The Layton native returned to Utah one summer ago with his family after completing workouts with the Washington Commanders and sharing breakfast with longtime coach and friend Robert Ferneau, Kemp learned of an opportunity to help lift a hungry Lancers program led by Trevor Thomas.

Kemp was a three-sport standout at Layton and rated the 19th-best prospect in the state leading up to his graduation in 2013. A team trainer with connections at Hawaii recommended Kemp, where the former Lancer posted 2,570 career yards and 13 touchdowns with the Rainbow Warriors.

“I kind of shrugged at (Ferneau) and just told him I didn’t know, and he took that as a yes,” Kemp said. “I wasn’t really in a headspace to turn it down. I wasn’t doing much other than hanging out with the kids, which I enjoyed, but I had some time so I decided to go for it.”

Kemp officially joined Thomas at Layton in April and has shared his expertise with offensive coordinator Koy Cannon — specifically working with receivers, pass game and special teams — throughout the summer.

Rick Rycroft, Associated Press

Thomas, bringing Kemp out to practice shortly after connecting by the phone, said the former pro’s influence has been felt since his first day.

“He never wanted to step on toes,” Thomas said. “I said ‘You learned from the best, you’ve got rings, you tell us. If you’ve got suggestions, tell us and we’ll go from there.’ … He has a big role in (the offense) and has rubbed off on his receivers and the coaches with his different way of looking at things.”

Kemp originally signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2017 and spent five seasons (2017-2020; 2022) alongside the likes of Andy Reid (BYU), Alex Smith (Utah) and three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes.

Recalling the Layton stars he looked up to as a child — Karl Williams (Utah), Thomas Bryson (BYU) and Lavaughn Jackson — Kemp said his experiences at the next level have prepared him to enter the coaching sphere.

“All the guys I jumped into that system with were going for the same goal,” Kemp said. “I’m willing to help every younger player improve to get to that goal, which is something I don’t think you see on every team.”

Reed Hoffmann, Associated Press

Specifically, Kemp wants to increase exposure for the talent currently existing at Layton. The former Lancer knows first-hand how difficult it can be to receive attention when competing with the D-I recruiting trail south of Salt Lake City.

“We have a lot of athletes here, similar to me, who get kind of under-recruited,” Kemp said.

“One of the things is down south there’s a little (better) stigma around them with the way that they play football. People don’t think (players) up here are as athletic. … If I can give them the knowledge to help them on the field, it’ll give them the edge they’re missing at least in the minds of (recruiters).”

Kemp and Thomas agree they now hold a shared responsibility together at Layton, as the Lancers’ football program aims to improve its status for the long haul.

“I have a lot of knowledge that I’ve built up over time,” Kemp added. “I knew if I had the time on my hands, it’s worth sharing with the kids growing up. It’s not easy to access some of these guys, especially in high school, so with this generation coming up I feel like that’s my duty.”

Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net and X @ctbecker.