Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[Maize]

2010 Season Wrap-Up

MAC Final Standings
1. Ohio - 11-3 (8-1)
2. Northern Illinois - 10-4 (7-2)
3. Buffalo - 7-6 (6-2)
4. Central Michigan - 8-5 (5-3)
5. Western Michigan - 6-6 (5-3)
6. Temple - 6-6 (4-4)
7. Toledo - 5-7 (4-4)
8. Bowling Green - 3-9 (3-5)
9. Kent State - 4-8 (3-5)
10. Ball State - 5-7 (3-5)
11. Akron - 4-8 (3-5)
12. Miami Univ. - 2-10 (2-6)
13. Eastern Michigan - 0-12 (0-8)

-

MAC Awards
Offensive Player of the Year: Boo Jackson, QB, Ohio
Defensive Player of the Year: Anel Martinez, DT, Buffalo

-

1st Team All-MAC
QB - Boo Jackson, Ohio
RB - Vince Davidson, Ohio
RB - Chad Spann, Northern Illinois
WR - Terrence McCree, Ohio
WR - Landon Cox, Northern Illinois
TE - Jason Schepler, Northern Illinois
C - John Palumbo, Temple
OG - Logan Pegram, Northern Illinois
OG - Richard Hayes, Central Michigan
OT - Joe Flading, Ohio
OT - Adam Keil, Northern Illinois
DE - Jake Coffman, Northern Illinois
DE - Steven Progar, Northern Illinois
DT - Marcellus Williamson, Ohio
DT - Anel Montanez, Buffalo
OLB - Chris Prom, Western Michigan
MLB - Nick Bellore, Central Michigan
OLB - Archie Donald, Toledo
CB - Shannon Ballard, Ohio
CB - Chris Smith, Northern Illinois
FS - Mike Sobel, Northern Illinois
SS - Tracy Wilson, Northern Illinois
K - Matt Weller, Ohio
P - Paul Hershey, Ohio
RET - MiQuale Lewis, Ball State

-

2nd Team All-MAC
QB - Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois
RB - Eugene Jarvis, Kent State
RB - Bernard Pierce, Temple
WR - Lavon Brazill, Ohio
WR - Kito Poblah, Central Michigan
TE - Kyle Brey, Buffalo
C - Skyler Allen, Ohio
OG - Eric Herman, Ohio
OG - Colin Madison, Temple
OT - Trevor Olson, Northern Illinois
OT - J.D. Bales, Ohio
DE - Alex Johnson, Toledo
DE - Douglas Westbrook, Toledo
DT - Steven Means, Buffalo
DT - Sean Murnane, Central Michigan
OLB - Jordan Delegal, Northern Illinois
MLB - Jason Rice, Bowling Green
OLB - Dex Jones, Western Michigan
CB - Julian Posey, Ohio
CB - Taylor Bradley, Central Michigan
FS - Lane Robilotto, Bowling Green
SS - Davonte Shannon, Buffalo
K - Ryan Fillingim, Northern Illinois
P - Brent Hartman, Central Michigan
RET - Morgan Williams, Toledo

[Maize]

