Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

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  • Maize
    Senior Member
    • Jan 2010
    • 1912

    Originally posted by packersfan4eva
    Tom Savage?
    He had a crazy good year, very strange. Bowl results will be posted soon.
    "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
    2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
    Next Game: Bowl Game

    Comment

    • Maize
      Senior Member
      • Jan 2010
      • 1912


      News Around College Football

      2011-2012 Bowl Results
      New Mexico Bowl - Cal (8-5) 9, Fresno State(6-7) 3
      St. Petersburg Bowl - Memphis (8-5) 17, Cincinnati (8-5) 37
      New Orleans Bowl - SMU (7-6) 26, North Texas (9-4) 16
      Las Vegas Bowl - Washington (7-6) 9, #18 Colorado State (11-2) 10
      Poinsettia Bowl - #25 West Virginia (9-4) 28, Utah (8-5) 24
      Hawaii Bowl - Houston (10-4) 3, Purdue (7-6) 38
      Pizza! Pizza! Bowl - Minnesota (8-5) 34, Ohio (10-4) 0
      Car Care Bowl - #24 Boston College (9-4) 21, Ball State (8-5) 24
      Emerald Bowl - Nevada (10-3) 23, Arizona (7-6) 15
      Music City Bowl - #19 Ole Miss (9-4) 28, North Carolina (6-7) 13
      Independence Bowl - BYU (8-5) 20, Virginia (6-7) 6
      EagleBank Bowl - Toledo (9-4) 27, Navy (7-6) 21
      Champs Sports Bowl - Temple (9-4) 6, #16 Clemson (11-3) 38
      Humanitarian Bowl - #23 Louisville (8-5) 27, Louisiana Tech (6-7) 20
      Holiday Bowl - Texas (8-5) 34, Oregon (7-6) 16
      Sun Bowl - USC (7-6) 20, Virginia Tech (8-5) 19
      Armed Forces Bowl - Tulane (7-6) 20, San Diego State (7-6) 27
      Liberty Bowl - Mississippi State (8-5) 16, Central Florida (11-3) 17
      Texas Bowl - Northwestern (6-7) 3, #13 Notre Dame (11-2) 36
      Insight Bowl - Nebraska (8-5) 0, #14 Michigan (8-5) 44
      Chick-Fil-A Bowl - South Carolina (8-6) 13, #17 Florida State (9-4) 42
      Outback Bowl - Georgia (8-5) 21, Michigan State (9-4) 22
      Capital One Bowl - #9 LSU (11-2) 24, #15 Ohio State (10-3) 15
      Gator Bowl - Florida (8-5) 9, #21 Iowa (9-4) 27
      Rose Bowl - #8 Penn State (12-1) 17, Oregon State (9-4) 10
      Fiesta Bowl - #5 Oklahoma State (13-1) 20, #7 Georgia Tech (11-2) 17
      Alamo Bowl - Baylor (9-4) 42, Stanford (8-5) 35
      Orange Bowl - #10 Miami (11-3) 14, #3 Oklahoma (11-2) 24
      Sugar Bowl - #2 Alabama (12-2) 35, #11 Rutgers (11-2) 14
      GMAC Bowl - #22 Central Michigan (11-3) 10, #12 Pittsburgh (10-3) 24
      Cotton Bowl - #20 Arkansas (9-4) 29, #6 Missouri (13-1) 37
      Papajohns.com Bowl - Troy (8-5) 7, Wisconsin (8-5) 35
      BCS Championship - #4 TCU (12-1) 24, #1 Boise State (13-0) 38
      "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
      2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
      Next Game: Bowl Game

      Comment

      • Maize
        Senior Member
        • Jan 2010
        • 1912

        2011 Season Wrap-Up



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

        -

        MAC Awards
        Offensive Player of the Year: Bernard Pierce, RB, Temple
        Defensive Player of the Year: Gerald Moore, FS, Ohio

