Kennard to miss part of spring practice

USC junior middle linebacker Devon Kennard will be limited for at least the start of spring practice, as he is recovering from an offseason hip surgery, according to the Orange County Register.

The junior linebacker had a surgery on a torn labrum in his left hip in December. He is unsure as to when he will be back on the field, but is hoping for early April.

“I want to make sure I’m ready for fall,” Kennard told the Register. “It’s a big season for me. I want to help the team win.”

The injury came midseason and Kennard never felt the same after. He tried to play through the injury but eventually lost his starting job to then-redshirt junior Chris Galippo.

Kennard has been doing physical therapy with the training staff and weight work to recuperate. He will begin running on it in the next couple of weeks.

Although many have clamored for the former defensive end to move back to a pass-rushing role on the perimeter, Kennard said he plans on staying on the second level at middle linebacker. He will be competing for his starting spot when he is back on the practice field.

Spring practices begin March 22.