Meet the freshman: Kenny Ingram

In late January Florida State finally earned a victory over the University of Miami. However, it didn't take place on the field, but in a television studio. Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater standouts Aaron Jones and Kenny Ingram went on a cable television show and committed to the 'Noles. Both were heavily recruited by Miami but ultimately decided they looked better in Garnet and Gold than Green and Orange.

After a dare from the producers of the show, Ingram donned a Hurricane cap before replacing it was a Seminole cap. That probably put a little salt in the wound of the UM fans that were hoping to land the talented duo.

The former and current teammates are now roommates at Florida State. With an old injury holding Jones back, Ingram is already taking part in the summer workouts. The 6-foot-5 safety joined in on Monday and quickly introduced himself to many of his new teammates. He was all smiles after getting his feet wet as a Seminole for the first time.

“Oh man, it is good to get out here and work with the guys," Ingram said. "I have been waiting all summer just trying to get ready to come out here and train with them and see what they do. It is a good feeling right now. I am feeling really comfortable with the guys.”

Ingram prepared for these workouts prior to arriving on campus. He did that by working on sprints and getting in the weight room. He is currently benching 315 pounds and plans to continue improving his strength in the weight room, as well as working on his speed and agility. His efforts have already paid off as he is tipping the scales at 208 pounds. That weight is also distributed over a pretty big frame - Ingram measures in at 6-foot-5 with no shoes on.

When Ingram committed to FSU he did so with the expectation of lining up at free safety. Even so, the possibility of moving to another position, most likely wide receiver, had also been discussed. After his first day of workouts, Ingram was pretty clear on where he wants to play at Florida State.

“I am hoping to go out here and play free safety like I was recruited for," he said. "I am going to go out here and work hard so hopefully I can win the job.”

Another question facing most incoming freshmen is whether they will take the field in their first season or take a redshirt. For Ingram, that issue has has already discussed with the Seminole coaches.

“Yeah, we have already talked about it,” he said. “I am not redshirting, I am going to go out there and play. The only thing is I have to come out there and show them that I want it, and just practice hard and there will be future playing time on the field.”

However, the biggest question for the former Edgewater standout is one faced by only a select few college athletes - whether to play just one sport or two? You see, Ingram was also a top prospect on the hardcourt. Just a few months ago he helped lead his high school team to the 6A a title. He would like to do the same for Leonard Hamilton.

If all goes well, Ingram hopes to continue the tradition started by former Seminole All-Americans Deion Sanders and Charlie Ward by being a successful two-sport star. When football season ends, he will devote more of his attention to hoops, and figure out where the coaches want him to line up.

If all goes well, Ingram expects to be a thorn in the side of Miami, the team he scorned, in both football and basketball for years to come.

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