Kent State Football Final Statistics

Individual Statistics
Passing
S. Keith - 87.8 QB Rating, 213/491, 2,451 yards, 14 TD, 17 INT, 30 sacked
Rushing
E. Jarvis - 188 carries, 832 yards, 4.4 AVG, 7 TD, 5 fumbles, Long of 73
J. Terry - 23 carries, 89 yards, 3.8 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 15
N. Masters - 15 carries, 23 yards, 1.5 AVG, 0 TD, 1 fumble, Long of 5
A. Flowers - 13 carries, 38 yards, 2.9 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 14
Receiving
T. Goode - 62 receptions, 717 yards, 11.5 AVG, 4 TD, 5 drops, Long of 49
K. Pressley - 48 receptions, 491 yards, 10.2 AVG, 2 TD, 6 drops, Long of 58
E. Jarvis - 46 receptions, 595 yards, 12.9 AVG, 5 TD, 2 drops, Long of 58
J. Simpson - 28 receptions, 344 yards, 12.2 AVG, 3 TD, 1 drop, Long of 37
A. Bowman - 15 receptions, 163 yards, 10.8 AVG, 1 TD, 0 drops, Long of 30
Blocking
B. Winters - 32 pancakes, 8 sacks allowed
K. Cleveland - 20 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
B. Waters - 19 pancakes, 3 sacks allowed
B. Wagner - 16 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed
M. Fay - 10 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
C. Anzevino - 4 pancakes, 3 sacks allowed
J. Kline - 3 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
Defense
W. Johnson - 31 solo tackles (82 total), 16 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 0 INT, 2 FF, 0 FR
D. Wood - 31 solo tackles (85 total), 12 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR
L. Stalker - 27 solo tackles (67 total), 11 for loss, 3 sacks, 0 INT, 2 FF, 0 FR
C. Mixon - 27 solo tackles (61 total), 8 for loss, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 2 FF, 0 FR
M. Simmons - 24 solo tackles (45 total), 13 for loss, 5.5 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR
D. Hartman - 21 solo tackles (43 total), 6 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
Q. Rainey - 20 solo tackles (52 total), 14 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
J. Pleasant - 17 solo tackles (39 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
C. Gilbert - 15 solo tackles (32 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
B. Lainhart - 15 solo tackles (36 total), 2 for loss, .5 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
H. Bowens - 12 solo tackles (35 total), 3 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
T. Johnson - 11 solo tackles (29 total), 2 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
K. Belgrave - 11 solo tackles (21 total), 2 for loss, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
Z. Williams - 6 solo tackles (14 total), 4 for loss, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
Kicking
F. Cortez - 15/19, 78%, Long of 43, 22/22 on XP
Punting
M. Rinehart - 116 punts, 4,795 yards, 41.3 AVG, 31 Inside 20, 20 touchbacks
Kick Returns
A. Bowman - 42 returns, 842 yards, 20.0 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 27
J. Pleasant - 16 returns, 312 yards, 19.5 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 27
Punt Returns
E. Jarvis - 60 returns, 574 yards, 9.5 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 60

[Maize]

End of Season
2010
Overall Record: 4-8 MAC Record (Rank): 3-5 (4th in East)
Schedule/Results:

 

vs. Murray State - W - 27-24
@ Boston College - L - 14-51
@ Penn State - L - 14-45
@ Miami Univ. - W - 28-21
vs. Akron (Rival) - W - 20-3
@ Toledo - L - 20-32
@ Bowling Green (Rival) - L - 21-31
vs. Ball State - W - 23-20 (OT)
vs. Temple - L - 17-31
vs. Army - L - 7-17
@ Western MI - L - 18-21
vs. Ohio - L - 6-24

Offensive Player of the Year: Eugene Jarvis, RB
Defensive Player of the Year: Dorian Wood, OLB
MAC Champion: Ohio - 11-3 (8-1)
National Champion: Alabama - 14-0 (9-0)
Heisman Winner: John Clay, RB, Wisconsin

[Apocalypse]

EMU bringing up the rear for the MAC! :D Tough season man, hopefully you can get some recruits some quality time on the field and even out a bit, i'm interested for the offseason.

[Maize]

EMU bringing up the rear for the MAC! :D Tough season man, hopefully you can get some recruits some quality time on the field and even out a bit, i'm interested for the offseason.

Yes, EMU was garbage, they didn't play well all year. Lost a few close games: 10 to Army, 6 to Miami, 8 to Western, and that's it. Ron English is coaching for his job next year for sure.

As for recruiting, we have a few more scholarships available, so I hope I can sign a full class of 25. While we're not getting big recruits, I targeted depth. There is some quality and I can see a few players potentially starting, especially on defense.

Graduating players, players leaving early, and players transferring will all be posted tomorrow. And probably the new Head Coach will be announced.

