Robert Kennedy was a productive two-way player for Jeanette High School where he starred as both a cornerback and slotback. In his four-year varsity career, he helped his team to a 50-7 overall record, culminating in the honor of being named Mr. Football in Pennsylvania after going 16-1 and winning the PIAA 1A State Championship as a senior.
Despite the success, Kennedy ended up going the JUCO route in hopes of earning an offer from a larger Power 5 school. He spent two seasons at Lackawanna CC in Scranton, PA where he played both cornerback and safety. His freshman season at corner saw him breakup up six passes and pick off three more.