Lorenzo Kenan came to Chowan in the Fall of 1973 after an outstanding scholastic football career at Wallace-Rose Hill High School in Rose Hill, North Carolina. Then-Head Coach Jim Garrison saw a star in the making a young player and helped to develop him into a NJCAA All-American over two season with the then-Braves.
"Lorenzo put tremendous pressure on the quarterback," noted Garrison of Kenan's play during the 1974 season. "He has many assets. He's quick. He's speedy. And he is very aggressive. He has a great attitude on and off the field," Garrison concluded in 1974.
Lorenzo helped the then-Braves to a solid 1974 sophomore season. The squad finished 8-2 that year and was ranked as high as 15th in the NJCAA National Rankings. Lorenzo posted incredible numbers that season as a defensive end, grabbing 75 solo tackles and 42 assisted tackles, 117 tackles in total. Lorenzo earned All-Coastal Conference and NJCAA All-American honors in his sophomore season. He was also invited to play in the coveted North-South All-start Football game that year.
Lorenzo's play caught the eye of many four-year schools but he finally decided on Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. He spent two seasons with APSU and played defensive end well enough to earn a letter and All Ohio Valley Conference honors. In 1975 he was ranked as high as 14 in tackles for a loss for the Governors.
Lorenzo earned a B.S. from Austin Peay State University and a M.S. in City Planning from Howard University. He is currently employed with Cort Trade Show and Event Planning in Bowie, Maryland. He has worked with Cort Trade Show and Event Planning for the last five years but has also worked as a job counselor and in the prison industry for more than 15 years.
Lorenzo resides in Bowie, Maryland with his wife of 21 years, Sonya Bridgers Kenan, and their two sons, Lorenzo, Jr., 20, and Ryan, 16. He considers his family his biggest accomplishment and his greatest contribution to his life. He is a member of the Omega Psi Phi, Inc. Fraternity. He is also a Masonic Mason member.
In his free time Lorenzo enjoys spending time with his wife and sons. He also is an avid fisherman, chess player, and reader.
