Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[Maize]

DC Durkin Fired
After another disappointing season in Billy Gonzales' sophomore campaign as coach, the defense took another step back. Before D.J. Durkin became Defensive Coordinator in 2011, he had replaced Pete Rekstis and was taking over, annually, of the best defenses in the MAC. Not just in the MAC, but in '08 and '09, a defense that was statistically one of the Top 25 in the nation. It took a bit of a step back in '10, but it was the strength of the program.

More specifically, the team was great against stopping the run. Since D.J. Durkin has taken over, he was quick to change the defensive philosophy. Going from a tough defense based on scheme and strength; to a defense that was individually based on speed and finesse.

Durkin was a successful positions coach under Urban Meyer and many considered Durkin a potential Head Coach, in the mold of his mentor Meyer. Coming into Kent, Durkin tore apart a base 4-3 defense that used a "buck" player: a hybrid defensive end, used for the pass rush.

The team struggled mightily in 2011 and was even worse in 2012. Durkin was given the reigns of the defense by Billy Gonzales, as both of them had worked in Florida under Urban Meyer. Noticing the defense had went from one of the best in the MAC to the worst (statistically), Durkin made some late season changes that did see some improvements.

Even with those small improvements, Coach Gonzales announced that D.J. Durkin would not return to head the defense in 2013. Gonzales said that Durkin caused too much "in fighting" and wanted more of a role in making team decisions including recruiting.

Coach Gonzales said the team would take a new direction and wanted to get back to the tough, physical style that made Kent feared and one of the best. He also wants a coach that will return to the 4-3 and not use multiple schemes. Durkin was once thought to be a rising coach that could be a Head Coach in the near future.

After struggling with his first stint of calling defensive plays, Durkin held himself responsible for not "understanding (what it takes) to be successful at Kent." Now the program will search for a replacement, in Gonzales' critical third year as Head Coach.

[Maize]

News Around College Football

2012-2013 Bowl Results
New Mexico Bowl - Louisville (6-7) 21, Nevada (8-5) 28
St. Petersburg Bowl - UAB (6-7) 10, Cincinnati (8-5) 33
New Orleans Bowl - Marshall (8-6) 55, Arkansas State (9-4) 45
Las Vegas Bowl - Oregon State (7-6) 11, #22 Colorado State (10-3) 17
Poinsettia Bowl - Hawaii (6-7) 13, Wyoming (7-6) 16
Hawaii Bowl - Southern Miss (9-4) 24, Louisiana Tech (6-7) 3
Pizza! Pizza! Bowl - Penn State (7-6) 7, #17 Central Michigan (12-2) 35
Car Care Bowl - #16 Clemson (10-3) 35, Tulane (6-7) 6
Emerald Bowl - #14 Fresno State (12-1) 40, Arizona (7-6) 10
Music City Bowl - Tennessee (8-5) 17, North Carolina (7-6) 10
Independence Bowl - Kentucky (6-7) 24, #25 Miami (9-4) 31
EagleBank Bowl - Ohio (8-5) 9, Navy (7-6) 14
Champs Sports Bowl - West Virginia (8-5) 24, #20 Virginia Tech (10-3) 31
Humanitarian Bowl - Iowa State (7-6) 14, Boise State (9-4) 38
Holiday Bowl - Kansas (7-6) 14, Oregon (8-5) 24
Sun Bowl - Arizona State (8-5) 10, Boston College (9-4) 20
Armed Forces Bowl - Central Florida (9-4) 35, Rutgers (8-5) 12
Liberty Bowl - Vanderbilt (6-7) 21, Houston (10-4) 34
Texas Bowl - Purdue (8-5) 35, Nebraska (8-6) 28
Insight Bowl - #12 Texas A&M (10-3) 41, Wisconsin (6-7) 7
Chick-Fil-A Bowl - #13 LSU (10-3) 24, #23 Georgia Tech (10-4) 20
Outback Bowl - Ole Miss (8-5) 14, #11 Ohio State (10-3) 20
Capital One Bowl - #9 Arkansas (10-3) 27, #19 Iowa (9-4) 24
Gator Bowl - Mississippi State (8-5) 7, #24 Minnesota (9-4) 40
Rose Bowl - #4 Michigan State (11-2) 27, #10 USC (11-2) 24
Fiesta Bowl - #6 Alabama (13-1) 34, #18 Utah (10-3) 7
Alamo Bowl - Baylor (9-4) 7, #21 Stanford (11-2) 36
Orange Bowl - #3 Florida State (13-1) 40, South Florida (10-3) 27
Sugar Bowl - #5 Florida (11-3) 20, #7 TCU (11-2) 12
GMAC Bowl - Western Michigan (6-7) 0, #8 Notre Dame (11-2) 28
Cotton Bowl - Georgia (7-6) 20, #15 Oklahoma (9-4) 45
Papajohns.com Bowl - North Texas (6-7) 10, Oklahoma State (8-5) 45
National Championship - #1 Texas (14-0) 34, #2 Michigan (12-1) 31

[Maize]

2012 Season Wrap-Up

The Mid-American Conference had a successful 2012 season, with seven teams being bowl eligible. While the conference only has three bowl affiliations, they had the chance to get teams in with at-large bowl bids. With more programs bowl eligible than there were bowl spots, the MAC did not receive a single at-large bowl bid.

Central Michigan won the MAC outright after representing the West division in the MAC Championship game at near-by Ford Field, in Detroit, Michigan. They played and defeated Temple, who had beaten Ohio in the regular season to represent the East division. After losing the game, Temple had a losing record and were not the team from the East division to be guaranteed a bowl game.

A controversial rule and decision, the Owls ended the season with a 6-7 record, and were one of five MAC schools to end the season with six wins. Ohio ended up being the only school from the East to make a bowl game; losing to Navy in the Eaglebank Bowl. The eight win Bobcats were held back from a chance to three-peat as MAC Champions by Temple, but still represented the MAC East in the post-season.

