Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

[Maize]

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

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

 

[Maize]

News Around College Football​

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

-

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

 

[packersfan4eva]

Caper's transferring from Michigan State? The fuck?

 

[Maize]

Caper's transferring from Michigan State? The fuck?

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

 

[Maize]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[Maize]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[packersfan4eva]

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

 

[Maize]

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

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

Recruiting class posted later today.

 

[Maize]

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

 

[Maize]

Recruiting News and Updates​

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Kent State 2011 Recruiting Class

Chris Finley, QB, Port Charlotte, FL - 6'3" 177 - Nationally Ranked QB: #48 (JUCO SO.)

Marques Horne, OT, Colonial Park, PA - 6'4" 285 - Nationally Ranked OT: #78 (JUCO JR.)

Chris Jackson, CB, Springdale, OH - 6'3" 162 - Nationally Ranked CB: #76

Patrick Wells, DT, Wilkinsburg, PA - 6'5" 265 - Nationally Ranked DT: #107

Will Jones, WR, Lima, OH - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #193

Gaines Michael, OLB, Safety Harbor, FL - 5'10" 190 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #190

Doug Price, OT, Gastonia, NC - 6'3" 329 - Nationally Ranked OT: #115

Jim Gray, ATH, Fort McKinley, OH - 6'2" 199 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #95

Brian Stanley, CB, Vandalia, OH - 5'11" 164 - Nationally Ranked CB: #134

Marcus McCray, OG, Piqua, OH - 6'2" 285 - Nationally Ranked OG: #117

Lawrence Humphrey, CB, Columbus, OH - 5'10" 176 - Nationally Ranked CB: #154

Adam Jackson, CB, Fostoria, OH - 6'2" 172 - Nationally Ranked CB: #161

Ryan Davis, QB, Urbana, OH - 6'3" 247 - Nationally Ranked QB: #130

Dominique Thomas, RB, Butler, PA - 6'1" 192 - Nationally Ranked RB: #136

Andrew Stewart, OT, Elkin, NC - 6'5" 307 - Nationally Ranked OT: #150

Cody Arnold, OLB, Girard, OH - 6'6" 217 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #206

Tony Matthews, SS, Solon, OH - 6'0" 184 - Nationally Ranked SS: #110

Lee Dotson, WR, Croydon, PA - 5'10" 196 - Nationally Ranked WR: #194

Dwayne James, TE, Scott Township, PA - 6'7" 222 - Nationally Ranked TE: #104

Jay Ryan, OG , Lakewood, OH - 6'3" 280 - Nationally Ranked OG: #152

Kordell Butler, WR, Kettering, OH - 6'5" 192 - Nationally Ranked WR: #221

Brett Hardy, DE, Westerville, OH - 6'4" 252 - Nationally Ranked DE: #216

Jabari Davis, ATH, Trotwood, OH - 5'11" 183 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #116

 

[packersfan4eva]

Not a great class, but it gets the job done. Nice job dude.

 

[Maize]

Not a great class, but it gets the job done. Nice job dude.

Yeah I agree it wasn't a great class. I'm not sure if there are any real "stars" from this class. Maybe some quality starters, but nobody that will help me win right away. Besides maybe Chris Finley.

 

[Maize]

Spring Sparks "New Start" in Kent
A new Head Coach, seven new coaches (including two new Coordinators), a different playbook, change of scheme, and a new attitude is taking over the Kent State football program. Replacing seven year Head Coach Doug Martin will be a difficult process, but the new coaching staff is ready for the job.

As Spring Practices start, the team has already started to make changes to the 77 man roster. They knew they had to replace 9 graduating starters. Which would be a difficult for a young team that is made up mostly of Sophomores and Freshman.

Heading into the team's spring game, there were still questions about starters, and the team's biggest position battle - at Quarterback. Three players are competing in the 'open competition' and a starter has still not been named. While returning starter Spencer Keith seems to be the favorite, he is being pushed by Senior Giorgio Morgan and newcomer Sophomore Chris Finley.

Keith has the big arm, but is also having trouble running the new offense. Morgan has the legs and athletic ability, but also has trouble with mistakes (turnovers and penalties). Finley has the intangibles and accuracy, but lacks the footwork and big arm of the other two.

Right now Head Coach Gonzales is leaning on Quarterbacks Coach Daren Wilkinson and Offensive Coordinator Tony Alford to weigh in on the Quarterback controversy. The position is important to an offense that will mirror Florida, but will also pass more often than not.