[Maize]

Kent State Players Leaving/Graduating
- 15 Graduating, 9 Starters

Eugene Jarvis, RB - Graduation - 83 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 188 carries, 832 yards, 7 TD, 46 receptions, 595 yards, 5 TD
- Leading rusher, impact player, team captain, punt returner -
Cobrani Mixon, MLB - Graduation - 72 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 27 solo tackles (61 total), 8 for loss, 2 sacks, 2 FF
- Missed 3 games, impact player, team captain -
Dorian Wood, OLB - Graduation - 70 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 31 solo tackles (85 total), 12 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR
- Leading tackler -
Brian Lainhart, FS - Graduation - 70 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 15 solo tackles (36 total), 2 for loss, .5 sacks, 1 INT
Dan Hartman, SS - Graduation - 69 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 21 solo tackles (43 total), 6 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 2 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
- Team leader in interceptions -
Jonathan Simpson, TE - Graduation - 69 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 28 receptions, 344 yards, 12.2 AVG, 3 TD
Anthony Bowman, WR - Graduation - 67 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 15 receptions, 163 yards, 10.8 AVG, 1 TD
- Kick returner -
Quinton Rainey, DT - Graduation - 65 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 20 solo tackles (52 total), 14 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 INT
Howard Bowens, MLB - Graduation - 65 Overall
- Spot Starter - Stats: 12 solo tackles (35 total), 3 for loss, 1 FF, 1 FR
Leneric Muldrow, WR - Graduation - 61 Overall
- Bench Player - Stats: No Stats
Zach Williams, DE - Graduation - 61 Overall
- Role Player - Stats: 6 solo tackles (14 total), 4 for loss, 2 sacks
Andre Flowers, RB - Graduation - 59 Overall
- Bench Player - Stats: 13 carries, 38 yards
Monte Simmons, DE - Graduation - 58 Overall
- Starter - Stats: 24 solo tackles (45 total), 13 for loss, 5.5 sacks, 1 FR
- Team leader in sacks -
Nick Masters, FB - Graduation - 46 Overall
- Role Player - Stats: 15 carries, 23 yards, 1 reception, 1 yard

[Maize]

News Around College Football

Players Leaving Early
Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
Chris Polk, RB, Washington
LaMichael James, RB, Oregon
John Clay, RB, Wisconsin
Darren Evans, RB, Virginia Tech
Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss
Roddy Jones, RB, Georgia Tech
Jeff Demps, RB, Florida
Montel Harris, RB, Boston College
Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
Tramain Swindell, WR, Texas Tech
Malcolm Williams, WR, Texas
Antoine Hicks, WR, TCU
Ryan Broyles, WR, Oklahoma
Greg Childs, WR, Arkansas
Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
Andrew Datko, OT, Florida State
Josh Oglesby, OT, Wisconsin
Danny Baker, OT, Texas A&M
J.B. Shugarts, OT, Ohio State
James Carpenter, OT, Alabama
William Vlachos, C, Alabama
Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
Ryan Van Bergen, DE, Michigan
Justin Houston, DE, Georgia
Jared Crick, DT, Nebraska
Miles Burris, OLB, San Diego State
Nigel Carr, OLB, Florida State
Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
Kurt Mangum, MLB, Washington
Barquell Rivers, MLB, Virginia Tech
Anthony Anderson, CB, Tennessee
Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
Robert Sands, FS, West Virginia
Chris Banjo, FS, SMU
P.J. Smith, SS, Nebraska
DeAundre Brown, SS, Tulsa
Kevin Goessling, K, Fresno State

