Recruiting News and Updates
Kent State
Flash Add Four, After Only Two Visit
Kent State was hosting Akron, the team's biggest rival in the annual game for the "Wagon Wheel" trophy. The team was also hosting three players on official visits, and multiple others that were visiting the campus. It was the team's first home game after a tough stretch of three road games.
The game was all about defense, as Kent State stayed aggressive and held the Zips to only 3 points. The stunning victory was enough to keep the Wagon Wheel in Kent, Ohio for another season. Next season, the game will be played in Akron and the Golden Flashes added recruits that might just see playing time against the Zips next year.
Chris Finley, a junior college product, is the highest rated recruit Kent State has landed thus far. Of the five players who have committed, Finley is the only three-star player. A Quarterback, he plans on battling Spencer Keith for the starting spot next season. Finley was originally a target of big programs, but he wanted a chance to start and liked that Kent State was the first school to offer him a scholarship.
Along with Finley, wide receiver
Will Jones also took his official visit to Kent State. Jones is a raw, two-star talent that has a high ceiling. He wanted to play close to home, and Kent State's location and campus sold the Lima native.
Both Finley and Jones had taken official visits and had been offered a scholarship to play at Kent State for well over a month.
Chris Jackson, however, had just shown up on Kent State's radar. Jackson is in the middle of an impressive Senior season in which he has grown into a FBS recruit. Originally looking at close-by Youngstown State, the two-star corner may be one of the best secondary players in the state of Ohio for the 2011 Recruiting Class.
Jackson had conversations with Head Coach Doug Martin, and after being offered a scholarship, he immediately verbally committed to Kent. The big (6'3") and physical corner was a basketball player and just recently took to football. He comes from a strong high school program in Springdale, and could be a star for Kent State in the future.
Finally, outside linebacker
Cody Arnold took a trip with family and friends to the Akron game. During the game, he decided that Kent State was the right school for him and his family. He later called position coach Jim Fleming to tell him that he did not need an official visit, he had settled on Kent State.
Great news for the Golden Flashes who added four commitments to their 2011 Recruiting Class. They hope to secure one of the best recruiting classes in the MAC. And after this week, are well on their way.
Players Committed In-Season
Chris Finley, QB, Port Charlotte, FL - 6'3" 177 - Nationally Ranked QB: #48 (JUCO SO.)
Chris Jackson, CB, Springdale, OH - 6'3" 162 - Nationally Ranked CB: #76
Will Jones, WR, Lima, OH - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #193
Cody Arnold, OLB, Girard, OH - 6'6" 217 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #206
Jabari Davis, ATH, Trotwood, OH - 5'11" 183 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #116
Players Visiting vs. Temple
Marques Horne, OT, Colonial Park, PA - 6'4" 285 - Nationally Ranked OT: #78 (JUCO JR.)