        -

        1st Team All-MAC
        QB - Ryan Radcliff, Central Michigan
        RB - Bernard Pierce, Temple
        RB - Paris Cotton, Central Michigan
        WR - Joe Jones, Temple
        WR - Torieal Gibson, Ball State
        TE - Danny Noble, Toledo
        OT - Pat Boyle, Temple
        OG - Matt Kanitz, Central Michigan
        C - Jeremy Schonbrunner, Temple
        OG - Eric Herman, Ohio
        OT - Austin Holtz, Ball State
        DE - Melvin Payne, Ohio
        DE - Kashawn Fraser, Central Michigan
        DT - John Williams, Central Michigan
        DT - Neal Huynh, Ohio
        OLB - Mark McFadden, Ohio
        MLB - Brandon Weaver, Ohio
        OLB - Eric Benjamin, Ohio
        CB - D.J. Scott, Central Michigan
        CB - Kenny Jackson, Ohio
        FS - Gerald Moore, Ohio
        SS - Storm Timson, Ohio
        K - Richie Hogan
        P - Bill Claus, Toledo
        RET - Omar Leftwich, Ohio
        "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
        2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
        Next Game: Bowl Game

        Comment

        • Maize
          Senior Member
          • Jan 2010
          • 1912

          I forgot to record the All-MAC 2nd Team, in which I had one player that made it, Matt Rinehart. My team's punter was the only player, I feel like a few got snubbed (Tyshon Goode, Leon Green, Kent Cleveland).

          I will post the statistics and end of season recap now. Then off-season will start soon.
          "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
          2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
          Next Game: Bowl Game

          Comment

          • Maize
            Senior Member
            • Jan 2010
            • 1912


            Final Team Statistics

            Individual Statistics
            Passing
            C. Finley - 107.5 QB Rating, 130/262, 1,444 yards, 11 TD, 3 INT, 11 sacked
            G. Morgan - 74.9 QB Rating, 36/87, 371 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 8 sacked
            S. Keith - 67.5 QB Rating, 47/131, 621 yards, 1 TD, 7 INT, 10 sacked
            Rushing
            J. Terry - 228 carries, 827 yards, 3.6 AVG, 7 TD, 2 fumbles, Long of 21
            C. Finley - 74 carries, 208 yards, 2.8 AVG, 2 TD, 4 fumbles, Long of 15
            D. Archer - 34 carries, 96 yards, 2.8 AVG, 0 TD, 1 fumble, Long of 10
            W. Jones - 26 carries, 61 yards, 2.3 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 8
            D. Thomas - 18 carries, 41 yards, 2.2 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 5
            Receiving
            T. Goode - 100 receptions, 1,076 yards, 10.7 AVG, 2 TD, 10 drops, Long of 47
            K. Pressley - 61 receptions, 768 yards, 12.5 AVG, 5 TD, 7 drops, Long of 61
            J. Thompson - 13 receptions, 103 yards, 7.9 AVG, 1 TD, 1 drop, Long of 20
            J. Terry - 10 receptions, 170 yards, 17.0 AVG, 3 TD, 1 drop, Long of 48
            Blocking
            B. Winters - 27 pancakes, 7 sacks allowed
            K. Cleveland - 21 pancakes, 2 sacks allowed
            B. Wagner - 14 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed
            M. Fay - 14 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
            C. Anzevino - 13 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
            M. Horne - 8 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
            J. Kline - 3 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
            Defense
            W. Johnson - 32 solo tackles (68 total), 10 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 0 INT, 4 FF, 2 FR
            L. Green - 32 solo tackles (69 total), 16 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
            L. Batton - 29 solo tackles (71 total), 9 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR
            B. Tyson - 28 solo tackles (86 total), 12 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 0 INT, 3 FF, 0 FR
            F. Pratt - 24 solo tackles (56 total), 5 for loss, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FF, 0 FR
            C. Tiggle - 17 solo tackles (36 total), 3 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
            I. Kitchen - 17 solo tackles (38 total), 13 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
            J. Pleasant - 16 solo tackles (39 total), 1 for loss, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR
            T. Johnson - 16 solo tackles (44 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
            Z. Gonosz - 15 solo tackles (38 total), 5 for loss, 0 sacks, 4 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
            C. Gilbert - 13 solo tackles (22 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 2 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
            L. Stalker - 12 solo tackles (34 total), 7 for loss, 3 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR
            J. Dooley - 8 solo tackles (22 total), 6 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
            C. Jackson - 4 solo tackles (20 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
            Kicking
            F. Cortez - 20/28, 71%, Long of 50, 21/21 on XP
            Punting
            M. Rinehart - 109 punts, 4,676 yards, 42.8 AVG, 37 inside 20, Long of 76
            Kick Returns
            J. Pleasant - 36 returns, 816 yards, 22.6 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 62
            K. Pressley - 13 returns, 269 yards, 20.6 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 51
            Punt Returns
            J. Pleasant - 54 returns, 381 yards, 7.0 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 24
            "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
            2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
            Next Game: Bowl Game