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

-

All-Mac 1st Team
QB - Ryan Radcliff, Central Michigan
RB - Michael Cox, Central Michigan
RB - Larry Caper, Buffalo
WR - Jonathan Taylor, Central Michigan
WR - Martel Moore, Northern Illinois
TE - Reid Fragel, Western Michigan
OT - Elijah Grant, Temple
OG - Jeff Fantuzzi, Central Michigan
C - Josh Kline, Kent State
OG - Matt Kanitz, Central Michigan
OT - Ryan McGrath, Ohio
DE - Daryll Stinson, Central Michigan
DE - Melvin Payne, Ohio
DT - Robert Kearney, Kent State
DT - Justin Anderson, Ball State
OLB - Shamari Benton, Central Michigan
MLB - Eric Jordan, Bowling Green
OLB - Kyle Zelinsky, Central Michigan
CB - Fabrice Pratt, Kent State
CB - Lavarus Williams, Central Michigan
FS - Gerald Moore, Ohio
SS - Justin Gildea, Temple
K - Richie Hogan, Central Michigan
P - Jay Karutz, Eastern Michigan
RET - Keith Stroud, Akron

[Maize]

Final Statistics

Individual Statistics
Passing
C. Finley - 102.1 QB Rating, 185/378, 2,113 yards, 12 TD, 8 INT, 16 sacked
S. Keith - 104.4 QB Rating, 35/80, 405 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT, 4 sacked
Rushing
D. Archer - 174 carries, 659 yards, 3.7 AVG, 5 TD, 5 fumbles, Long of 14
C. Finley - 102 carries, 337 yards, 3.3 AVG, 5 TD, 2 fumbles, Long of 62
J. Davis - 96 carries, 284 yards, 2.9 AVG, 1 TD, 2 fumbles, Long of 13
D. Thomas - 21 carries, 62 yards, 2.9 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 6
Receiving
T. Goode - 91 receptions, 908 yards, 9.9 AVG, 4 TD, 8 drops, Long of 47
M. Hurdle - 41 receptions, 537 yards, 13.0 AVG, 2 TD, 6 drops, Long of 57
W. Jones - 23 receptions, 272 yards, 11.8 AVG, 3 TD, 4 drops, Long of 64
J. Davis - 17 receptions, 221 yards, 13.0 AVG, 1 TD, 1 drop, Long of 35
W. McKinney - 13 receptions, 212 yards, 16.3 AVG, 1 TD, 0 drops, Long of 74
D. Gress - 13 receptions, 175 yards, 13.4 AVG, 3 TD, 0 drops, Long of 51
D. James - 12 receptions, 100 yards, 8.3 AVG, 3 TD, 0 drops, Long of 24
Blocking
J. Kline - 28 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
K. Cleveland - 23 pancakes, 3 sacks allowed
B. Winters - 22 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
M. Horne - 14 pancakes, 1 sack allowed
B. Wagner - 8 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
J. Boone - 4 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
Defense
B. Hazzard - 38 solo tackles (94 total), 14 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 0 INT, 3 FF, 0 FR
R. Kearney - 34 solo tackles (70 total), 19 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 0 INT, 3 FF, 0 FR
L. Green - 27 solo tackles (66 total), 9 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
D. Harrison - 24 solo tackles (45 total), 2 for loss, .5 sack, 2 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
L. Batton - 23 solo tackles (51 total), 7 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 4 FR
T. Johnson - 22 solo tackles (38 total), 9 for loss, 3 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
C. Tiggle - 22 solo tackles (45 total), 5 for loss, .5 sack, 0 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR
S. Mehrer - 19 solo tackles (38 total), 8 for loss, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
Z. Gonosz - 18 solo tackles (45 total), 2 for loss, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
F. Pratt - 16 solo tackles (45 total), 10 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR
M. Fackler - 15 solo tackles (37 total), 3 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
C. Jackson - 14 solo tackles (32 total), 2 for loss, 1 sack, 3 INT, 2 FF, 0 FR
J. Dooley - 9 solo tackles (26 total), 4 for loss, 1 sack, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
P. Wells - 7 solo tackles (14 total), 5 for loss, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
Kicking
F. Cortez - 17/20, 85%, Long of 48, 26/27 on XP
Punting
F. Cortez - 89 punts, 3,761 yards, 42.2 AVG, 31 Inside 20, Long of 73
Kick Returns
T. Goode - 19 returns, 342 yards, 18.0 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 27
E. Cazenave - 13 returns, 315 yards, 24.2 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 56
F. Pratt - 12 returns, 237 yards, 19.7 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 35
Punt Returns
D. Archer - 26 returns, 169 yards, 6.5 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 14

[Maize]

End of Season
2012
Overall Record: 4-8
MAC Record (Rank): 3-5 (7th in East)
Schedule/Results:

 

@ Rutgers - L - 28-39
@ Army - L - 19-28
@ Penn State - L - 3-20
vs. Ohio - L - 14-24
@ Miami University - W - 28-17
vs. Central Michigan - L - 21-39
vs. Florida Atlantic - W - 48-21
@ Ball State - L - 8-15
vs. Eastern Michigan - W - 42-3
@ Bowling Green (Rival) - L - 31-34
@ Buffalo - L - 7-23
vs. Akron (Rival) - W - 18-6

Offensive Player of the Year: Tyshon Goode, WR
Defensive Player of the Year: Brandon Hazzard, MLB
MAC Champion: Central Michigan - 12-2 (9-0)
National Champion: Texas - 14-0 (9-0)
Heisman Winner: Garrett Gilbert, QB, Texas

[Maize]

So I updated everything on the front pages. The all-time record and winning percentage is updated, and Tyshon Goode is added to the record book.

Also, I think someone mentioned that they were worried I might get fired after the season. I actually got a two-year extension, I was surprised. Billy Gonzales is 9-15, with a 3-1 record versus rivals (Bowling Green and Akron). We are 0-3 against the Top 25, and 7-9 in conference. Good enough to stay two more years at Kent.