While the Quarterback battle wages, multiple players have changed positions looking for a chance to start or play.

On defense, Byron Tyson moved from outside linebacker to the middle linebacker spot, and he looks to be the clear favorite to start. Leon Green, a safety behind on the depth chart, talked to Defensive Line Coach Chris Hauser, and found a way to move to end. A bit undersized, he has the speed and pass-rush technique, but still isn't a strong tackler.

Another notable move was true freshman athlete Jim Gray also moving to linebacker. While he may be redshirted, he has seemed to pick up the position quickly. Moving to defense was a theme, and receiver Ed Casenave, buried on the depth chart, switched to corner a position he had never played. While it might take time, he is already impressing the coaching staff.

Getting the roster from 77 to 70 was another big problem facing the coaching staff. As they continue to tweak the depth chart, seven players would not make the depth chart for the Spring Game. Quarterback Sal Battles, receivers Lynn Townsend and Austin Miller were on the bottom of an already filled depth chart. Same for guards Tom Pizzuro and Tyler Arend and corners Sam Miller and Sidney Saulter.

 

[Maize]

Wow...Really impressed with your write-ups. Great job. And good luck in the upcoming season.

Thanks a lot, it will be a tough season. I'm also glad you like the writing, I try to put some time into it. I will post the season preview tonight and the first game by the weekend.

 

[Maize]

2011 Kent State Football Preview
Last season could be considered a great disappointment for the Kent State football program. What looked to be a great chance at a bowl appearance, turned into a losing season. With a 4-4 record, the team would lose their final four games. The end of the season led the Athletic Department to not resign Head Coach Doug Martin.

Moving in a new direction, they brought in a new, young Head Coach. Billy Gonzales will get his first chance as a Head Coach, looking to turn around the struggling Golden Flashes. Bringing in an entirely new staff and scheme, he is not expecting quick results. Instead, he wants to "build it right" and pick up where Doug Martin left off.

A tough schedule, eight new starters, a Quarterback controversy, and an uninterested and non-motivated fan base - 2011 could prove to be a difficult season. Although, nine returning starters on offense, an aggressive new style in a league with constant turnover and parody; Kent State could surprise.

