Luke Kennard to skip senior season of football

Franklin senior Luke Kennard - the Associated Press Ohio Mr. Basketball winner last season - has decided to focus on preparing for his senior year of high school basketball instead of playing football this season.

Kennard, who is verbally committed to Duke for basketball, had considered playing quarterback his senior season at Franklin but informed Franklin coach Brad Childers Friday morning his intentions to focus on hoops.

"We respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best," Childers told The Enquirer early Friday morning.

Friday was the first day of official practice for all OHSAA-sanctioned fall sports.

Kennard threw for 2,331 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. He was the AP Division III state offensive player of the year.

Kennard verbally committed to Duke in March. He averaged 40 points, 10.4 rebounds, four assists and two steals last season. He won a gold medal in June with the USA Basketball Under-18 national team.

Franklin opens the football season Aug. 31 vs. Carlisle at 8:30 p.m. at Centerville in the Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown.

Franklin opens the basketball season Dec. 9 against visiting Talawanda.