[Maize]

Kent Hires Haynes
With the 2012 college football season over, Texas being crowned National Champion, the focus now turns to the off-season. For Kent State, they wanted to fill the one coaching vacancy that came after the firing of D.J. Durkin. After two dismal years defensively, the team needed to make a change and wanted to get back to what had made them one of the best defenses in the country under Pete Rekstis.

Durkin had already landed on his feet, becoming the linebackers coach at Vanderbilt. Kent had interviewed numerous candidates but decided on their coach just days after the BCS National Championship.

The team announced that Paul Haynes, Ohio State's Secondary Coach, would become the next Defensive Coordinator for the Golden Flash. Haynes is a native of Ohio, a Kent State grad, and a coach that brings 16 years of coaching experience to Kent.

Working in the NFL, Big Ten (Ohio State and Michigan State) and once as Secondary Coach for Kent in the past (1999-2000), he returns to the team he walked on to in the fall of 1987. Playing under Glen Mason, Mason gave him an opportunity to play as a freshman. Where he led the team in interceptions during a 7-4 season. That was the team's last seven win season.

The year later, Dick Crum took over as Head Coach and Haynes would play on a 5-6 team, that a season later would go 0-11. Haynes has seen the best and worst of Kent football and wants to be a part of the resurrection of the program. After a knee injury in 1989, he was given a medical redshirt and graduated after the 1991 season. A 1-10 campaign under Pete Cordelli.

In five seasons, he played under three Head Coaches and saw only one winning season. He will install a base 4-3 defense that will use a nickel corner often, but will not use multiple schemes like Durkin did. Less of a finesse defense, it will be more of an attacking, aggressive unit. He understands the tough history and it molded him into a tough coach that never forgot his roots.

Haynes Hire Hatches History Lesson
Haynes, a bit of a statistician, compiled facts about the University's football team to show to Seniors upon being named Defensive Coordinator. A bit of motivation, to defy history and understand the difficult, losing past of Kent State.

The team's last non-losing season was in 2006, under Head Coach Doug Martin. The team went 6-6, after winning five straight games. The team had three conference losses, and finished third in the East Division. Since then, the team has had six straight losing seasons.

Moreover the team's last winning season was 2001. The team featured James Harrison and a team that led the MAC in sacks. A 6-5 record included three conference losses and a 4th place finish in the East Division.

Haynes then talked about the last bowl game Kent played in, the 1972 Tangerine Bowl. During that season, the team went 6-5-1 after starting the season 1-3-1. The run at the end of the season was enough to win the conference title and earn a bowl birth. Since only one team from the MAC was guaranteed a bowl game at this time.

The following season, under Head Coach Don James, who had just led the team to a bowl game, the team had it's best season, going 9-2. The team featured Jack Lambert and Gary Pinkel at linebacker, but the team would not win the MAC, losing their only conference game to the conference champ, Akron.

James would move on seasons later as Head Coach and Kent was never able to put together much success. Since 1980, the team has had two winning seasons. Outside of the 6-5 season in '01 was Glen Mason's 1987 team that went 7-4. In that year, like many others, too many conference losses meant no bowl appearance or conference title.

The team has had more defeated seasons since 1980 (4) than winning ones (2). 1982, '89, '93, and '98 were all 0-11 seasons. Haynes takes over with the team at a crossroads. The offense has improved while the defense looks deplorable. If the team wants to defy history, Haynes might have to toughen up a team and try to will his players to want to break the 40 year bowl drought.

[Maize]

Kent State Players Leaving
- 15 Total Graduating -
- 12 starters - 7 on Offense, 4 on Defense, 1 on Special Teams

Tyshon Goode, WR - Graduating - 79 OVR
3 YR Stats: 253 receptions, 2,701 yards, 10 TD
2012 Stats: 91 receptions, 908 yards, 4 TD
- Offensive MVP & Captain - Impact Player - Leading Receiver

Freddy Cortez, K - Graduating - 78 OVR
3 YR Stats: 52/67, 80%, Long of 50
2012 Stats: 17/20, 85%, Long of 48, 89 punts, 42.2 AVG, 31 Inside 20
- 3 year starter -

Spencer Keith, QB - Graduating - 75 OVR
3 YR Stats: 85.9 QB Rating, 295/702, 3,477 yards, 20 TD, 25 INT
2012 Stats: 104.4 QB Rating, 35/80, 405 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
- Back-up - Starter in '10 -

Brian Winters, OT - Graduating - 74 OVR
3 YR Stats: 81 pancakes, 20 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 22 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
- 3 year starter -

Leon Green, DE - Graduating - 73 OVR
3 YR Stats: 59 solo tackles (135 total), 25 for loss, 10 sacks, 2 FF
2012 Stats: 27 solo tackles (66 total), 9 for loss, 3.5 sacks
- 2 year starter - Impact Player -

Zack Gonosz, FS - Graduating - 73 OVR
3 YR Stats: 35 solo tackles (86 total), 5 INT, 1 TD
2012 Stats: 18 solo tackles (45 total), 1 INT
- Defensive Captain - 2 year starter -

Bryan Wagner, OG - Graduating - 72 OVR
3 YR Stats: 38 pancakes, 17 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 8 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
- 3 year starter -

Matthew Hurdle, WR - Graduating - 69 OVR
3 YR Stats: 41 receptions, 537 yards, 2 TD
2012 Stats: 41 receptions, 537 yards, 2 TD
- Starter at TE -

Marques Horne, OG - Graduating - 67 OVR
2 YR Stats: 22 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 14 pancakes, 1 sack allowed
- Starter - JUCO Transfer -

Josh Kline, C - Graduating - 67 OVR
3 YR Stats: 34 pancakes, 9 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 28 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
- All-MAC 1st in '12 - Starter -

Kent Cleveland, OT - Graduating - 67 OVR
3 YR Stats: 64 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 23 pancakes, 3 sacks allowed
- 3 year starter -

Brian Waters, OT - Graduating - 65 OVR
3 YR Stats: 20 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 1 pancake, 0 sacks allowed
- Bench Player - Starter in '10 -