Offense
Returning Starters: 9
The Scheme: Billy Gonzales and his staff are implementing a new playbook. Modeled after Urban Meyer's in Florida, it will be a spread offense, that is designed for the run. Although Gonzales and Offensive Coordinator Tony Alford plan on passing a majority of the time. Making for a balanced, high-tempo offense. Just like in Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida (Gonzales' stops under Meyer), the play of the Quarterback and offensive line will be key.
Star Power: The team lost a real star when Eugene Jarvis finally graduated, after six years. Granted a sixth year of eligibility on a medical exemption, the team believes they have a star in Jacquise Terry. Terry replaced Jarvis in '09 and found success, and has quickly learned the offense. A shifty runner, he will have to reduce his mistakes and fumbles, but has the ability to be a breakout star for the Flash. While Terry is a rising star, they think Tyshon Goode might already be a star. A junior, Gonzales and Eugene Baker thinks he is growing into a NFL prospect. But he will need two good years of production to do so.
Impact Newcomers: With nine returning starters, there will only be two new starters. One of which (Terry) has been a starter in the past. The other, Senior tight end Justin Thompson, could lose playing time in a depthy position. But as for newcomers to the roster, Will Jones could push for playing time. A true freshman, he has already jumped three players to be the team's fourth receiver.
Keep An Eye On: The Quarterback situation. The old adage "if you have three Quarterbacks, you don't have one," does not apply to Kent State. The team believes they have three quality options that could all win. Spencer Keith is the incumbent coming off of a 'Sophomore slump.' Chris Finley is a Sophomore who comes from South Florida Community College. Giorgio Morgan seems to fit the offense and could get the nod in his final season. The starter hasn't been named, and don't be surprised if you see each of them under center in '11.
Strongest Area: Is "far and away" the offensive line. Assistant Head Coach Greg Studrawa followed Gonzales from LSU to Kent and was shocked by the amount of talent at offensive line. They return all five starters, and all key back-ups. Kent Cleveland did not allow a sack as the team's blindside protector. The interior of the line is not as strong as their bookends (Cleveland and Brian Winter), but it could be a different story is Chris Anzevino stays healthy. They are poised to be one of the best lines in the MAC.
Biggest Problem: The backfield. While the coaching staff hashes out the Quarterback situation, they also lack quality depth at running back. Not good for an offense that uses multiple backs and could rely on a running game to make big plays. Also the team's best passer is their worst rusher (Finley); so Coach Gonzales will have to decide if he wants an Omar Jacobs (Morgan), an Alex Smith (Finley), or a Chris Leak (Keith) type of passer.
-
Defense
Returning Starters: 5
The Scheme: New Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin comes from Florida and will install a 4-3 base scheme. The team does like to use a nickel corner, and will often use multiple schemes to match opposing offenses. Matching the offensive tempo, the team will use blitz packages and will try to force turnovers. A problem for Kent State last season.
Star Power: The star of the defense is also the star of the Special Teams, team captain Josh Pleasant. The team's kick and punt returner, he will try to improve off of a disappointing season in 2010. He is the leader of a Senior-laden defensive backfield, and will again start alongside Chris Gilbert. The team also expects Will Johnson, the team's returning tackle leader to again lead them in tackles. Starting next to two new linebackers, Luke Batton and Byron Tyson in the middle, he will need to be a star player.
Impact Newcomers: On the defensive line, the team has to replace two starters. A newcomer to the defensive line is a former safety, Leon Green. Now the starter, he is a pass-rusher who was quick to learn the position. A bit undersized, he plans on leading the team in sacks, replacing the production of Monte Simmons and Zach Williams. Behind him on the depth chart is another newcomer, Brett Hardy. An end that is more of a run-stopper, that could see PT in '11 (especially on third downs).
Keep An Eye On: Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, the big tackle who missed most of 2010. The staff has raved about his preparation for the season, and many expect the fifth year senior to become a force.
Strongest Area: Even losing two starters (Quinton Rainey and Monte Simmons) and a solid roleplayer (Zach Williams), the defensive line is the team's strength. Mainly because of the questions marks on the rest of the defense. Lee Stalker plans on an improved season, and plans to free up Green for a big year. Inside, Terrell Johnson starts, as he did when Kitchen went out with an injury. He will have to hold off Robert Kearney and freshman Patrick Wells, so the unit definitely has depth on the interior.
Biggest Problem: The secondary. Bringing back Scott Booker to coach the defense, the team wants to return to the days of Usama Young and Jack Williams. Two new safeties, Zack Gonosz and Fabrice Pratt compliment each other, but don't bode well for the team's pass defense. A sore spot last season, doesn't look like it will see much improvement losing two quality safeties.
-
Report Card: Offense - D+ // Defense - D // Special Teams - C
-
Schedule: Another easy home opener should get Billy Gonzales his first win as Head Coach (vs. South Alabama). The Jags play their first games against Division I opponents this season and open in Kent. After that, the schedule gets rough with three potential bowl teams; hosting Kansas State and on the road to Purdue and MAC-East favorite Ohio. Then Conference play hits into action before an interesting close to Kent's season. Their final home game will be the team's tenth game, against Buffalo. Then they head to Oklahoma State, before ending against rival Akron. A tough schedule, the team will have to take their lumps early (Purdue, Kansas State) and hopefully find ways to beat teams they couldn't in 2010 (Miami, Bowling Green).

 

[Maize]

2011 Kent State Football Roster
17 Seniors, 16 Juniors, 9 Sophomores, 28 Freshmen/70 Total
16 Returning Starters: 9 on Offense, 5 on Defense, 2 on Special Teams

