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Kerry N. Reynolds | College of DuPage | OL
Twitter: kerryreynolds02 | Instagram: kerryreynolds82
Q: Tell us about your college (or pro) career and what the recruiting/scouting process was like. Why did you choose College of DuPage?
A: I chose College of DuPage because it was closest to my mother and younger brother’s home. My high school offensive line coach, Coach King, is also the athletic director, referred me to College of DuPage. Upon entering College of DuPage my college career there has been eye opening. I have had great coaches looking after me which made it feel like home.
Q: What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
A: I would consider winning our Red Grange Bowl game at College of DuPage as my biggest accomplishment in my sports career. This was a big moment in my life because we started out poorly. Our team was not playing as a team as everyone seemed focused on themselves. Then, came the point in time where I took the role of motivating my teammates and became a leader. I feel taking this step helped us to be more cohesive and win the game.
Q: What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff while playing at College of DuPage?
A: One of the most important things I learned from the coaching staff at College of DuPage, is to work hard and never give up. If I work hard on and off the field, I can strive for greatness. Through tough times in my life Coach Foster was there for me and told me to trust in God. Also, that God gives his toughest soldiers the hardest battles.
Q: How was your career impacted due to the 2020 pandemic and what have you learned from the adversity?
A: My career was impacted by the pandemic by not having a normal season. I had to learn to adapt and keep myself motivated to continue to work out at home. Since all the gyms were closed, I purchased some weights so I would not lose strength. I had to adapt to life and push forward keeping a positive attitude in the midst of it all. Adapting is important because, it taught me to refocus on my future goals. Afterall, when the sun sets, when the smoke clears, life continues regardless of my circumstances or situations.
Q: What was your major and what are your plans if football doesn’t work out?
A: I am a criminal justice major. After football, my goal is to become a police officer. My aspiration is to help those in need. By becoming a police officer, I can achieve my goal of helping others. I would like to move up in the law enforcement field through education and experience. I will be the first in my family to earn a college degree.
Q: What would your current/past teammates say about you and your qualities?
A: My teammates would say I am hardworking, dedicated, a leader, trustworthy, committed, firm, faithful, and loyal. For an example, some of our teammates and even myself at times, would slack in practice. I realized the way I practiced was how I would perform in a real game. I started going harder in practice which led me to push my teammates harder in practice, therefore in each game our team would perform to the best of our ability.
Q: What has been one of the most memorable plays of your career at any level?
A: One of the most memorable plays of my career was when we had 14 seconds left, it was a tied game and we had the ball, my quarterback got in the huddle and said, “We are throwing a Hail Mary.” We were all shocked. All I could think about, was giving him time to make the right decision. Before we got on the line, I told my offensive linemen, “give him time!” As we got on the line, we started making our calls. Then the ball snaped and our quarterback was sitting in the pocket untouched. He was looking for a receiver, then he throws. There was pure silence as the ball flew through the air. As my receiver jumped up for the ball, three defenders jump on top of him. We waited for the signal, as the referee unpeeled a herd of players. He gave us the touchdown signal and the crowd erupted with praise. We scored in the last few seconds and won the game.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge and how do you manage it?
A: One of the biggest challenges I faced as a young child, was the loss my father, a military veteran, to cancer. Recently, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. I have been her advocate and cheerleader to keep her spirits high. My mother spent countless hours watching me play the game I love, in pain, just to cheer me on. She has been my biggest fan. Her desire is to see me play in the NFL. Her love makes me push harder to attain my goals in life. I do not want my little brother to endure the pain I felt when my father passed around the same age so I will work hard to be an excellent role model for him. It is important for me to mold him into a hardworking and compassionate young man.
Q: If you could compare yourself to a pro athlete, who would that be and why?
A: If I had to compare myself to a pro athlete, it would be Larry Allen an offensive guard for the Dallas Cowboys. I compare myself to him because we are the same height and we play the same position. Also, he was a hard worker and was dedicated to get the job done on the field. This reminds me a lot of myself. When I am on the field, I have a mission to complete and that is not to let my quarterback get sacked.
Q: What is your biggest strength that you bring to a professional team and why should pro scouts consider you?
A: The biggest strength that I would bring to a professional team is my technique and my determination to dominate every play. As well, I am a person of integrity and strive to be the best person I can be each and every day. I believe this is a leadership trait others can follow. I feel the pro scouts will not be disappointed with both my integrity and skill.
Q: Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?
A: I am a youth mentor at City of God Ministries in Sterling, IL. I have been an active part of the youth/young adult ministry for the last four years. I assist in local volunteer missions’ projects where our organization does things such as, mow lawns, yardwork, volunteer at our food pantry, garbage removal, and assist in cleaning homes for the elderly. These missions’ projects occur two to three times each year. I shovel a few elderly member’s driveways during the winter months, so they can access their vehicles safely for their appointments. Our goal is to give back to our community by taking care of those in need. Our church also donates back packs and school supplies each August to four hundred school aged students. COVID made it harder for families to be able to purchase these items for their children. This year meant a lot to be able to give to those who were affected by the pandemic.
Q: How are you preparing for the 2021 National Scouting Combine and what are your goals?
A: I am preparing for the National Scouting Combine by working out in the morning, and running in the evening. My girlfriend’s brother, is going to school to be a personal trainer, and he assists me with my core workouts and conditioning. He provided me with a daily meal plan. I have daily devotionals with my Pastor, who is my mentor. This gives me the ability to havemental and emotional fitness and conditioning to prepare me for everyday life. I am actively reading my bible to give me strength and wisdom each day. I listen to Eric Thomas daily, especially before each football game.
Q: What would be your ultimate achievement?
A: My ultimate achievement in life is to make it to the NFL. I want to show children all over the world that no matter what lifestyle you come from, you can accomplish anything, as long as you put God first and have faith.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when not playing football?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family. I have a younger brother who is six-years-old, he really looks up to me. Everyone thinks he is my son because of our relationship. My girlfriend and I visit my siblings and mother every weekend. I want to spend as much time with my mother as I can. I try to encourage her not to give up. My little brother needs her here for years to come.
Q: If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
A: If I could make a positive impact on all of society, I would share kindness, compassion, and encouragement with everyone. I want those around me to know that they can do anything in life. I want people to know they can overcome adversity. If my smile or laughter brightens someone’s day, that could change their life. We do not know the inner thoughts of those around us. It could mean the difference between life and death. I want to bring joy by giving joy in everything I do.
Q: Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
A: The most influential person in my life is my mother, seeing her raise four kids on her own made me a fighter like her. I always think that if my mom had the strength to raise four kids, and go through trials and tribulations by herself, and still put food on the table, give us the nicest clothes and fresh haircuts, then I could fight and accomplish anything with hard work just like her. After losing my dad to cancer in 2005, it was really hard on my mom, but despite what she was going through my siblings and I always came first. My mother told me since the very first time I stepped onto the football field, that I would be the best NFL player and she would be right there every step of the way to watch me fulfill my dreams and goals. I am so blessed to have my mother by my side, I don’t know what I would do without her.
Q: What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
A: Something unique about me that people would find interesting is that I put faith and trust in God. No matter what trials and tribulations I go through, I know God will see me through.
Q: What is your dream job?
A: My dream job is to be a coach in the NFL, particularly a strength and conditioning coach. This is my dream job because I love everything about football and what it has to offer. I have a strong passion to help others reach their goals and if I were an NFL coach, I could help make a person’s dream become a reality.