Fabrice Pratt, CB - Graduating - 64 OVR
3 YR Stats: 43 solo tackles (112 total), 16 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 9 INT
2012 Stats: 16 solo tackles (45 total), 10 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 5 INT
- 2 year starter - Starter at SS in '11 - Interception Leader -

Seamus Garvey, OT - Graduating - 57 OVR
3 YR Stats: 2 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
2012 Stats: 2 pancakes, 0 sacks allowed
- Career Back-up -

Luke Batton, OLB - Graduating - 56 OVR
3 YR Stats: 56 solo tackles (139 total), 18 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 3 INT, 1 TD
2012 Stats: 23 solo tackles (51 total), 7 for loss, 3 sacks, 1 INT
- Starter - Injury in '12 -

[Maize]

News Around College Football

Players Leaving Early
QB Josh Nunes, Stanford
QB Andrew Maxwell, Michigan State
QB Pete Thomas, Colorado State
RB Leveon Bell, Michigan State
RB Chris Whaley, Texas
RB Waymon James, TCU
RB Larry Caper, Buffalo
RB Lamar Miller, Miami
RB Sterlin Phifer, Boston College
WR Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
WR Kyle Prater, USC
WR Devon Flournoy, Idaho
WR Mike Davis, Texas
WR Vincent Sanders, Ole Miss
WR Davon Dunn, Fresno State
WR Travis Cobb, Arizona
TE Joe Johnson, Notre Dame
OT Sam Longo, Ohio State
OT Eric Shrive, Penn State
OT Josh Aledenoye, Oklahoma
OT Taylor Lewan, Michigan
OT Nolan Macmillan, Iowa
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
C Eric Tausch, TCU
DE Trent Murphy, Stanford
OLB Leron Furr, Oklahoma State
OLB Ed Stinson, Alabama
MLB Jordan Whiting, Ohio State
MLB Cameron Lawrence, Arkansas
MLB Jelani Jenkins, Florida
CB Ricky Seale, Stanford
CB Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
FS Darius Feaster, Wisconsin
FS Alec Ogletree, Georgia
K Richie Hogan, Central Michigan
P Dan Orseske, Minnesota

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Players Transferring
QB Devin Gardner, Michigan to Toledo
QB Munchie LeGaux, Cincinnati to Navy
RB Jeff Hart, North Carolina to Pittsburgh
RB Jakhari Gore, LSU to Missouri
RB Xavier Brown, Houston to Utah State
TE Alex Welch, Notre Dame to Navy
DE Geneo Grissom, Oklahoma to Utah State
OLB Travis Robinson, Ohio State to Navy
CB John Fulton, Alabama to UL-Monroe
FS Quentin Hayes, Oklahoma to Utah State

[Maize]

Recruiting News and Updates

Kent State
2013 National Signing Day
Following a disappointing 4-8 season, Kent State was looking for a strong off-season to get a better result in Billy Gonzales' third season as Head Coach. The defense will see a drastic change, with new Defensive Coordinator Paul Haynes taking over a defense that has been abysmal in the last two seasons.

Haynes, an alumni as well, wants to be part of the turnaround at Kent State. A big part of that is strong recruiting and the coaching staff is trying to create a local pipeline from schools in Northern Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Southern Michigan.

The latest recruiting class does that, with 15 of the 21 recruits signing a Letter of Intent from the state of Ohio. Four are from Michigan, yet only one (Quarterback Dustin Johnson) from the state of Pennsylvania.

A class that only features one three-star recruit, it has been called the "weakest" recruiting class in Gonzales' tenure. The coaching staff still talks about the difficulties of selling Kent State and all agree that winning would help.

21 players in all signed, led by three-star kicker Chad Brown. Brown is expected to replace Freddy Cortez, and many expect the freshman placekicker to replace him well. A big leg and a background as a punter as well, Brown comes from Missouri, and was a target of many Big XII programs. He picked the first team to offer him a scholarship, and the one that guaranteed him early playing time.

Joining Brown, the coaching staff has hinted that many true freshman could start right away in 2013. The team lost all five starters on the offensive line to graduation. Matt Barrow, a one-star left tackle from local Zaneville High School, is versatile and a strong pass-blocker. He could push to start at either tackle or guard this upcoming season.

Same can be said for Mike Scott, who projects to be an interior offensive lineman at Kent. Scott is big (6'4" 324) and will need to work on his footwork, although his background playing as a defensive lineman could help on the offensive side.

The big buzz around Kent's class is the future connection of Dustin Johnson to Terrance Johnson. Dustin, a two-star signal-caller from Pennsylvania. A prototypical pocket passer, he has good poise and a strong arm, but might need to work on his mobility to find success in the spread offense Kent uses. Terrance comes from southeast Michigan, where he was a three year varsity starter at football and basketball. He is gifted physically and could start right away; while Dustin will push to be Finley's back-up in '13.

Going into the off-season, Kent had 18 players that had committed in the season. They were able to add only three more players in the off-season. The highest rated being two-star safety Henry Burton. Burton could play corner or safety and could push for playing, at least on special teams this season. Kent also added two one-star players: shifty and a possibly defensive player, Brian Covington played running back at high school and wants to play on offense at Kent State as well. The other, outside linebacker Bruce Muhammad gives the team needed depth and a tackling machine and ball hawk that might night have the physicality to play right away.

A balanced class, it consists of 12 defensive players, 8 offensive and one special teams player. Still defensive heavy, as Paul Haynes will get to work with a unit that will feature mostly underclassmen. While the class could have immediate starters and impact players, it is still considered a poor recruiting class by conference and national standards.

While the team still struggles on the recruiting front, most of the issues are losing players to local schools like Bowling Green and Akron. Al of that could change if the team can break from its historical woes and finally put together a winning season.


