Who is Kent McFuller from Before I Fall and what is their importance?

Kent was Sam's best friend in elementary school, and has a fluctuating role throughout the novel. For the first half of the novel, Sam sees Kent as she always has since they became teenagers: awkward, nerdy, unpopular, and the butt of her jokes. Kent sees Sam differently, however, and he has always held a place in his heart for her, sticking up for her when other accuse her of being shallow and self-centered. As the novel progresses, Sam begins to see the honesty in Kent's heart, and falls for the way he is always there for her, supporting and loving her no matter what else happens. By the end of the novel, Lindsey has fallen in love with him.