Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[Maize]

Tom Savage? :rofl:

He had a crazy good year, very strange. Bowl results will be posted soon.

 

[Maize]

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

 

[Maize]

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

 

[Maize]

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.

 

[Maize]

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

 

[Maize]

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​

 

[packersfan4eva]

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

 

[Maize]

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.

 

[Maize]

"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.

 

[Maize]

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

 

[Maize]

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

 

[packersfan4eva]

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

 

[Maize]

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.

 

[Maize]

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

 

[Maize]

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.

 

[packersfan4eva]

Damn, that's eerily similar. Nice job, dude.

 

[Maize]

Damn, that's eerily similar. Nice job, dude.

Yeah it is pretty similar, I was surprised. I think there is a good chance that Rekstis gets the job, but Kent State would be smart to start new. A new AD might leave his mark by bringing in a new start for the football program. Problem is, Doug Martin made about $175,000 last year, so the budget for a new coach's salary might be limited.

Article coming soon, maybe tonight.

 

[Maize]

Sorry for the delay on this. Studying for exams has caught up to me. But expect an update of things tomorrow.

 

[Maize]

Spring Marks Start of Season of "Changes"
The Kent State coaching staff wrapped up their recruiting efforts and were quick to move to the next off-season challenge. The offensive staff wanted to retool the playbook, opening up the passing game, getting more receivers involved, while still being a balanced offense that will "pass to set up the run."

Head Coach Billy Gonzales wanted to simplify things, getting the scheme to look similar to what Gonzales coached at Utah. In Urban Meyer's stint at Utah, he led a non-BCS conference team to a BCS game. In 2004, Utah finished the season undefeated, thanks to an offense that was difficult to contain.

That is what Billy Gonzales and Tony Alford want to do. By running the offense out of the shotgun, it will rely on short passing routes. Also using motion in the backfield and the option to open up the run game. While still a balanced spread offense, things will just look a little different in 2012. A "transitional" offense last season, now they are transitioning to an offense that can win.

By changing the offense, there has also been some changes to the personnel. Players have moved to different positions throughout spring practices, and it seems some will stick as shown in the Spring Game.

On the offensive line, senior Marques Horne will move to guard and will most likely start at a new position. He is a run blocker that could be a factor in Kent's run game in '12. True freshman Kyle Johnson was thought to be an interior lineman, but originally as a guard. He had played limited plays at center in high school, and will now back-up Josh Kline.

All five starters on the offensive line are seniors, so finding potential replacements was important in the off-season. Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Line coach Greg Studrawa is expecting a better season from an offensive line that he said "made too many mistakes." A senior-laden unit, its' experience should help an otherwise young Kent State team.

The team also thinks they found another offensive starter at an unlikely position, outside linebacker. Danny Gress was Luke Batton's back-up last season and saw most of his playing time on special teams. An athletic linebacker, he was great in coverage and had tremendous speed.

Gress was noticed by Receivers Coach Eugene Baker during a 7-on-7. He put Gress in as a slot receiver and saw that he had potential on the offensive side of the ball. Because of his size, blocking technique he learned on special teams, reception skills, and experience as a linebacker, the team fit him into tight end. He quickly moved his way up the depth chart and the junior is expected to start for Kent State at tight end, replacing Justin Thompson.

Gress didn't just change positions, but also changed numbers, from 58 to 85. Most of the other position changes were in the secondary. First, receiver Chris Gordon, buried on the depth chart, tried his hand at corner. Initially, he looked like a good fit but proved to not be as physical as you need to be to play on defense.

Chris Gordon was cut, taking the roster to 69, leaving room for the team to bring in a walk-on at punter. The team found one true freshman David Wilson. While he is listed as the team's punter, Freddy Cortez has been punting in practice, the position might be split between the two. Cortez will continue his placekicking duties, and Wilson will at least be the team's holder and back-up punter.

With Gordon not working out, the team was still trying to replace three graduated corners. The defense was not as strong as it had been under Defensive Coordinator Pete Rekstis. New Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin is trying to rework the defense to be strong against not just the run, but the passing game as well. Using multiple front and blitz packages, losing experience in the secondary hurt.

Then starting safety Fabrice Pratt had many discussions with Secondary Coach Scott Booker. Feeling he could make more of an impact at corner, the coaching staff played him at corner during the Spring Game. In that game, he showed he was the big, physical corner that could be the shutdown presence Kent needs.

Replacing Pratt, the team thinks true freshman Dylan Harrison can start right away. An athlete coming out of high school, Harrison was thought to be a safety. After enrolling early, he has shown the skills to be a starting safety. Not just a starter, but an impact player for a defense that could use big plays.

The other athlete signed in the 2012 Recruiting Class was Chad Robinson. Robinson was a tough fit, but finally settled at defensive tackle. He plans to bulk up and is still learning a new position. Robinson is not expected to play in '12, but could be the athletic force the Golden Flash will need to replace Terrell Johnson next season.

Getting the roster to 70 was easy, having to only cut one player (Chris Gordon) to accept a walk-on at punter. Fans, alumni, and media members alike are expecting further success for Kent State next season. The defense should play better, while the offense could take the steps to being one of the best in the conference.

 

[packersfan4eva]

1. Couldn't recruit a punter. Lol.

2. Do you really have to leave your roster at 69 players to get a walk-on? I thought it happened no matter what.