By Jeff Honza
Associate Director of Athletics for Strategic Communications
 
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – It was this time a year ago when Yusef Sanogo-Kendrick arrived at Southeast Missouri.
 
Sanogo-Kendrick wasn't highly recruited out of Henderson County High School in Henderson, Kentucky. He had gone back-and-forth on things during the recruiting process and was unsure about his college future.
 
SEMO suddenly came into the picture as the final school to make Sanogo-Kendrick an offer, and the rest is history.
 
"I knew this was the right place for me. I visited SEMO several times in the past and committed as soon as they offered during the summer before my senior year," said Sanogo-Kendrick.
 
Right from the beginning, Sanogo-Kendrick was challenged to make an impact, and he took advantage of everything in front of him.
 
"My coaches encouraged me to get better immediately and not wait until the spring to make any progress," he said. "I took that advice to heart and worked hard at becoming a better player."
 
That determination paid off landing Sanogo-Kendrick a starting job at right guard as a true freshman. He saw action in nine games overall and started the last seven contests during his first season of college football.
 
At 6'4" and 310 pounds, Sanogo-Kendrick is one of three returning offensive linemen with starting experience along with Rashad Turner and Jalen Nettles. His strong rookie campaign has put him in position to have a bigger year this fall.
 
"I feel like I'm building on the progress I made last season every day," said Sanogo-Kendrick. "It's all about continuous improvement and I'm determined to not be the same player I was a year ago. It's my responsibility to ensure that we maintain the standard set by the previous season, even with new faces on the offensive line."
 
One of the striking characteristics about Sanogo-Kendrick is how vocal he is as a leader and that's not something you normally see from underclassmen.
 
He relishes his role to stand out and make a difference, something he knows is important when building chemistry on the offensive line.

"I'm the type of player that celebrates, brings a lot of energy and has fun playing the game," said Sanogo-Kendrick. "I believe that my positive influence is part of my purpose. It's a trait I take a lot of pride in, and I strive to be that person who influences people the right way."
 
While it's easy to hear how loud Sanogo-Kendrick is on the field, he uses his voice in other meaningful ways too. 
 
He loves to sing and discovered that talent when he was assigned a solo for a music program in fifth grade.
 
"I can sing well. Not many people know that about me, but it's something I really enjoy doing," Sanogo-Kendrick confirmed with a smile.
 
A Mass Communication major, Sanogo-Kendrick aspires to be a sports analyst. He has all the tools and charisma to be an excellent broadcaster.
 
"Whether it's on TV or in the newspaper, I just love talking about sports. Being able to analyze games and share my insights with others is my dream," he said.
 
Halfway into preseason camp, Sanogo-Kendrick and the offensive line are making nice strides under first-year Offensive Coordinator John Holt and fourth-year Offensive Line Coach Lucas Orchard. 
 
In the team's first scrimmage last Saturday, the offense ran the ball exceptionally well and that wasn't always the case a year ago.
 
"One of the things I love about Coach Holt is his offensive scheme and emphasis on running the football. Focusing on the run and expanding our playbook from there gives us a strong game plan to execute," said Sanogo-Kendrick.