19 Chris Finley, QB - 6'3" 177 - SO. - 72 OVR
3 Spencer Keith, QB - 6'3" 215 - JR. - 72 OVR*
14 Giorgio Morgan, QB - 6'4" 207 - SR. (RS) - 70 OVR
12 Cedric McCloud, QB - 6'2" 218 - FR. (RS) - 53 OVR
4 Ryan Davis, QB - 6'3" 247 - FR. - 45 OVR :redshirt:
-
22 Jacquise Terry, RB - 6'0" 183 - SR. - 72 OVR :capt:
27 Dri Archer, RB - 5'7" 162 - SO. (RS) - 61 OVR
48 Jabari Davis, RB - 5'11" 183 - FR. - 55 OVR :redshirt:
26 Robert Holloman, RB - 5'9" 173 - SR. (RS) - 47 OVR
37 Dominique Thomas, FB - 6'1" 192 - FR. - 40 OVR
-
5 Tyshon Goode, WR - 6'1" 182 - JR. - 76 OVR*
15 Kendrick Pressley, WR - 5'11" 187 - SR. - 73 OVR*
18 Sam Kirkland, WR - 6'1" 191 - JR. (RS) - 70 OVR
8 Matthew Hurdle, WR - 6'3" 185 - JR. (RS) - 66 OVR
82 Chris Gordon, WR - 5'10" 170 - JR. (RS) - 65 OVR
87 Will Jones, WR - 6'1" 192 - FR. - 60 OVR
86 Lee Dotson, WR - 5'10" 196 - FR. - 47 OVR :redshirt:
84 Kordell Butler, WR - 6'5" 192 - FR. - 45 OVR
-
81 Justin Thompson, TE - 6'1" 220 - SR. - 64 OVR
83 Markus Burton, TE - 6'2" 215 - SR. (RS) - 57 OVR
88 Mike Levandowski, TE - 6'5" 230 - FR. (RS) - 50 OVR
89 Dwayne James, TE - 6'7" 222 - FR. - 49 OVR :redshirt:
-
65 Kent Cleveland, LT - 6'4" 294 - JR. (RS) - 65 OVR*
68 Brian Waters, LT - 6'5" 270 - JR. - 63 OVR
72 Doug Price, LT - 6'3" 329 - FR. - 58 OVR
-
69 Michael Fay, LG - 6'4" 294 - SR. (RS) - 62 OVR*
71 Charles Laster, LG - 6'4" 290 - SR. (RS) - 57 OVR
75 Jay Ryan, LG - 6'3" 280 - FR. - 42 OVR
-
55 Chris Anzevino, C - 6'2" 305 - SR. (RS) - 75 OVR*
61 Joshua Kline, C - 6'3" 304 - JR. (RS) - 68 OVR
-
76 Bryan Wagner, RG - 6'5" 301 - JR. - 69 OVR*
67 Max Plunkett, RG - 6'8" 305 - SO. (RS) - 57 OVR
60 Marcus McCray, RG - 6'2" 285 - FR. - 50 OVR :redshirt:
-
66 Brian Winters, RT - 6'5" 305 - JR. - 71 OVR*
73 Marques Horne, RT - 6'4" 285 - JR. - 64 OVR
64 Seamus Garvey, RT - 6'6" 277 - JR. (RS) - 54 OVR
63 Andrew Stewart, RT - 6'5" 307 - FR. - 42 OVR :redshirt:
--
77 Lee Stalker, LE - 6'2" 252 - SR. (RS) - 72 OVR*
57 Jake Dooley, LE - 6'2" 236 - SO. (RS) - 61 OVR
-
20 Leon Green, RE - 5'11" 206 - JR. (RS) - 71 OVR
99 Brett Hardy, RE - 6'4" 252 - FR. - 42 OVR
-
93 Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, DT - 6'3" 304 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR
95 Terrell Johnson, DT - 6'2" 260 - SO. - 62 OVR*
98 Robert Kearney, DT - 6''4" 290 - FR. (RS) - 61 OVR
94 Patrick Wells, DT - 6'5" 265 - FR. - 51 OVR
-
1 Will Johnson, LOLB - 6'0" 209 - SR. (RS) - 71 OVR*
53 Mack Fackler, LOLB - 6'4" 235 - FR. (RS) - 59 OVR
50 Cody Arnold, LOLB - 6'6" 217 - FR. - 47 OVR
-
44 Byron Tyson, MLB - 5'10" 213 - SR. (RS) - 67 OVR
52 Brandon Hazzard, MLB - 6'0" 245 - FR. (RS) - 59 OVR
59 Steve Mehrer, MLB - 6'2" 215 - SO. (RS) - 56 OVR
51 Jim Gray, MLB - 6'2" 199 - FR. - 53 OVR
-
30 Luke Batton, ROLB - 6'0" 220 - JR. - 53 OVR
58 Danny Gress, ROLB - 6'0" 220 - SO. (RS) - 52 OVR
56 Gaines Michael, ROLB - 5"10" 190 - FR. - 43 OVR
-
2 Josh Pleasant, CB - 5'10" 181 - SR. - 69 OVR* :capt:
23 Chris Gilbert, CB - 6'1" 198 - SR. - 63 OVR*
36 Norman Wolfe, CB - 5'8" 163 - SR. - 63 OVR
29 Chis Jackson, CB - 6'3" 162 - FR. - 58 OVR
38 Brian Stanley, CB - 5'11" 164 - FR. - 51 OVR
17 Ed Cazenave, CB - 6'2" 199 - SO. (RS) - 49 OVR
24 Adam Jackson, CB - 6'2" 172 - FR. - 46 OVR :redshirt:
35 Lawrence Humphrey, CB - 5'10" 176 - FR. - 45 OVR :redshirt:
-
15 Zack Gonosz, FS - 5'10" 203 - JR. - 71 OVR
34 Calvin Tiggle, FS - 5'11" 190 - FR. (RS) - 67 OVR
-
7 Fabrice Pratt, SS - 6'2" 184 - JR. - 64 OVR
40 Luke Wollett, SS - 6'0 183 - FR. (RS) - 60 OVR
21 Tony Matthews, SS - 6'0" 184 - FR. - 42 OVR
--
45 Freddy Cortez, K - 6'0" 200 - JR. - 75 OVR*
46 Matt Rinehart, P - 5'9" 171 - SR. - 74 OVR*
--
Bold - Starter
* - Returning Starter
:capt: - Captain
Blue - Impact Player
:redshirt: - Redshirt
--
Coaching Staff
Head Coach - Billy Gonzales
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line - Greg Studrawa (1st Year, LSU)
Offensive Coordinator - Tony Alford (1st Year, Notre Dame)
Defensive Coordinator - D.J. Durkin (1st Year, Florida)
Quarterbacks Coach - Daren Wilkinson (1st Year, Colorado State)
Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator - Jeff Kastl (1st Year, Ashland)
Receivers Coach - Eugene Baker (3rd Year)
Defensive Line Coach - Chris Hauser (1st Year, Ohio State)
Secondary Coach - Scott Booker (1st Year, Notre Dame)
Special Teams/Linebackers - Jim Fleming (2nd year)