2013 Recruiting Class
Chad Brown, K, Blue Springs, MO - 6'1" 207 - Nationally Ranked K: #4
J.T. Ferguson, FS, Reynoldsburg, OH - 6'0" 184 - Nationally Ranked FS: #63
Scott Mayfield, DE, Rocky River, OH - 6'1" 254 - Nationally Ranked DE: #139
Dustin Johnson, QB, Murrysville, PA - 6'5" 235 - Nationally Ranked QB: #120
Terrance Johnson, WR, Lincoln Park, MI - 6'2" 211 - Nationally Ranked WR: #225
Henry Burton, FS, Barberton, OH - 6'2" 200 - Nationally Ranked FS: #72
Jason Simmons, OLB, Brook Park, OH - 6'4" 222 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #161
Zach Doyle, SS, Marion, OH - 6'2" 199 - Nationally Ranked SS: #115
Lamar Jones, RB, Bridgetown North, OH - 6'0" 196 - Nationally Ranked RB: #173
Shawn Mays, DE, Cleveland, OH - 6'1" 239 - Nationally Ranked DE: #171
Jason Pleasant, DE, Oregon, OH - 6'2" 248 - Nationally Ranked DE: #173
Matt Barrow, OT, Zaneville, OH - 6'4" 275 - Nationally Ranked OT: #144
Brian Covington, RB, Westerville, OH - 6'0" 178 - Nationally Ranked RB: #171
Mike Scott, ATH, Charlotte, MI - 6'4" 324 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #102
Mike McCray, DE, East Cleveland, OH - 6'5" 218 - Nationally Ranked DE: #198
Michael Alford, OLB, Austintown, OH - 6'3" 229 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #217
Craig Martin, DE, Kettering, OH - 6'5" 248 - Nationally Ranked DE: #206
Bruce Muhammad, OLB, Wyandotte, MI - 6'3" 227 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #208
Sidney Campbell, FB, Blue Ash, OH - 5'10" 210 - Nationally Ranked FB: #67
Anthony Smith, CB, Greenville, MI - 5'10" 186 - Nationally Ranked CB: #215 (JUCO JR)
Ryan Cox, ATH, Fort McKinley, OH - 6'0" 244 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #143

[Maize]

Flash Football: 2013 Spring Preview
Head Coach Billy Gonzales is entering his crucial third year at the reins of Kent State's football program. A 9-15 overall record, 7-9 in conference, was good enough in the eyes of the Athletic Department to extend his contract through the 2014 season. Last year was about transitioning the offense to one that primarily is run from the shotgun. The transition paid off as Kent's offense took huge strides in 2012.

2013 is about an overhaul of the defense, starting with new Defensive Coordinator Paul Haynes. An alum who had recently coached the Secondary at Ohio State, is back where his collegiate football career started. Installing a 4-3 scheme that will not use multiple sets or fronts, Haynes is focusing on getting the "unit" to gel.

Haynes first job was trimming what he considered to be "dead weight" from a defensive roster that had players he said; "Did not have the makings of a Division I football player." Knowing he will have to overcome the same talent void that D.J. Durkin struggled with, Haynes is more familiar with the history of Kent State.

He was quick to cut eight players from the roster, at the approval and agreement of Billy Gonzales, taking the roster from its' usual 70, down to 65 players. Three defensive ends were cut (Terry Brown, Craig Martin, and Brett Hardy), making way from a freshman crop that has valued upside. Also cut was Chad Robinson, who could not seem to get used to playing defense, after playing both side of the trenches in high school.

Adam Crowell and Michael Alford, former one-star linebacker prospects, did not make it along with corner Andy White and safety Tony Matthews. Haynes believes this will not affect the team's depth, as those players would not have contributed.

Billy Gonzales also allowed players to choose the team's Captains this year, with senior Quarterback Chris Finley and junior Cornerback Chris Jackson being named the team's respective captains. Finley's work ethic and leadership had him stick out on the offense, while Jackson, the vocal leader of a secondary that includes "the Quarterback of the Defense," Dylan Harrison.

So far, throughout spring, both units have worked hard and coaches have been happy with the performance of their players. Some players have made position changes, either by their own accord or at the decision of the coaching staff.

Nate Johnson, a sophomore running back who was struggling and quickly losing footing in a depthy position, switched to receiver; much to the chagrin of Receivers Coach Eugene Baker. Baker did not see Johnson's game translate to receiver, but Johnson has worked his way into the depth chart.

The offensive line is the big question mark for the offense, with the team having to replace all five starters. Ryan Cox, an undersized athlete that almost became a lead blocker, special teams player and defensive lineman - ended up being a great run-blocker and solid interior lineman. He is projected to be the team's starting left guard.

While Cox is undersized, size isn't an issue for athlete Mike Scott. Considered to be a defensive tackle or interior o-lineman, Coach Studrawa saw that Scott could be the anchor the team was looking for. Still needing to work on his technique and snapping, Scott will be battling Kyle Johnson to be the team's starting center.

On the defensive side, true freshman Jason Pleasant was looking for a way to play right away. A pass-rusher, his speed wasn't what set him apart, it was his height and strength. He has moved inside and has impressed coaches enough that he is listed above Pat Wells as the team's starting defensive tackle, alongside Terrell Johnson.

Luke Wollett, who lost a potential starting spot to Dylan Harrison last year, was a special team's ace in 2012. Working on his cover skills, he will now start next to Dylan Harrison after another player changed positions. Calvin Tiggle, expected to start at free safety, had started the last two games at outside linebacker last year. Paul Haynes liked him so much as a weakside linebacker, Tiggle will start at OLB in '13.

While the program itself has made changes (Future Article: Year Four of Enhancement: Home Games See Changes), the team on the field at Dix Stadium will be much different from the one that went a disappointing 4-8 last season. The team has to replace 12 starters: from record breakers (Tyshon Goode), to an entire offensive line, to a consistent kicker. All while trying to retool a defense and finally break through and have a winning season, to try to break a 40 year bowl drought.

