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HARPERS FERRY -- Kenwin Cummings is humble, but more importantly he is patient.
You have to be in his profession. Cummings just wrapped up his rookie season in the NFL with the New York Jets.
Cummings returned to his home in the Harpers Ferry community two weeks ago and reflected on his first season in the pros.
He saw significant playing time during the preseason. In fact, he had an outstanding showing in each of the four preseason games he played at middle linebacker. He led the team with 19 tackles, including 15 solo tackles during the preseason.
Cummings said his most memorable play was sacking Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Ken Dorsey during a preseason game. Cummings did not play during the regular season. He was placed on the practice squad in September after Jets kicker Mike Nugent was sidelined with a thigh injury. The Jets moved Cummings to the practice squad to make room for Nugent’s replacement, Jay Feely.
“It wasn’t what I expected,” he said. “But I knew I had quality guys in front of me. Being on the practice squad was more of a learning process. I was able to get more one-on-one coaching and the coaching staff made the assignments more easier.”
The Jets began the season with high hopes with the signing quarterback Brett Favre who leads the NFL with the most touchdown passes. The Jets appeared to be headed for the playoffs with a 8-3 record, but lost four out of the five remaining games. The Jets finished 9-7 and third in the AFC East and missed the playoffs.
“The season was pretty upsetting,” Cummings said. “We all thought that we would still be playing now.”
Cummings has put the 2008 season behind him and is looking forward next season. The general manager and coaching staff were impressed with Cummings. They said he should get to see more action this year. Cummings is confident, too. So confident, in fact, that he inked a three-year contract to remain with the Jets.
“I talked with the general manager and he said they expected me to step up next year and get some quality playing time,” he said. “It feels good to finally get a chance to play.”
Hometown star
Cummings spent a day at his former school Union Elementary while he was home last week. His mother, Darlene Cummings, is the principal there.
Dressed in his No. 54 green and white jersey and blue jeans, the 22-year-old spoke to the students about the importance of setting goals and following their dreams. He talked about how he didn’t give up when he was cut from football team his seventh grade year.
“You’ve got to have faith in yourself,” he told the students who sat quietly on the gym floor.
“Never let anyone tell you that you can’t be something you want to be.”
He also took questions from the kids about his experience in the NFL. Afterward, he signed footballs, books, jerseys and one student’s shirt. Some of the kids were in awe of his 6-foot-2, 250-pound frame. Teachers and staff also got into the act, snapping pictures and requesting autographs for their husbands and children.
He also snapped pictures and spoke briefly with members of the school’s first football team. This was the first time in 21 years that Union Elementary fielded a fifth and sixth grade team.
Cummings’ father, Kenwin Sr., sat in the back of the gym while his son entertained the students. He doesn’t miss much when it comes to his son’s performances. In fact, Kenwin Sr. did not miss any of his son’s football games since he was in the fifth grade. He was a standout at Purnell Swett and Wingate University. His construction job has only allowed him to attend two NFL games.
“It’s been overwhelming,” he said of his son’s pro debut. “We have truly been blessed. We were disappointed about what happened this season but we know his time will come.”
Kenwin said it took some time to get used to a long 16-week season. He was using to playing eight to 10 weeks in college.
“It can take a toll on your body,” he said.
He does not have to report to training camp until March, but Cummings left for New York on Tuesday to begin training early. He plans to meet with a few of his teammates and work out in the weight room, participate in drills and conditioning.
“I plan to work this off season to improve my coverage skills,” he said. “The linebacker is the quarterback of the defense.”
He said the coaches like his work ethic and the 110 percent effort he puts into every play. The coaches rewarded Cummings’ hard work in practice by presenting him with the game ball after the 31-27 win against Buffalo on Dec. 14.
“We are graded on how we do in practice,” he said. “I helped the offense get ready for the game and they thought I done a good job.”
Cummings said he hopes to spend more time on the playing field next season. With all the rookie jitters out of his system, expect Cummings’ number to be called more times on Sunday next year.
Staff writer Mark Locklear may be reached at
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