Quiet leader
Albany State quarterback Stanley Jennings’ long journey from the projects in South Florida to Albany has had plenty of obstacles, but it hasn’t stopped him from being a leader for the Rams, both on and off the field
Reporter: Daniel Kay
Email Address:
daniel.kay@albanyherald.comhttp://www.albanyherald.com/sports/headlines/102406429.htmlALBANY — Stanley Jennings has always been the strong, silent type.
Growing up in the projects of a Miami suburb in Pompano Beach, Fla., one of 10 kids, he never even uttered a word to grown-ups.
He kept to himself, motivated himself and — starting at age 7 — learned the game of football himself.
Get to know Stanley Jennings
Birth place: Pompano Beach, Fla.
Height/Weight: 6’2, 235.
Favorite food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite movie: 300.
Favorite music artist: Drake.
Favorite video game: NCAA Football 2011.
Interesting fact: Can walk on his hands for 50 yards.
“I didn’t really have (any) help (growing up),” said Jennings, who started at quarterback for Albany State in its season opener — and was subsequently named Player of the Week by both the SIAC and the national HSRN. “Just playing street football as a kid in the projects got me better.”
He started out playing on the offensive line, but his true calling came when he made the move under center at 13 because of a growth spurt.
That’s when the long road to Dougherty County began.
Jennings played his first couple of years of high school football at Parkway Academy in Miramar, Fla., before moving to Marietta with his guardian for his junior year in 2006.
He sat out most of the year for Marietta High School behind a senior, which hurt his stats and his chances at playing Division-I ball, but he did his best the following year for the 5-AAAAA Blue Devils, leading them to a 7-4 record.
From there, he headed north to Dean College in Franklin, Mass., where he led the Bulldogs to the North East Football Conference title, earning the Offensive Player of the Year, Overall Player of the Year and NEFC First Team honors in the process.
But for reasons Jennings declined to comment about, he was kicked off the team after that breakout season, so he headed to Southwest Mississippi Junior College for his sophomore year, where he earned the All-Star MVP award for his conference.
Another stumbling block surfaced at that point: Jennings couldn’t transfer enough credits to graduate and become eligible for a D-I spot.
That’s when the ASU coaching staff grabbed the opportunity to bring the 20-year-old to Albany.
“When we sat down (to evaluate quarterbacks), he jumped off the film, making plays with his legs and his big arm and making plays on the move,” quarterbacks coach Uyl Joyner said. “He fit our scheme better than anybody else because of his ability to run and throw the ball.
“Then, when we met him (after he signed and came down to Albany), he showcased his talent even more when he went on the field. (He immediately started connecting with) the receivers and getting the mix with the guys.”
The 6-foot-2, 235-pound Jennings — who can run the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds — obviously had the skills to replace last year’s star ASU quarterback, A.J. McKenna, but the coaches wanted to see if he had the leadership to go with it. That’s why they left the starting QB spot up for grabs until the season opener against Kentucky State.
“I really liked how he didn’t get caught up in the race for the starting quarterback job,” Joyner said. “Sometimes, when you get in the middle of competition, you won’t help out a younger quarterback, but that’s what he did. He’s taken the younger ones under his wing. ... He was just focusing on getting (everyone) prepared (for the season opener).”
Jennings won the spot over last year’s backup, Wayne Campbell Jr., and went 13-for-19 against KSU, passing for 267 yards and three touchdowns in that game, which earned him multiple awards.
But he said he wants even more.
“I still have something to prove,” Jennings said. “I (want) to get (SIAC) Player of the Week at least 50 percent of the time.”
It’s a lofty goal, but more importantly, it establishes his confidence and his place as a leader on the team.
“He’s not a very outgoing person, but if you walk into a room, you would probably know he was there,” Joyner said. “He’s a real good leader for us and is growing in that aspect of the game. He’s learned to calm the guys down and emerge as their leader.”
Jennings hopes to be more of a leader and take the Rams to another SIAC Championship — or two — but he’ll have to do it step by step.
“I’m just going to stay patient,” Jennings said. “I’m basically going to try to do two years here so I can really have (my game and leadership skills) down pat.”
And if he listens to head coach Mike White’s advice, he won’t have a problem.
“Treat (your game) like a fine piece of jewelry,” White said from the sidelines at Tuesday’s practice. “Keep it nice and polished, then pull it out when the time is right.”
For Jennings, the time is now.
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