[Maize]

Year Four of Enhancement: Home Games See Changes
Athletic Director Joel Nielsen spent most of his last year at town hall forums regarding the state of the athletics at Kent State. Specifically, the football program and how to make it more successful and get more people to attend home games. Before the official 2013 football schedule is announced, the University is already moving forward with some of the planned changes to Dix Stadium and the home game experience.

This is Nielsen's fourth year as Athletic Director, in his first back in 2010, he put together a package detailing a five year "Enhancement Plan" to the football program. A year later, a new Head Coach was hired and the team started to move in the right direction.

Entering into his fourth year, the focus was on getting students and alumni involved and improving what is considered to be one of the worst home atmospheres in college football.

The first part, which was originally announced in a press release that followed a press conference, was moving the team's band out of the student section. The band will be moved to the North endzone and a wall will be built behind the North bleachers. This will help the acoustics and also enhance the sound quality for every fan that attends a home game.

Moving the band out of the student section opens up more seats for students. In total, there will be 5,500 student tickets available for each home game. Home game tickets will be free for students, who will use their student ID and purchase tickets ahead of time through the University's website.

Another 19,000 tickets will be available to alumni and the general public for every home game. Again in 2013, all tickets are $10.00, making them the cheapest tickets in the country. Ticket packages are available, including Season Ticket packages that allow people to buy Season tickets and donate more money to Kent State's athletic department with the purchase of the Season Tickets.

The other change is being marketed as the "Flash Flood." The entire student section will be given "Flash Flood" shirts, which are all-white and include the team's Golden Flash logo. Other fans will be asked to wear all-white, or purchase an official "Flash Flood" shirts, like the ones used in the student section.

For these games, the football team will wear an all white uniform. Their road white jersey along with white pants. The team will do that twice in 2013 and once in every season that follows. The games specified for this season are the team's last home game against a non-conference opponent and the final home game of the season.

[Maize]

2013 Kent State Football Preview
Last year was considered a failure for Kent State, a 4-8 season that also included a losing conference record (3-5). Going into 2013, the team now has to replace 15 players to graduation, 12 of which were starters last season. With constant turnover, Billy Gonzales' job isn't getting any easier. As Head Coach, he has gone 9-15 in two seasons, the best record of a Kent State coach in his first two years since Glen Mason. This season, the team is young with 70% of the players being Freshman or Sophomores.

The offense has since found its' rhythm, although struggled to score points at times last season. Now, that offense has only three returning starters and will have five new starters on the offensive line. A crucial position, especially to the offense Gonzales runs. Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line Coach Greg Studrawa is anxious to see how the new line plays and how they will react to challenges.

The defense, returns some experience with six returning starters. Although they have a new Defensive Coordinator and new strategy brought in by former Ohio State defensive coach and player at Kent State, Paul Haynes. Haynes is abandoning multiple sets in favor of a 4-3 base. He also is bringing in more blitz packages and less zone coverage.

2013 is expected to be another transition year, as Kent State still seems light years away from competing for the MAC Conference title. Although, they do feature some talent, a good Quarterback, solid coaching, and low expectations that catch some teams off guard. The coaches believe they will break the 40 year bowl drought this season, although they know a .500 year might not be good enough. To put together a winning season, a lot will need to go right, before Head Coach Gonzales has to start answering questions about how warm the seat under him is.

