MADISON- When Kendall Randolph was in the eighth grade, he told his father he wanted to be the best offensive lineman possible and had always been a fan of the Alabama football program. Now, after six years at the Capstone with two national championship rings, three Southeastern Conference titles and a master’s degree to boot, the former Bob Jones All-State player is busy prepping for a possible shot at playing in the National Football League while helping younger players understand their place in football and to learn the values of living a good life through his Offensive Line Camp held at his alma mater.

“Hosting a camp definitely brings back memories for me attending camps,” said Randolph, who just completed his last season of play at Alabama. “Through middle school and high school football I always wanted to be the best version of myself on the field. Being able to pick knowledge from other guys who played at higher levels I think I benefitted early on. So, to be able to give back and give these kids information I benefited from it’s something I enjoy doing.”

A small group of local youngsters attended the camp held over two weekends by Randolph. He taught the basics of being an offensive lineman along with verbally speaking of being a student of the game and doing the correct things in life as their development through football will cultivate their life as adults. Randolph spoke of his beginnings attending camps while playing football in Madison and indicated in his freshman year at Bob Jones he attended a University of Alabama Offensive Lineman Camp where he tried to showcase his skills before a bevy of coaches. Once there he said he attempted to impress the attending coaches he was good enough to compete against higher caliber players who were recruited to attend the camp.

“For me to do that at a young age kind of showed that I was good at and wanted to continue doing my best,” said Randolph.

Randolph’s older brother, Levi, played basketball at Alabama and the entire Randolph family were fans of the Crimson Tide in every aspect of athletics. Although he was recruited by several colleges while being an All-State offensive lineman for the Patriots, Randolph knew where he wanted to play college football and prep for the possibility of playing professionally. Playing both offensive line and occasionally tight end where he wore both No. 60 and No. 85, Randolph ended up playing for the Crimson Tide for six seasons where his teams won three SEC and two national titles and were close to adding more trophies to the case in the remaining seasons he was on the roster. He was among the recruiting class of 2017 that some experts claim could be the best of all-time and included eight players who would be first-round selections in the NFL Draft, including Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith. Randolph was the last remaining player from that remarkable recruiting class, which included Najee Harris, Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones and Jerry Jeudy.

“I enjoyed it so much I’m not sure I wanted it to see it end,” added Randolph, who played in 53 career games. “To be a part of that class means a lot. It was a dream come true to play on a dynasty like that, but I feel I still have some unfinished business that I feel I need to take care of. I want to solidify myself and show others I’m supposed to be where I am.”

The recent NFL Draft was full of Alabama players chosen for what they hope will be a successful and lasting career in the professional ranks. Randolph signed as undrafted free agent with the Seattle Seahawks. At 6-foot-4, 300-pounds, he has the size to tangle with any defensive player currently in the league. Coaches have noted he has great footwork and superior hands to play the offensive line, plus he has the maturity and football intelligence to make a grand all-around player.

“I’m excited for the next step and have been training all my life for these moments,” added Randolph. “I train six days a week to be in the best possible shape so when the times comes, I’ll be prepared. I want to be an asset to a team.”

Randolph has a degree in communication and a master’s in sports management and would love to coach college and professional football when his playing time comes to an end. He tells any young person who is willing to hear his message that an education is more important than athletics.

“My dad always instilled in me that you can stand on a book longer than you can on a ball,” said Randolph. “I’ve always used that motto to push me through college and reach my goal and dreams.”