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Players Transferring
Coley White, QB - West Virginia to Central Florida
Matthew McGloin, QB - Penn State to Maryland
David Wilson, RB - Virginia Tech to Ohio
Harrison Jeffers, RB - Texas Tech to New Mexico State
Chris Burns, RB - Pittsburgh to East Carolina
Ray Graham, RB - Pittsburgh to Duke
Kenjon Barner, RB - Oregon to Fresno State
Dontrayeveon Robinson, RB - Nebraska to Arizona State
Larry Caper, RB - Michigan State to Buffalo
Michael Cox, RB - Michigan to Central Michigan
Brandon Wegher, RB - Iowa to Air Force
Devon Flourney, WR - USC to Idaho
Brandal Jackson, WR - Texas A&M to New Mexico
Keith Stroud, WR - Rutgers to Akron
Chris Tolliver, WR - LSU to Louisiana Tech
Shaquelle Evans, WR - Notre Dame to Eastern Michigan
Nic Dilillo, TE - Ohio State to Georgia Tech
Travis Frederick, C - Wisconsin to Notre Dame
Casey Walker, DT - Oklahoma to Kansas State
Justin Anderson, DT - Maryland to Ball State
Connor McCartin, MLB - Virginia to Bowling Green
Cameron Lawrence, MLB - Mississippi State to Arkansas
Mike Wallace, CB - Penn State to Army
Josh Evans, FS - Florida to UAB
Gerald Demps, FS - Florida State to Florida International
Cameron Gordon, FS - Michigan to Purdue
Steve Flaherty, K - Northwestern to Alabama

[packersfan4eva]

Caper's transferring from Michigan State? The fuck?

[Maize]

Caper's transferring from Michigan State? The fuck?

Yeah, I was kind of surprised too. But Baker was the feature back and Caper didn't see any carries. Could of had something to do with it.

[Maize]

Billy Gonzales Named Head Coach
After an extensive process, Kent State finally found their new Head Coach. In a Press Conference a week after the National Championship game, the Kent State Athletic Department announced they had a made a decision. A vetting process that started with a list of 15 candidates and four weeks of interviews. Resulting in a pair of three final interviews, it seemed it was a three-horse race.

The final three candidates to get second interviews included Southern Illinois Head Coach Dale Lennon, former Grand Valley State Head Coach Chuck Martin, and LSU Passing Game Coordinator Billy Gonzales.

But the team landed on the youngest coach, 40 year old Billy Gonzales. Last year at this time, he left Florida's staff to coach at SEC rival LSU. In '09, the Tigers ranked as one of the worst passing teams in the country. That would change after Gonzales took over and helped the team to a bowl win and 8 win season.

A bit of a disappointing season in terms of wins, it was a success for the passing game. Billy Gonzales was approached by Kent State following the Tigers' bowl game. After an extensive conversation with Athletic Director Joel Nielsen, it seemed he would be a great fit. Questions about his experience were quickly squashed, as described by Joel Nielsen at the press conference to announce the Golden Flashes' new Head Coach.

Gonzales is an extension of the Urban Meyer coaching tree, but has roots in Kent, Ohio. Gonzales coached for two years as a graduate assistant at Kent State from 1995-96, where he received his Master's Degree in Sports Administration. Gonzales broke into full-time coaching in 1997 at Kent State, where he spent four years with the Golden Flashes coaching running backs in 1997; before moving to wide receivers for the following three years.

He thanks Kent State for getting him his start in coaching, and now the University gives him his first Head Coaching job. Gonzales also has experience in the MAC. Being part of Urban Meyer's staff at Bowling Green, he was hired to coach receivers when Meyer became Head Coach.

Gonzales was a former wide receiver at Colorado State, where his position coach was the aforementioned Urban Meyer. Gonzales mentioned his mentor, former coach and boss throughout his press conference.

He would follow Meyer from Bowling Green to Utah, and finally to Florida. He spent nine years under Meyer, from '01 to '09. Included in that time, was a bowl appearance with Bowling Green, BCS bowl win with Utah, and two National Championships with Florida.

He served as receivers coach throughout and also was head of the recruiting operations. "He has an incredible feel for the passing game," said Joel Nielsen, "and being behind numerous top recruiting classes is a plus."

Gonzales will install his brand of the spread offense, with an emphasis on the passing game. While it could look similar to the spread ran at Florida, it will not be as run-oriented. Coach Gonzales is excited about his first opportunity to be Head Coach, and he thinks he can have success at Bowling Green.

His first job will be to fill out the rest of the team's coaching staff. Then, he will have to assemble the team's recruiting class. With only five scholarships remaining, his main goal may be to keep recruits committed to Kent State.