            Comment

            • Maize
              Senior Member
              • Jan 2010
              • 1912


              End of 2011 Season
              Overall Record: 5-7
              MAC Record (Rank): 4-4 (4th in East)
              Schedule/Results:
               
              vs. Southern Alabama - W - 27-3
              vs. Kansas State - L - 10-23
              @ Purdue - L - 3-38
              @ Ohio - L - 20-33
              @ Central Michigan - L - 3-29
              vs. Ball State - L - 9-14
              vs. Miami Univ. - L - 18-21
              @ Eastern Michigan - W - 31-23
              vs. Bowling Green (Rival) - W 27-0
              vs. Buffalo - W - 37-17
              @ Oklahoma State - L - 6-35
              @ Akron (Rival) - W - 48-7

              Offensive Player of the Year: Tyshon Goode, WR
              Defensive Player of the Year: Leon Green, DE
              MAC Champion: Ohio - 10-4 (8-1)
              National Champion: Boise State - 13-0 (8-0)
              Heisman Winner: Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
              "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
              2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
              Next Game: Bowl Game

              Comment

              • packersfan4eva
                Ryan Luxem
                • Dec 2008
                • 9052

                How did Goode get snubbed? 100 catches and over 1,000 yards. That's insane.

                Originally posted by Miggyfan99
                I would get fucked in the ass for WS tickets too... only if Miguel was playing though

                Comment

                • Maize
                  Senior Member
                  • Jan 2010
                  • 1912

                  Originally posted by packersfan4eva
                  How did Goode get snubbed? 100 catches and over 1,000 yards. That's insane.
                  Only 2 touchdowns hurt, but he had 32 more receptions than Torieal Gibson of Ball State. Very strange but I have a feeling wins helps get players on the All-Conference teams.
                  "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                  2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                  Next Game: Bowl Game

                  Comment

                  • Maize
                    Senior Member
                    • Jan 2010
                    • 1912


                    "Changes Will Be Made to Win"
                    Head Coach Billy Gonzales first year as Head Coach at Kent State is in the books. A 5-7 record means another losing season for the Flash. Close losses held the team from becoming bowl eligible and their first winning season since 2001 (6-5).

                    His return to Kent was his first losing season since his last stop on Kent's staff in 2000. Since then, he has only been on teams with winning records. Frustrated at times this season, he realized that "changes will be made to win."

                    Winning in a league of constant parody like the MAC could allow for Kent State to quickly rise and make a bowl game. After a 1-6 start, the team won 4 of their last five, including four straight conference wins. They hope to ride that momentum into next season.

                    Although the only loss in that stretch, to an Oklahoma State team that finished 2011 with a 13-1 record, winning the Big XII Championship and the Fiesta Bowl. That loss was Kent's 500th in program history.

