Zamariyon Kendall: Making a difference in the ground attack for the Delta Devils.

By Erin Reid Itta Bena, MS

Photo Credit - MVSU Football

Lausanne Collegiate’s Own Making Waves at Mississippi Valley State

Mississippi Valley State running back Zamariyon Kendall’s journey to Division I football started long before he ever put on pads. A native of Memphis and a product of Lausanne Collegiate School, Kendall began playing flag football at just four years old and transitioned to tackle by the age of nine. But it was a moment off the field that first sparked his passion for the game.

“I was about seven,” Kendall recalls. “My older cousin, Shonte Sims, used to take me into the locker rooms at halftime. That’s when it really clicked for me. I knew I wanted to be a part of that.”

Now standing at 6-foot, 220 pounds, Kendall has developed into a versatile and dangerous threat out of the backfield for Mississippi Valley State. Originally tipping the scales at 194 pounds upon arrival in Itta Bena, he quickly realized the collegiate game came with new challenges.

“The D-linemen were just faster and stronger,” he says. “They were grabbing me too much. I had to bulk up to 205 and keep building from there.”

Photo Credit- MVSU Football

Balanced Skillset, Balanced Mindset

Kendall resists being labeled as either a power or speed back. “I’ve got both,” he says confidently. “I’m a patient runner. I let the play develop.” His versatility is evident—whether it’s taking handoffs, lining up in the slot, returning kicks, or even operating out of the Wildcat formation, he brings a full toolset to the Valley offense.

Inspired early by Odell Beckham Jr., Kendall modeled his running style after Derrick Henry in his younger years but now seeks to emulate Saquon Barkley’s elusive, all-purpose game. That evolution has been supported by a strong football IQ and a willingness to learn.

His current running backs coach, Jalil Malik, expects more than just ball-carrying excellence. “Coach Malik wants us to know everything,” Kendall says. “From lineman assignments to how deep the receivers’ routes should be. He’s building complete players.”

Photo Credit - MVSU Football

A New Chapter Under Legendary Leadership

Head coach Terrell Buckley—an NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Thorpe Award winner, and former Green Bay Packer—brings an old-school mentality that Kendall appreciates. “He’s on everybody about the little things. Big on conditioning, testing your mental toughness. But he also cares about who we are off the field.”

That off-field focus aligns perfectly with Kendall’s interests. A business administration major, he’s passionate about launching a clothing brand and stays active in Mississippi Valley’s choir. “I love working out, too,” he says. “It’s just part of who I am.”

Community and Confidence in the Delta

Adjusting to life in the Mississippi Delta has been smooth for Kendall. “The classes aren’t too big, and there’s a family feel around the city,” he says. “Frats are a big deal here, and you get to know people fast.”

Originally recruited by Amir Gant and former running backs coach Wyatt Anderson, Kendall has remained focused through the program’s coaching transitions. He’s now working to become a leader on and off the field.

Photo Credit - MVSU Football

Goals and Guidance

Heading into the season, Kendall’s goals are clear: rush for over 1,000 yards and score at least 11 touchdowns. In the offseason, he focused on improving his speed and explosiveness to achieve those benchmarks.

And for the younger athletes coming up behind him?

“Don’t think about the work—just do it. You make more progress doing than thinking,” he advises. “Keep the main thing the main thing.”

For Zamariyon Kendall, the main thing is clear: football, family, and a future built on dedication.