"I come from a winning background and I want to win at Kent State. And Kent State will win under my leadership. It won't be an easy process, but I know the talent here and we can turn it around." Gonzales also mentioned that the team has the second longest bowl drought in the nation (since '72), behind only New Mexico State (since '60). Making a bowl game is a goal and one Gonzales mentioned could be "accomplished quickly."

[Maize]

Gonzales Fills Staff, Keeps 2 Coaches
Only a week after his announced hire, Billy Gonzales was quick to fill out the rest of his staff. He brought in seven new coaches, including two new coordinators, while also keeping two of the coaches previously on Kent State's staff. It seems he focused on coaches that he was familiar with, that also match his philosophy, tempo, and scheme.

Listed below is the coaching staff, who now have the job of finishing Kent State's recruiting efforts. Then, they will have to start team meetings and spring practice. All in preparation for a new start for the Golden Flashes, in 2011.

Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line: Greg Studrawa - Coach Studrawa follows Billy Gonzales from LSU to Kent State. This is Studrawa's return to the MAC, after five seasons coaching the offensive line at LSU. An Ohio native, he is excited about joining Coach Gonzales, and brings some experience. A former lineman for Bowling Green, he has been an offensive line coach since 1989. He also had a brief stint as Offensive Coordinator at Bowling Green, where he found great success. At Bowling Green, where he coached with (and first met) Billy Gonzales - he guided the Eagles to one of its best offensive seasons. His first year as OC, the Eagles were ranked 3rd nationally in Total Offense (11th in passing, 8th in pass efficiency). His main job will be to help install a pass-oriented spread offense with Coach Gonzales. While also coaching the offensive line, and hopefully molding players into future NFL prospects. Something he has done in the past.

Offensive Coordinator: Tony Alford - A former teammate of Billy Gonzales at Colorado State, he is one of two former teammates to join the coaching staff. Alford, a former receiver like Gonzales, had recently coached receivers at Notre Dame. Getting to work with Michael Floyd, Kyle Rudolph, and Tailer Jones, he helped Brian Kelly to a bowl appearance for the Irish. He has coached at Kent State in the past, during the same time Gonzales was a Graduate Assistant for Kent. He was credited for his work with Astron Whatley's record-breaking season. He will also help in the team's recruiting, as he has experience coaching in Ohio. Alford has an understanding of the passing game, and how it can help to set-up the run. Also, he is friends with Coach Gonzales and is well trusted and respected.

Defensive Coordinator: D.J. Durkin - A linebackers coach at Florida gets a promotion and now is in charge of Kent's defense. A defense that struggled in 2010, now must replace 6 starters. Durkin is another coach that worked at Bowling Green with Gonzales and Studrawa, under the direction of Head Coach Urban Meyer. Durkin is an aggressive coach and former player, who recently prowled the sidelines in Gainesville. While only there for two seasons, he did get to work with Billy Gonzales and an impressive Florida defensive unit. An Ohio native, he also spent three seasons at Stanford. Bringing his experience to Kent, he wants to install multiple packages, and run primarily out of the 4-3. Although, he will base it around the personnel. His success will be key in turning around a defense that allowed over 25 points per game in '10.

Quarterback Coach: Daren Wilkinson - A former player at Gonzales alma mater, he most recently served as its' Quarterbacks Coach. He takes the same role at Kent State, where he joins a former teammate. While they only played one year together at Colorado State, Wilkinson would go on to be a successful signal-caller for the Rams of CSU. He then returned to his alma mater in 2008, where he took over coaching his former position. Another talented recruiter, he is excited about joining Gonzales' staff. He has an understanding for the position and what it takes to win. He will get to work with three next year that could all start, and will be crucial to KSU's record next seasons.

Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator: Jeff Kastl - A coach who comes from the Division II level, also a former Quarterback. Kastl has most recently coached at Ashland University, whose football program made the playoffs last season. Coach Kastl was heralded for his work with the team's offense. He also holds numerous administrative duties, including running numerous camps and organizing Ashland's recruiting efforts. He had coached in the MAC before at Central Michigan. At CMU, he coached under Brian Kelly and worked with a young Dan LeFevour. A former Quarterback at the University of Michigan; he is a smart coach who has ran the spread, and knows how to recruit in the state of Ohio.