                    The school has a 36% winning percentage, and only 2 winning seasons since 1980. Gonzales, in an interview with 'The Stater' following the season was quoted as saying, "I expect 350 wins before 550 losses." That would mean 41 wins before the next 50 losses, not a terribly lofty goal.

                    Although a school with limited history has also been considered one of the toughest FBS schools to win at. Coach Gonzales knew what he got in to, and is excited that the entire coaching staff will be retained for next season. Even with the coaching staff returning, offensively, some things will change.

                    Offensive Coordinator Tony Alford and Head Coach Billy Gonzales are former receivers that want to open up the offense. Planning to spread out the offense more, they want to get more receivers involved in the passing game. The offense should resemble Utah more than Florida. Also, by spreading out the offense and getting more receivers involved, they believe it could allow for more big running plays.

                    Jacquise Terry averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and now graduating, leaves the starting job to Dri Archer. Archer averaged 2.8 yards per carry, a dismal number that can be blamed on the offensive scheme and run blocking. While the offense will be opened up and simplified, it will still be balanced with the pass setting up the run.

                    Even with seven losses, including six straight, the coaching staff looks at 2011 as an overall success. The team progressed throughout the season, and had moments of brilliance throughout the season. Injuries held back some mid-season success, but all-in-all, they have some things to build off of for next season.
                    "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                    2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                    Next Game: Bowl Game

                    Comment

                    • Maize
                      Senior Member
                      • Jan 2010
                      • 1912


                      Kent State Football - Players Leaving
                      18 Graduating, 12 starters - 5 on Offense, 6 on Defense, 1 on Special Teams

                      Chris Anzevino, C -- 75 -- Graduating
                      2YR Stats: 17 pancakes, 7 sacks allowed
                      2011 Stats: 13 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
                      - Starter - Injury prone

                      Matt Rinehart, P -- 74 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 225 punts, 42.1 AVG, 68 inside 20, Long of 76
                      2011 Stats: 109 punts, 42.9 AVG, 37 inside 20, Long of 76
                      - 2 year Starter - 2nd Team All-MAC

                      Jacquise Terry, RB -- 73 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 251 carries, 916 yards, 3.6 AVG, 7 TD, 18 receptions, 259 yards, 3 TD
                      2011 Stats: 228 carries, 827 yards, 3.6 AVG, 7 TD, 10 receptions, 170 yards, 3 TD
                      - Starter - Offensive Captain - Rushing Leader

                      Kendrick Pressley, WR -- 73 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 109 receptions, 1,259 yards, 11.6 AVG, 7 TD
                      2011 Stats: 61 receptions, 768 yards, 12.6 AVG, 5 TD
                      - 2 year Starter - Receiving TD Leader

                      Giorgio Morgan, QB -- 72 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 77.4 QB Rating, 38/93, 389 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
                      2011 Stats: 74.9 QB Rating, 36/87, 371 yards, 1 INT
                      - Back-up - Started 2 games in '11

                      Lee Stalker, DE -- 72 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 39 solo tackles, 18 for loss, 6 sacks, 2 FF
                      2011 Stats: 12 solo tackles, 7 for loss, 3 sacks
                      - 2 year starter - Injured end of '11

                      Will Johnson, OLB -- 72 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 63 solo tackles, 26 for loss, 4 sacks, 6 FF
                      2011 Stats: 32 solo tackles, 10 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 FF
                      - 2 year starter - Impact Player - Solo Tackle Leader

                      Sam Kirkland, WR -- 70 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 12 receptions, 114 yards, 9.5 AVG
                      2011 Stats: 6 receptions, 54 yards, 9.0 AVG
                      - Back-up - Special teams player

