Kankakee, IL – As college football returns this week, several Kankakee High School alumni are being recognized for their contributions on the field at universities across the country.
According to the Kankakee High School Athletics Facebook page, former Kays standout Keagen Trost earned a starting spot on the offensive line for the University of Missouri. Trost, a graduate student listed at 6-foot-4 and 316 pounds, was featured prominently on the stadium video board during the Tigers’ opener.
Joseph Shannon, another Kankakee alum, is also set to take the field this season. Shannon, a junior defensive lineman, plays for Samford University in Alabama. At 6-foot-2 and 275 pounds, he transferred from Iowa Central Community College and continues to represent his hometown on the national stage.
Meanwhile, freshman linebacker Kennyan Chandler begins his collegiate career at Eastern Illinois University. Chandler, who graduated from Kankakee High this past spring, is listed at 5-foot-11 and 235 pounds. He and the Panthers faced off against Dayton University Thursday.
The Kankakee Athletics program emphasized pride in all three players, sharing updates and encouragement on social media. Coaches and staff often use the hashtag #NOTHINGEASY, a motto that has carried over from high school to the college level for these athletes.
For the Kankakee community, the spotlight on former Kays players underscores the continuing tradition of football talent emerging from the city. With representation at Missouri, Samford, and Eastern Illinois, the program is gaining visibility through its alumni who are now competing across multiple conferences and divisions of NCAA football.
As the season progresses, fans and former teammates will be watching closely, celebrating both the individual achievements of Trost, Shannon, and Chandler, and the shared pride of Kankakee High School football.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant new stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
