Jack Kenneally, two-sport standout, commits to Ohio University in transfer portal – Morning Journal

For Jack Kenneally, former Elyria Catholic soccer star, Youngstown State didn’t quite feel like home.

After consulting his family, he opted for the transfer portal. On December 22, he officially signed on to play for Ohio University.

“I didn’t feel at home,” he says. “I think after the season was over I spoke to my family and made my decision to enter the (transfer) portal. Called (Ohio University) once, I visited (Ohio University) a few times. I knew what campus was like. I felt at home.”

Dedicated💚@CoachAlbin @CoachBrianMetz @KylePollockFB @OhioFootball pic.twitter.com/LOrAiVbOAJ

— Jack (@_jackkenneally) December 22, 2022

During the process, the 6-foot-7 wide receiver turned around and wanted to stay in Ohio, which was a big reason he stayed in the Mid-American Conference.

Kenneally also plans to switch from wide receiver to tight end. He knows there will be an adjustment period but is confident he can make a difference in a three-point stance.

“[Transition to tight end]is going to be very different,” he said. “Playing receiver is all about your timing and your speed to get out of cuts with your footwork. The tight end is more about blocking and a three-point stance.”

Instead of taking on cornerbacks at wide receivers, Kenneally is now covered by linebackers and safeties.

“I think (the new matchups) will be better for me,” he said. “The corners were quicker along with the linebackers and the safety is yours. Being a vertical threat… I think it will be a better deal for me given my size. I wasn’t the fastest receiver but I knew how to get out of breaks and stuff. I use my knowledge as a wide receiver and bring it to the tight end position, it gets a lot better.”

Given his basketball background, Kenneally believes getting into the trenches will be a tremendous asset as long as he can pick up the weight in the offseason.

“[Ohio University]knew I was a multisport athlete and all college coaches love dual athletes,” Kenneally said. “They knew I was an athlete, how hard I worked. Most of the kids wrestled or played baseball… I think[my basketball background]will help a lot.”

Kenneally is currently 215 pounds and plans to grow to 235-240 before the start of the 2024 season.

Kenneally was a two-sport All-Ohioan on the gridiron as well as on the basketball court for Elyria Catholic after transferring from Holy Name.

Elyria Catholic’s Jack Kenneally finishes a fast break dunk against Bay on February 15. (Aimee Bielozer – for The Morning Journal)

In the 2021 Elyria Catholic Division V regional finals, he caught 49 passes for 882 for 12 touchdowns.

He will join former Avon Eagle kicker Nathaniel Vakos, who was named a 2022 Freshman All-American.

Ohio University went 9-4 (7-1 in the MAC). The Bobcats’ only conference loss was against Toledo (17-7) in the conference championship game.

They will play Wyoming in the Barstool Sports Arizona Bowl on December 30th.