                      Josh Pleasant, CB -- 70 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 33 solo tackles, 1 for loss, 2 INT, 1 TD
                      2011 Stats: 16 solo tackles, 1 for loss, 1 INT, 1 TD
                      - 2 year starter - Defensive Captain - Kick/Punt Returner

                      Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, DT -- 68 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 21 solo tackles, 16 for loss, 4.5 sacks, 1 FF
                      2011 Stats: 17 solo tackles, 13 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 FF
                      - Starter - Impact Player

                      Byron Tyson, MLB - 67 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 33 solo tackles, 12 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 4 FF
                      2011 Stats: 28 solo tackles, 12 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 3 FF
                      - Starter - Solo Tackle Leader

                      Justin Thompson, TE - 64 -- Graduating
                      2011 Stats: 13 receptions, 103 yards, 7.9 AVG, 1 TD
                      - Starter -

                      Norman Wolfe, CB - 63 -- Graduating
                      2011 Stats: 2 solo tackles, 2 for loss, 1 sack, 1 INT
                      - Back-up - Started 3 games in '11

                      Michael Fay, OG - 63 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 24 pancakes, 9 sacks allowed
                      2011 Stats: 14 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
                      - 2 year starter - Benched end of '11

                      Chris Gilbert, CB - 63 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 28 solo tackles, 2 INT, 1 FF
                      2011 Stats: 13 solo tackles, 2 INT
                      - 2 year starter - Benched end of '11

                      Charles Laster, OG - 57 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: 1 pancake, 1 sack allowed
                      2011 Stats: N/A
                      - Back-up - No playing time in '11

                      Markus Burton, TE - 57 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: N/A
                      2011 Stats: N/A

                      Robert Holloman, RB - 47 -- Graduating
                      2 YR Stats: N/A
                      2011 Stats: N/A
                      "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                      2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                      Next Game: Bowl Game

                      Comment

                      • Maize
                        Senior Member
                        • Jan 2010
                        • 1912


                        News Around College Football

                        Players Leaving Early
                        Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
                        Tom Savage, QB, Rutgers
                        Kyle Parker, QB, Clemson
                        David Shinskie, QB, Boston College
                        Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU
                        Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama
                        Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh
                        Travis Miller, RB, Oklahoma State
                        Jermie Calhoun, RB, Oklahoma
                        Rex Burkhead, RB, Nebraska
                        Mo Sanu, WR, Rutgers
                        Alexander Torres, WR, Texas Tech
                        Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina
                        Rueban Randle, WR, LSU
                        Brice Butler, WR, USC
                        Erik Highsmith, WR, North Carolina
                        Tavares King, WR, Georgia
                        DeSean Hales, WR, Texas
                        Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
                        J.K. Jay, OT, Clemson
                        David Young, OT, Florida
                        Phil Smith, OT, Georgia Tech
                        Joe Shafer, OT, Wisconsin
                        Matt Stankiewitch, OG, Penn State
                        Nick McRae, C, Georgia Tech
                        Tevin Mims, DE, Texas
                        D.J. Yendry, DE, TCU
                        Chancey Aghayere, DE, LSU
                        Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
                        Nick Bell, DE, Mississippi State
                        Jordan Hall, DT, Penn State
                        Dravanti Johnson, OLB, Texas
                        Kevin Reddick, MLB, North Carolina
                        B.J. Machen, MLB, Georgia Tech
                        Luke Kuechly, MLB, Boston College
                        Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia
                        Khaseem Green, FS, Rugers
                        Shakiel Smith, SS, Tulane
                        Orhian Johnson, SS, Ohio State
                        Rob Beard, K, Oregon
                        Nick Tausch, K, Notre Dame

                        --

                        Players Transferring
                        Damien Thigpen, RB - UCLA to Hawaii
                        Bo Vincent, FB - Iowa to Louisville
                        Jamar Townsend, OLB - Nebraska to Boise State
                        Jonathan Newsome, OLB - Ohio State to West Virginia
                        Latwan Anderson, FS - Miami to North Carolina
                        "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                        2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                        Next Game: Bowl Game

                        Comment

                        • packersfan4eva
                          Ryan Luxem
                          • Dec 2008
                          • 9052

                          Thigpen's gonna beast it up at Hawaii. Sucks losing so many players to graduation, hopefully you rebuild for next year.

