest factors in determining the Knights’ progress.
Senat will be expected to take greater command of the offense, help develop Kennedy’s new playmakers and become one of the team’s primary leaders. The responsibility will be significant because the Knights must rebuild the group surrounding him.
Senat’s experience should help make that transition easier. He understands the offense, has competed against 4A defenses and knows what will be expected from him as Kennedy’s starting quarterback.
The Knights also have several promising returners ready to accept larger roles.
Avery Reed returns at linebacker after leading Kennedy in tackles per game as a sophomore. His production and experience could make him one of the leaders of the defense.
Ryan Espinal provides versatility at safety and running back, while Tristian Yepez can contribute at wide receiver and free safety. Thomas Ray returns at outside linebacker and offensive guard, giving Kennedy experience on both sides of the football.
Jayvon Adams Simmons could become an important part of the new offense at running back. His ability to contribute at running back and outside linebacker gives the Knights another valuable two-way player.
Kennedy will be younger in several important areas, and replacing Betances, Samake, Beauford and Ferseru will require more than one player. The Knights will need a committee of new offensive weapons to emerge around Senat.
The season will present challenges, but it will also give Kennedy’s returning players an opportunity to establish their own identities.
The previous group provided the production. Now Senat and Kennedy’s next generation must prove they are ready to carry the program forward.