Offense
Returning Starters: 3
The Scheme: The offense will be run primarily from the shotgun. It will use short passing routes, along with motion in the backfield and the option to open up the running game. It is an offense that relies on the strength of its personnel. Similar to what Gonzales coached at Utah, it will pass to set-up the run, being a balanced spread attack.
Star Power: Quarterback Chris Finley. Finley has a 9-9 record as a starter and has battled injuries in his first two years since coming from South Florida Community College. Finley has high expectations for his Senior season that include more than beating Akron for a third time. With back-up Spencer Keith graduated, there are questions about what happens if Finley is injured again. Currently Cedric McCloud is the back-up, while many fans are excited about newcomber Dustin Johnson, who has arguably the best arm of any Quarterback on the roster.
Impact Newcomers: The entire Offensive Line. Losing five starters and two quality back-ups, the line will be entirely new in 2013. Last year, they allowed only 20 sacks, but still struggled in run blocking. Coach Studrawa feels better about the run blocking this season and realizes the myriad of questions. Besides five new starters, three are true freshman. Matt Barrow starts at left tackle, a pass blocker who seems the perfect fit to protect Finley's blind side. Ryan Cox, seems undersized but is a great lead blocker and is still bulking up (6'0" 254). He starts next to true frosh Barrow and another, new center Mike Scott. While size isn't an issue with Scott (6'4" 324), footwork and run blocking have been. A battle between Scott and Kyle Johnson came down to Scott's work at the point of attack. On the right side, Senior Max Plunkett gives the line experience in his first year as a starter. He will play next to the most skilled player on the line, sophomore Justin Boone.
Keep An Eye On: Who replaces Tyshon Goode. Junior Will Jones steps in as the top receiver, but it seems the approach will be to spread around the targets. It will be tough to replace the program's career leader in receptions. While Jones should see more work, Sophomore William McKinney and Terrance Johnson were both named starters. Johnson, a true freshman, has the makings of a top receiver, while McKinney is a big play threat and can stretch the field.
Strongest Area: Receiving core. The position with the most depth, lost its two best players and still is the strength of the team. Tight end Danny Gress returns from an injury that held him out for most of last season. A physical beast, the former linebacker wants to lead the team in touchdowns. Dwayne James might have something to say about that, as the 6'7" back-up tight end is a endzone target with reliable hands. The receivers, outside the starters, include players that give Chris Finley some interesting weapons. Lee Dotson and former running back Nate Johnson are still fighting for the fourth receiver spot. In a spread offense that is designed to pass to set-up the run, both players could find success in that spot.
Biggest Problem: Too many questions and too little experience. Three returning starters and a new offensive line don't yield much confidence for an offense that made major strides last season. The running back positions seems to be a microcosm of the entire offense. Dri Archer, back after an injury plagued season, enters his senior year looking to improve his under 4 yards a carry average and his fumbleitis (5 fumbles in '12). Putting pressure on him as a starter is Jabari Davis, a north-south runner, and Dominique Thomas an all-around player with the best receiving skills.
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Defense
Returning Starters: 6
The Scheme: New Defensive Coordinator Paul Haynes is currently transforming a defense he considers could become "one of the best in the [MAC]." The team will use a base 4-3 defense and will often use a nickel corner, even on non-passing plays. Haynes wants to install an aggressive, tough defense and will use multiple blitz packages to confuse opponents and put pressure on the Quarterback. He will also get away from zone coverage that former Coordinator D.J. Durkin used frequently. Instead, he will use more man coverage and Tampa-two style zones.
Star Power: Without a star, returning starters step up. Sophomore Dylan Harrison had a fast start last season before he became ineffective late in the season. He has worked on his cover skills and plans for an improved second season. Two other returning starters that could become stars are junior end Robert Kearney and senior tackle Terrell Johnson. In Johnson's third year as a starter, he wants to be the interior force and pocket collapser the coaching staff believes he can become. Kearney stepped in half way through last season as a starter and led the team in tackles after becoming the starter at defensive end. Both expect better seasons, thanks in part to the arrival of Paul Haynes and focus on getting pressure on the Quarterback.
Impact Newcomers: True freshman Jason Pleasant and Shawn Mays. Pleasant came into Kent expected to be a pass rusher at end or outside linebacker. After bulking up and improving his strength, Chris Hauser moved him inside and Pleasant flourished at the spot and stuck. He was named the starter over Pat Wells, who started four games last season. Mays, currently the back-up to Jake Dooley, expects to see time in run situations. Dooley lost his starting spot to Robert Kearney, but now starts opposite Kearney. To keep his spot, he will need to not disappear on plays and not be dominated by blockers at times.
Keep An Eye On: Captain Chris Jackson. Captain Jackson was voted to be team captain after the spring game. After his first year as a starter, the junior became a vocal leader and took major strides in the off-season. He now leads a secondary that is replacing two starters, but doesn't plan to skip a beat. At the other corner spot, Brian Stanley gets his shot, also a junior who is a tough player that Paul Haynes has put faith in. He beat out sophomores Cornell Higgins and Lawrence Humphrey. Stanley was the best open field tackler and has excelled in man coverage.
Strongest Area: Linebackers. With two returning starters, including the team's leading tackler and Defensive Player of the Year Brandon Hazzard, it looks to be the strength of what should be an improved defense. Stopping the run has been the focus of the team, which is partly why Mark Fackler gets another chance to start. Three juniors, who are all starters, include Calvin Tiggle, who moved from safety to linebacker after starting two games at linebacker last year. Tiggle has been an impact player in the off-season, and thinks he could lead the team in tackles. Tiggle and Fackler have to hold off Jim Gray, who is listed as the back-up linebacker at each position. His blend of speed and field vision make him a great special teams player, but they think he could be a starter sooner rather than later.
Biggest Problem: Untested depth. While the starters seem ready to improve one of the worst defenses in the nation, there are questions of depth. Weaker recruiting classes have led to questions at every position, with unproven freshman and sophomores filling the depth chart. The defense plans to improve, but might struggle as the team continues to gel and work with a new strategy and Defensive Coordinator.
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Special Teams
The special teams lost its' best player, Freddy Cortez. Cortez finished his career hitting 80% of his field goals, and also was the team's starting punter and handled kickoff duties. Replacing him in every position is gifted true freshman Chad Brown. Brown was the team's best recruit and comes from Missouri where he will take over kicking and punting duties. David Wilson was supposed to be the starting punter, but after an injury in training camp, it allowed Brown to step in at punter as well. In the return game, Ed Casenave will take kick return duties, while Jabari Davis starts the year as punt returner. He will have to hold off starting free safety Luke Wollett and Lee Dotson to stay the team's returner. Special Teams is another focus of Billy Gonzales and Coach Jim Fleming expects a much improved season.
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Report Card: Offense - D // Defense - D // Special Teams - B-
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Schedule:
What is considered the team's toughest schedule in years features a difficult non-conference slate, tough road game, and no "guaranteed" wins. Last year, the team had only five home games, but had some road games they thought would be winnable. This year, they get six home games, with a few being real tests. The season starts at Big XII opponent Missouri. The Tigers will start the season outside the Top 25, but former Kent alum and Mizzou Head Coach Gary Pinkel thinks they can contend for more than a Big XII North title. The home opener is against South Alabama, who is starting to win at the FCS level after only starting to play football in 2011. Two road games against Ohio and Eastern Michigan open MAC play. Then the first of two "Flash Flood" games as Kent will host SEC foe Kentucky. The other Flash Flood game will be their final home game against Buffalo. Before they dive into MAC play entirely, the team will also travel to play another bowl team from last year, Marshall. After the Thundering Herd, the team will play three home games against Northern Illinois, Miami University, and rival Bowling Green. They end the year, on the road, against rival Akron.

[Maize]

2013 Kent State Football Roster
9 Seniors, 11 Juniors, 19 Sophomores, 26 Freshman/65 Total
9 Returning Starters: 3 on Offense, 6 on Defense, 0 on Special Teams