                          Originally posted by Miggyfan99
                          I would get fucked in the ass for WS tickets too... only if Miguel was playing though

                          Comment

                          • Maize
                            Senior Member
                            • Jan 2010
                            • 1912

                            Originally posted by packersfan4eva
                            Thigpen's gonna beast it up at Hawaii. Sucks losing so many players to graduation, hopefully you rebuild for next year.
                            It is rough when you are bad and then lose 18 players, 12 of which are starters. Recruiting has been really difficult, but I have a good feeling about next year. Just making a bowl game would be huge for me.
                            "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                            2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                            Next Game: Bowl Game

                            Comment

                            • Maize
                              Senior Member
                              • Jan 2010
                              • 1912


                              Recruiting News and Updates

                              Kent State
                              18 Sign, 8th Best Class in MAC
                              Head Coach Billy Gonzales was excited on National Signing Day about the 18 players he and his staff had brought in. Losing 18 Seniors to graduation, they have seemingly replaced every player lost to graduation. The coach was happy about the class, this being his first full season as Head Coach.

                              While the team brought in 14 players during the season, they struggled in the off-season. Losing targeted players to MAC schools, they were only able to sign an underwhelming four players. Disappointing to Recruiting Coordinator Jeff Kastl, he was candid about the struggles of Kent State in recruiting.

                              "It is not as if we can recruit on name alone (in the area), there are too many other schools in Ohio kids would rather go to." said Kastl, who came to Kent State after coaching and recruiting at Division-II Ashland. "We are changing the program around, which includes changing who and how we recruit."

                              A transition period for Kent State, 18 players is still a strong recruiting class that includes some major bright spots and potential impact players from day one.

                              They think they signed one in the off-season, in three-star receiver William McKinney. McKinney chose Kent over Temple and Toledo. A tough decision, he chose Kent State because of the coaching staff, specifically ex-NFL and Kent State record-holding receiver Eugene Baker. He think they give him an opportunity to play on Sunday. A reliable and speedy receiver, he never missed a game in his 3 years at the varsity level.

                              McKinney was one of five players signed from Pennsylvania. Another that added during the off-season was Michael Fraser. A true full back, he could end up playing lineman for Kent State. As of now, he wants to play full back and thinks he can work his way into the offense.

                              Fraser was one of two running backs signed in the off-season, and one of four backs brought in in the 2012 class. Nate Johnson is an up-right runner from Maple Heights that might need to bulk up. Because of his running style, the staff thinks he might need to become bigger to play the way he wants to.

                              While the team signed four runners, they all bring a different dynamic to Kent's back field. Jesse Houston is a tough runner that might end up as an all-purpose or full back for Kent. Chris Walters is the most elusive and tries to make tacklers miss more often than taking the hit. A true 'gym rat,' he was also part of his school's track team.

                              The other player signed in the off-season will also wind up in Kent's backfield. The only Quarterback signed, Ryan Griffin came from North Carolina "impressed" with the offense and the progression of Chris Finley. A player with a real understanding of the game, he is sharp mentally and will need to work on his mechanics.

                              The class of 18 is made up of 8 offensive players and 10 defensive players. They failed to sign a punter and will now be looking to their roster, or potentially adding a walk-on to play punter next year. They had targeted nine punters throughout the season, and failed to sign any of them.

                              A balanced class, they add some help to a defense that could use an instant boost. Dylan Harrison plans on enrolling early and is already talking to Secondary Coach Scott Booker about his workout regimen. Brandon Merrick wants to replace starter Will Johnson at outside linebacker. And with so many pass-rushers at end for Kent, Terry Brown could see early time as a run stopper for the Golden Flash.

