The picture of former quarterback Kevin Jennings hangs on the wall in the halls of South Oak Cliff High School.

His former coach Jason Todd loves seeing what Jennings has accomplished now as quarterback for the SMU Mustangs.

“I see a guy who is preparing to be successful in life and have a great future, whether it be on the field or off the field,” said coach Jason Todd.

On the field in 2021, Jennings led South Oak Cliff to the school’s first championship win, one that Dallas ISD hadn’t seen in decades.

Now Jennings is taking SMU to an ACC Conference title game in his first year in the conference.

“What I call that superstar pedigree that’s in him,” Todd said. “Many of you are seeing the same thing now at SMU.”

Todd said he needed to help boost Jennings’ confidence in high school. Something Jennings has no shortage of now.

“Definitely a lot more, a lot more confidence,” SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings said. “You know, it was a crazy experience getting into the championship game in my first start.”

Todd said he was also able to learn from Jennings.

“Just enjoy the moment,” Todd said. “Whatever will happen will happen. Just do what you’re supposed to do. I would say he kind of taught me that.”

As Jennings and SMU football head to an ACC title game, Todd wanted Jennings to know his school supports him now and beyond.

“I just want him to know that we’re proud of him here,” Todd said. “I want to keep it up and take you to the same heights that he took South Oak Cliff to. And, you know, maybe one day he’ll come out and play for the Cowboys.”

SMU will face Clemson on Saturday, December 7th in Charlotte.