 

[Maize]

2011 Kent State Football Schedule
Game 1: vs. Southern Alabama
Game 2: vs. Kansas State
Game 3: @ Purdue
Game 4: @ Ohio
Game 5: @ Central Michigan
Game 6: vs. Ball State
Game 7: vs. Miami University (Homecoming)
Game 8: @ Eastern Michigan
Game 9: vs. Bowling Green (Rivalry Game)
Game 10: vs. Buffalo (Senior Night)
Game 11: @ Oklahoma State
Game 12: @ Akron (Rivalry Game)

 

[Maize]

2011 Media Day​

MAC Pre-Season Poll
During the Mid American Conference's Media Day in Detroit, members of the media cast their ballots for the upcoming season. 20 select media members had to decide the standings for the MAC East and West Division. The results of the votes left the Ohio Bobcats and Central Michigan Chippewas as the favorites in their respective divisions.

MAC East Division
1. Ohio
2. Temple
3. Buffalo
4. Akron
5. Kent State
6. Miami Univ.
7. Bowling Green

MAC West Division
1. Central Michigan
2. Northern Illinois
3. Western Michigan
4. Toledo
5. Ball State
6. Eastern Michigan


Each voting member then had to pick their 2010 MAC Championship Game Winner. Ohio is considered the favorite to win the 2010 MAC Championship, receiving 11 of 20 votes. Central Michigan was second and close behind with 8 votes, with Temple and Northern Illinois each receiving one vote.

 

[Maize]

Pre-Season Outlook​

Pre-Season Top 25
1. Alabama (41)
2. Wisconsin (20)
3. Oklahoma
4. Miami
5. Oregon
6. Boise State
7. Texas
8. Ohio State
9. Florida
10. TCU
11. Virginia Tech
12. Iowa
13. Nebraska
14. West Virginia
15. Pittsburgh
16. Washington
17. Florida State
18. Stanford
19. Texas A&M
20. Arkansas
21. Georgia Tech
22. Penn State
23. Texas Tech
24. Michigan State
25. Auburn

-

Pre-Season Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Bert Reed, WR, Florida State
3. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
4. Dan Herron, RB, Ohio State
5. Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU

 

[packersfan4eva]

Hmm...this season is not looking great. Hopefully you can get that quarterback situation sorted out before things get ugly.