                              Next year the coaching staff is already expecting further success from Kent on the field. A 5-7 season, close losses cost the team their first bowl birth, and a chance at their first winning season. Losing 12 starters, this class could be forced to make an instant impact.

                              With the pressure on the program to finally make a bowl game, they also know next season won't be easy. Few returning starters and a team lacking leadership and experience, it will have 31 freshman on the roster. Some second year players, but "freshman all the same," says Coach Gonzales.

                              A young team that also will be making changes to its' playbook, as a young Head Coach tries to lead his young team to success beyond Signing Day.

                              Kent State 2012 Recruiting Class
                              Justin Boone, OT, Riverdale, GA - 6'5" 290 - Nationally Ranked OT: #61
                              Dylan Harrison, ATH, Solon, OH - 6'2" 210 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #87
                              William McKinney, WR, Fullerton, PA - 5'11" 165 - Nationally Ranked WR: #149
                              Cornell Higgins, CB, Bloomsburg, PA - 6'3" 176 - Nationally Ranked CB: #128
                              Terry Brown, DE, Clearwater, FL - 6'5" 262 - Nationally Ranked DE: #119
                              Brandon Merrick, OLB, Sandusky, OH - 6'2" 227 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #172
                              Kyle Johnson, OG, Vandalia, OH - 6'3" 306 - Nationally Ranked OG: #139
                              Nate Johnson, RB, Maple Heights, OH - 6'0" 160 - Nationally Ranked RB: #122
                              Chris Walters, RB, Strongville, OH - 6'0" 205 - Nationally Ranked RB: #133
                              Kevin Gardner, SS, Beavercreek, OH - 6'5" 205 - Nationally Ranked SS: #112
                              Adam Crowell, OLB, Princeton, IN - 6'3" 200 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #182
                              Ryan Griffin, QB, Wilmington, NC - 6'3" 175 - Nationally Ranked QB: #164
                              Chad Robinson, ATH, Piqua, OH - 6'2" 260 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #119
                              Michael Fraser, FB, Ross Township, PA - 6'0" 223 - Nationally Ranked FB: #60
                              Andrew Swan, DT, Jeanette, PA - 6'6" 278 - Nationally Ranked DT: #162
                              Andy White, CB, Monroeville, PA - 6'1" 182 - Nationally Ranked CB: #193
                              Kendall Wright, DE, Lakeland, FL - 6'6" 245 - Nationally Ranked DE: #205
                              Jesse Houston, RB, Northridge, OH - 6'3" 236 - Nationally Ranked RB: #150
                              "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                              2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                              Next Game: Bowl Game

                              Comment

                              • Maize
                                Senior Member
                                • Jan 2010
                                • 1912

                                So recruiting is over and I will have an article soon to wrap up training camp, position changes and cuts. Then season previews will be up soon after that.

                                Also, just wanted to point out that I've done a pretty good job in making things realistic with this. Kent finished the year 5-7, 4-4 in conference. Mainly because they upset Ohio in the last game of the season. In my dynasty, I went 4-8 (3-5) in the first year.

                                Doug Martin just resigned, like in my dynasty, and Paul Chryst, Chuck Martin, Luke Fickell, and Dale Lennon are coaching candidates (just like my dynasty). Billy Gonzales has not been mentioned, however.

                                They have also retained 3 coaches for the "transition:" DC Pete Rekstis, Receivers Coach Eugene Baker and Linebacker Coach Jim Fleming. Fleming and Baker were "retained" in my dynasty. Rekstis is a candidate and might end up not being retained if a new coach is brought in.

                                Worth pointing out. I will have another update in the next day or so.
                                "Arrive, Raise Hell, Leave" | Kentucky Wildcats
                                2014 Season: 11-2 (7-2)
                                Next Game: Bowl Game

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