19 Chris Finley, QB - 6'3" 177 - SR. - 77 OVR* :capt:
12 Cedric McCloud, QB - 6'2" 218 - JR. (RS) - 62 OVR
2 Dustin Johnson, QB - 6'5" 235 - FR. - 58 OVR
4 Ryan Davis, QB - 6'3" 247 - SO. (RS) - 54 OVR
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27 Dri Archer, RB - 5'7" 162 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR*
48 Jabari Davis, RB - 5'11" 191 - SO. (RS) - 60 OVR
32 Chris Walters, RB - 6'0" 205 - SO. - 50 OVR
25 Lamar Jones, RB - 6'0" 196 - FR. - 49 OVR
39 Brian Covington, RB - 6'0" 178 - FR. - 48 OVR
45 Sidney Campbell, FB - 5'10" 210 - FR. - 54 OVR
37 Dominique Thomas, FB - 6'1" 198 - JR. - 40 OVR
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87 Will Jones, WR - 6'1" 192 - JR. - 71 OVR*
80 William McKinney, WR - 5'11" 165 - SO. - 57 OVR
86 Lee Dotson, WR - 5'10" 196 - SO. (RS) - 55 OVR
81 Nate Johnson, WR - 6'0" 160 - SO. - 55 OVR
83 Terrance Johnson, WR - 6'2" 211 - FR. - 52 OVR
84 Kordell Butler, WR - 6'5" 192 - SO. (RS) - 52 OVR
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85 Danny Gress, TE - 6'0" 226 - SR. (RS) - 58 OVR
88 Mike Levandowski, TE - 6'5" 230 - SR. (RS) - 53 OVR
89 Dwayne James, TE - 6'7" 222 - SO. (RS) - 52 OVR
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77 Matt Barrow, LT - 6'4" 275 - FR. - 51 OVR
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61 Ryan Cox, LG - 6'0" 254 - FR. - 52 OVR
75 Jay Ryan, LG - 6'3" 280 - SO. (RS) - 51 OVR
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65 Mike Scott, C - 6'4" 324 - FR. - 52 OVR
62 Kyle Johnson, C - 6'3" 306 - FR. (RS) - 50 OVR
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67 Max Plunkett, RG - 6'8" 305 - SR. (RS) - 63 OVR
60 Marcus McCray, RG - 6'2" 285 - SO. (RS) - 56 OVR
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70 Justin Boone, RT - 6'5" 290 - SO. - 63 OVR
63 Andrew Stewart, RT - 6'5" 307 - SO. (RS) - 49 OVR
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57 Jake Dooley, LE - 6'2" 236 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR
99 Shawn Mays, LE - 6'1" 239 - FR. - 55 OVR
96 Kendall Wright, LE - 6'6" 245 - FR. (RS) - 52 OVR
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98 Robert Kearney, RE - 6''4" 290 - JR. (RS) - 64 OVR*
91 Scott Mayfield, RE - 6'1" 254 - FR. - 55 OVR
92 Mike McCray, RE - 6'5" 218 - FR. - 48 OVR
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95 Terrell Johnson, DT - 6'2" 260 - SR. - 68 OVR*
94 Patrick Wells, DT - 6'5" 265 - SO. - 57 OVR
90 Jason Pleasant, DT - 6'2" 250 - FR. - 56 OVR
93 Andrew Swan, DT - 6'6" 278 - FR. (RS) - 46 OVR
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53 Mark Fackler, LOLB - 6'4" 235 - JR. (RS) - 65 OVR*
50 Cody Arnold, LOLB - 6'6" 217 - SO. (RS) - 53 OVR
54 Brandon Merrick, LOLB - 6'2" 227 - FR. (RS) - 50 OVR
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52 Brandon Hazzard, MLB - 6'0" 245 - JR. (RS) - 64 OVR*
51 Jim Gray, MLB - 6'2" 204 - SO. (RS) - 62 OVR
59 Steve Mehrer, MLB - 6'2" 215 - SR. (RS) - 59 OVR
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34 Calvin Tiggle, ROLB - 5'11" 190 - JR. (RS) - 66 OVR
55 Jason Simmons, ROLB - 6'4" 222 - FR. - 55 OVR
58 Bruce Muhammad, ROLB - 6'3" 227 - FR. - 53 OVR
56 Gaines Michael, ROLB - 5"10 190 - SO. (RS) - 50 OVR
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29 Chis Jackson, CB - 6'3" 162 - JR. - 66 OVR* :capt:
38 Brian Stanley, CB - 5'11" 164 - JR. - 61 OVR
22 Cornell Higgins, CB - 6'3" 176 - SO. - 55 OVR
35 Lawrence Humphrey, CB - 5'10" 176 - SO. (RS) - 53 OVR
17 Ed Cazenave, CB - 6'2" 199 - SR. (RS) - 53 OVR
24 Adam Jackson, CB - 6'2" 172 - SO. (RS) - 52 OVR
44 Anthony Smith, CB - 5'10" 186 - JR. - 49 OVR
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40 Luke Wollett, FS - 6'0 183 - JR. (RS) - 67 OVR
20 Henry Burton, FS - 6'2" 200 - FR. - 55 OVR
47 J.T. Ferguson, FS - 6'0" 184 - FR. - 54 OVR
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46 Dylan Harrison, SS - 6'2" 210 - SO. - 62 OVR*
43 Zach Doyle, SS - 6'2" 199 - FR. - 50 OVR
28 Kevin Gardner, SS - 6'5" 205 - FR. (RS) - 46 OVR
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15 Chad Brown, K - 6'1" 207 - FR. - 79 OVR
18 David Wilson, P - 6'0" 185 - FR. (RS) - 54 OVR
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Bold - Starter
* - Returning Starter
:capt: - Captain
Blue - Impact Player
:redshirt: - Redshirt
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Head Coach - Billy Gonzales
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line - Greg Studrawa
Offensive Coordinator - Tony Alford
Defensive Coordinator - Paul Haynes
Quarterbacks Coach - Daren Wilkinson
Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator - Jeff Kastl
Receivers Coach - Eugene Baker
Defensive Line Coach - Chris Hauser
Secondary Coach - Scott Booker
Special Teams/Linebackers - Jim Fleming

[Maize]

2013 Kent State Football Schedule
Game 1: @ Missouri
Game 2: vs. South Alabama
Game 3: @ Ohio
Game 4: @ Eastern Michigan
Game 5: vs. Kentucky (Flash Flood)
Game 6: @ Marshall
Game 7: vs. Northern Illinois
Game 8: vs. Miami University
Game 9: vs. Bowling Green (Rival)
Game 10: @ Temple
Game 11: vs. Buffalo (Flash Flood)
Game 12: @ Akron (Rival)