Receivers Coach: Eugene Baker - The receiver who holds every single receiving record worth noting at Kent State, stays on their staff to coach the receivers. Coach Baker's former position coach Billy Gonzales, has always praised Baker for his work ethic and talent. Now, Gonzales gets to coach with Baker. Coach Baker did not look for another job and was excited about the prospects of staying on the staff with Gonzales. Now his job is to try and mold players into ones that can chase the records he posted.

Defensive Line Coach: Chris Hauser - Part of Ohio State's defensive staff since 2006, he now returns to the MAC Conference. A former linebacker at Akron, he was a good student and coach with the Zips. Now he moves to the rival Kent State Golden Flashes, where he gets his first positional coaching job. He worked with Luke Fickell at Akron and followed him to Ohio State, and understands the importance of the defensive line. Especially pass rush, which featured two All-Americans for Ohio State: John Simon (1st team) and Cameron Heyward (2nd team).

Secondary Coach: Scott Booker - Joining Coach Tony Alford, in moving from Notre Dame to Kent State, he gets another coaching job with the Golden Flashes. While Hauser and Booker lack coaching experience, they have been a part of successful staffs and are former players. Booker, an offensive intern with the Irish, was a defensive back at Kent State. Returning to Kent, Ohio, he felt blessed that his former team is also giving him his former job (Secondary Coach). His first stint at Kent State, he help to develop Jack Williams and Usama Young into NFL players. Known as a leader during his time at Kent, he is a smart player that Head Coach Brian Kelly have numerous responsibilities to. With a great understanding of the passing game, Booker hopes to turn around a defense that struggled against the pass. Also a defense that lost both starting safeties, a tough return for Coach Booker.

Special Teams/Linebackers: Jim Fleming - After only his first year with Kent State, Jim Fleming thought he was already out of a job. Joining the staff before last season, Fleming was thrilled to stay on in Kent, Ohio. Not only staying, but increasing his role with the coaching staff. After Doug Martin was let go as Head Coach, Fleming took over the job of contacting recruits and other administrative duties with Kent State. He has 26 years of coaching experience, and joins an otherwise young staff. A former Head Coach (Sacred Heart), Defensive Coordinator (Akron), he has won at numerous levels of college football. His new goal: to turn Kent State into a power in the MAC, starting with an emphasis on special teams.

[packersfan4eva]

Gonzalez? Wouldn't have guessed that. Hopefully his new coaching staff can get the job done.

[Maize]

Gonzalez? Wouldn't have guessed that. Hopefully his new coaching staff can get the job done.

Yeah, the stuff about the staff is just for story lines and to add to the realism. Also, I want to give people an idea of what playbook I'll be using. The reason I went with Gonzales was because he graduated from Kent and they gave him his first D-I coaching job.

Recruiting class posted later today.

[Maize]

Sorry about the delay with recruiting, school was just a little tiring the last few days. I'm writing the story up right now.

[Maize]

Recruiting News and Updates

Kent State
Kent Signs 23, 100th Best Class
Only three weeks after Billy Gonzales was named Head Coach at Kent State, it was time for National Signing Day. Throughout the season, Kent State had found success in bringing in recruits. Thanks mostly to the front office, who took over the coordination of the recruiting class.

After Head Coach Doug Martin was fired, there was some questions of whether all the players who verbally committed would sign with Kent State. On NSD, Billy Gonzales was happy to announce all 20 recruits committed in-season had signed on to play at Kent State. Also, the team had added three recruits taking their total to 23.

A class high in quantity, it was tied for the second largest class in the MAC, behind only Ohio (24 signed). Coach Gonzales is excited about many of the players, and thinks some could have an immediate impact for the Golden Flashes.

Of the three players signed under the new coaching staff, the highest rated was a two-star defensive tackle. Patrick Wells, a tackle from Pennsylvania, became the 5th player signed from the Keystone state. Wells could push to start next to Ishmaa'ily Kitchen next season. A big player, he plans on bulking up and getting his playing weight closer to 300. Perfect size for a player described as a run-stopper.

Along with Wells, the team added a corner and a guard. The corner, Lawrence Humphrey is the fourth cornerback signed. The Columbus native was excited to get offers from FBS programs and was quick to sign on. He said part of the reason was the chance to work with Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin and Secondary Coach Scott Booker. Both of whom have coached NFL players in the past.

The other player signed in-season is described as a "work in progress." Jay Ryan, a big player (6'3" 280) who is still raw and learning the position. He might not play early, but has the ideal size and technique to start in the future.

The top recruit, and player Coach Gonzales is most excited about, is JUCO Sophomore Chris Finley. An accurate thrower from Florida, he has been praised for good decision making. He could challenge Spencer Keith, who started all 12 games last season, and Giorgio Morgan for the starting Quarterback spot. Gonzales and the staff said it is an "open race," like it is at every other position on the team.

Finley isn't the only player who could start next season, in fact the team named four other players who could start quickly: offensive tackle Marques Horne, corner Chris Jackson, receiver Will Jones, and tight end Dwayne James.

But the coaching staff has said that any player could step up and fight his way into playing time or a starting position. An entirely new coaching staff is more interested about winning than giving a starter or senior player a spot.

The first class under Billy Gonzales is tough to judge; mainly because he cannot take credit for the bulk of the players signed. While he and his staff were able to get players to stay committed and sign three more, it still is a class that is high on quantity and low on (star) quality.

Signing only two three-star players, both of which are Junior College players, next year Jeff Kastl and the staff will take over recruiting duties. Now the staff wants to focus on preparation for spring practice. While they move closer to their season opener, in just over six months.


Kent State 2011 Recruiting Class
Chris Finley, QB, Port Charlotte, FL - 6'3" 177 - Nationally Ranked QB: #48 (JUCO SO.)
Marques Horne, OT, Colonial Park, PA - 6'4" 285 - Nationally Ranked OT: #78 (JUCO JR.)
Chris Jackson, CB, Springdale, OH - 6'3" 162 - Nationally Ranked CB: #76
Patrick Wells, DT, Wilkinsburg, PA - 6'5" 265 - Nationally Ranked DT: #107
Will Jones, WR, Lima, OH - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #193
Gaines Michael, OLB, Safety Harbor, FL - 5'10" 190 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #190
Doug Price, OT, Gastonia, NC - 6'3" 329 - Nationally Ranked OT: #115
Jim Gray, ATH, Fort McKinley, OH - 6'2" 199 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #95
Brian Stanley, CB, Vandalia, OH - 5'11" 164 - Nationally Ranked CB: #134
Marcus McCray, OG, Piqua, OH - 6'2" 285 - Nationally Ranked OG: #117
Lawrence Humphrey, CB, Columbus, OH - 5'10" 176 - Nationally Ranked CB: #154
Adam Jackson, CB, Fostoria, OH - 6'2" 172 - Nationally Ranked CB: #161
Ryan Davis, QB, Urbana, OH - 6'3" 247 - Nationally Ranked QB: #130
Dominique Thomas, RB, Butler, PA - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked RB: #136
Andrew Stewart, OT, Elkin, NC - 6'5" 307 - Nationally Ranked OT: #150
Cody Arnold, OLB, Girard, OH - 6'6" 217 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #206
Tony Matthews, SS, Solon, OH - 6'0" 184 - Nationally Ranked SS: #110
Lee Dotson, WR, Croydon, PA - 5'10" 196 - Nationally Ranked WR: #194
Dwayne James, TE, Scott Township, PA - 6'7" 222 - Nationally Ranked TE: #104
Jay Ryan, OG , Lakewood, OH - 6'3" 280 - Nationally Ranked OG: #152
Kordell Butler, WR, Kettering, OH - 6'5" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #221
Brett Hardy, DE, Westerville, OH - 6'4" 252 - Nationally Ranked DE: #216
Jabari Davis, ATH, Trotwood, OH - 5'11" 183 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #116