Maize's Golden Flashes: A Kent State Dynasty

Maize · Oct 23, 2010

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Boise State - 5-0
2. TCU - 6-0
3. Georgia Tech - 6-0
4. Ole Miss - 5-0
5. Oklahoma - 5-1
6. Iowa - 4-1
7. Clemson - 6-0
8. Ohio State - 4-1
9. Rutgers - 6-0
10. Texas - 5-1
11. Missouri - 6-0
12. Alabama - 4-2
13. West Virginia - 5-1
14. Wisconsin - 5-2
15. Penn State - 5-1
16. Minnesota - 6-0
17. Miami - 4-2
18. Stanford - 5-1
19. Oregon - 4-2
20. Cal. - 4-1
21. Florida - 4-2
22. Arkansas - 5-2
23. Florida State - 5-2
24. Oklahoma State - 5-1
25. Washington - 2-2

-

Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Tom Savage, QB, Rutgers
3. Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina
4. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
5. Kyle Parker, QB, Clemson

Maize · Oct 26, 2010

Recruiting News and Updates

Kent State
2&2: Sign and Visit
After a tough loss to Ball State at home, Kent State is hoping is can rebound against a one-win Miami Redhawks squad. Both teams have a 1-5 record, and Kent State is looking to gain some momentum, after losing three straight conference games.

Last week, two players took official visits to Kent, Ohio with one committing to the Golden Flashes just hours after the game against the Cardinals of Ball State. Chris Walters, a physical runner from nearby Strongville High School. A running back, he could be the type of tough runner that could push Dominique Thomas for playing time next season. He does need to work on his blocking and receiving skills, but was excited about the prospect of joining the Kent State team.

Coach Gonzales was also excited after receiving an over-the-phone commitment from athlete Chad Robinson. Robinson, plays on both offense and defense at Piqua High School. A tough player, he projects to be a linebacker or tight end at the next level. Currently, he is trying to lead his team to the playoffs, while leading the Indians in tackles.

Robinson was so confident about his decision and said most of it had to do with his conversation with Billy Gonzales. Gonzales had been heralded as a top recruiter in the SEC, and it seems it is working to connect with recruits thus far at Kent State.

Another home game also means more visits, as two players will visit for the Redhawks game. Two-star in-state linebacker Brandon Merrick, has his decision down to three schools: Kent State, Bowling Green and Ball State. A well balanced player, he has a high motor and has made big plays for Sandusky Central Catholic.

Also visiting is a junior college player, with two years of eligibility remaining. A.J. Thompson was drawn to Kent State after seeing how they welcome JUCO players (including Chris Finley). Coming from Southern State Community College in Ohio, he is a safety that has the speed and cover skills to play corner. While only a one-star, he has been in constant contact with Secondary Coach Scott Booker.

Three players have now committed to Kent State, in Billy Gonzales' first year as Head Coach. Part of how he will be graded as a first year coach will be as a recruiter. So far, he looks to use his strong pipeline connections to Florida, but also sticking to more local schools.

Players Committed In-Season

Terry Brown, DE, Clearwater, FL - 6'5" 262 - Nationally Ranked DE: #219

Chris Walters, RB, Strongville, OH - 6'0" 205 - Nationally Ranked RB: #133

Chad Robinson, ATH, Piqua, OH - 6'2" 260 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #119
Players Visiting vs. Miami (OH)

Brandon Merrick, OLB, Sandusky, OH - 6'2" 227 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #172

A.J. Thompson, SS, Gahanna, OH - 6'1" 202 - Nationally Ranked SS: #117 (JUCO JR)

Maize · Oct 27, 2010

Season 2, Game 7

Season 2, Game 7

October 15, 2011
Dix Stadium - Kent, OH

vs.

Kent's 4th - Too Little, Too Late

Game Boxscore
Miami Univ (2-5).......0.......7.......14.......0......21
Kent State (1-6)........0.......3........0......15......18
Stat of the Game: Turnovers: Miami Univ. - 0 -- Kent State - 2
Player of the Game: Zac Dysert, QB - Miami Univ. - 31/44, 344 yards, 2 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
- No Scoring -
-
2nd Quarter
KENT: 31 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 8:20
MIAU: 32 yard pass from Z. Dysert to A. Cuse (XP Good) - 1:12
-
3rd Quarter
MIAU: 2 yard pass from Z. Dysert to A. Cuse (XP Good) - 9:31
MIAU: 9 yard fumble return by E. Harris (XP Good) - 2:28
-
4th Quarter
KENT: 3 yard run by J. Terry (Conversion successful) - 6:18
KENT: 2 yard run by J. Terry (XP Good) - :29
_______________________
Player Stats
Zac Dysert, QB - 31/44, 344 yards, 2 TD
Giorgio Morgan, QB - 20/42, 216 yards, 1 INT, 14 carries, 20 yards
Jacquise Terry, RB - 24 carries, 82 yards, 2 TD
Danny Green, RB - 17 carries, 72 yards
Tyshon Goode, WR - 11 receptions, 133 yards
Steve Marck, TE - 8 receptions, 82 yards
Andrew Cuse, WR - 7 receptions, 128 yards, 2 TD
Lucas Swift, WR - 7 receptions, 40 yards
Kendrick Pressley, WR - 5 receptions, 30 yards
Freddy Cortez, K - 1/1, Long of 31, 1/1 on XP
Andre Johnson, K - 0/3, 3/3 on XP
DeAndrew Gilmore, OLB - 14 tackles (5 solo), 2 for loss
Byron Tyson, MLB - 11 tackles (4 solo), 1 FG block
Jerrell Wedge, MLB - 10 tackles (6 solo), 3 for loss, 1 sack
Will Johnson, OLB - 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 for loss, .5 sack, 1 FF
Leon Green, DE - 6 tackles (2 solo), 2 for loss, 1 sack
David Brown, CB - 1 INT, 1 FF
_______________________________
Injury Report
Mike Johns, DE - Miami Univ. - Foot stress fracture - 5 weeks
Brian Waters, OT - Kent State - Strained back - 8 weeks
Lee Stalker, DE - Kent State - Torn pectoral - 4 weeks
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: @ Eastern Michigan (2-6)

Maize · Oct 27, 2010

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Boise State - 6-0
2. TCU - 7-0
3. Oklahoma - 6-1
4. Rutgers - 7-0
5. Iowa - 5-0
6. Ohio State - 5-1
7. Missouri - 7-0
8. Georgia Tech - 6-1
9. Ole Miss - 5-1
10. Alabama - 5-2
11. West Virginia - 6-1
12. Miami - 5-2
13. Wisconsin - 5-2
14. Penn State - 6-1
15. Clemson - 6-1
16. Stanford - 6-1
17. Oregon - 5-2
18. Arkansas - 6-2
19. Texas - 5-2
20. Minnesota - 6-1
21. Virginia Tech - 5-2
22. Florida State - 5-2
23. Oklahoma State - 6-1
24. LSU - 6-1
25. Utah - 5-1

-

Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Tom Savage, QB, Rutgers
3. Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina
4. Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma
5. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

packersfan4eva · Oct 27, 2010

. Tough loss dude, hopefully we see a TCU-Boise State national championship

Maize · Oct 27, 2010

ghstrdr57 said:
Great job on the near-comeback. Need to see some more wins!

Thanks, it would have been nice to pull it out, but I just ran out of time. Didn't recover the onside kick and did not have a timeout left. But my defense at that point was pretty stout.

packersfan4eva said:
. Tough loss dude, hopefully we see a TCU-Boise State national championship

Yes, I am rooting for the same thing, it is a year with a lot of change in the Top 10. If they end up the only undefeated team and a one-loss team is hanging around (Oklahoma), it will be interesting to see what happens with the BCS.

Thanks for following guys, two stories will be posted tonight.

Maize · Oct 28, 2010

Cleveland's Streak Snapped
In Saturday's loss to Miami University, one of Kent State's players also lost an impressive streak. Left tackle Kent Cleveland had gone 18 games without allowing a sack. Dating back to last season, Cleveland did not allow a sack in all 12 games last year. His first year as a starter, he was impressive at a usually tough position.

This year, he picked up where he left off. But last week, he would allow one sack to deny him extending his streak any further. This year, the offensive line is struggling at times, and not playing to the expectation many held them to. Especially Coach Greg Studrawa, who was upset about the amount of sacks and hurries the line had allowed.

While the offensive line is still growing, the defensive line is seeing a transition of its' own. After an injury to senior Lee Stalker, sophomore Jake Dooley stepped in to fill the spot. Since Stalker is not expected back this season, Dooley is taking over the starting role full-time.

Stalker was considered a leader for a young defense and his loss has been felt. Defensive Coordinator D.J. Durkin said replacing him has been "tougher than expected," especially in stopping the run. Dooley, a fast pass-rusher, does give the team two speedy ends. Yet it does take away the run-stopper that Stalker gave them.

Only four games remain for Kent State, including games against rivals Bowling Green and Akron, and a tough road game to play Oklahoma State. While it will be a difficult end to the season, the team will have Quarterback Chris Finley back healthy. They also expect improved play 'in the trenches' and expect a strong finish to the season.

Maize · Nov 1, 2010

Visiting Kent Provokes History Lesson
A game that will not garner much attention in the MAC is a game between two annual bottom-dwellers in the Mid-American Conference. This week, the 2-6 Eagles of Eastern Michigan will host the Kent State Golden Flashes. Kent enters the game losing six straight, with their only win of the season over an FCS opponent.

These teams are no strangers to losing seasons, as they both have had win-less seasons in their recent history. Historically, they rank as the worst two active football programs in the MAC, in terms of winning percentage and conference wins.

Kent State boasts a "rebuilding season" with a young Head Coach coming from a winning background. Billy Gonzales received his education from Kent State, but became a coach under the tutelage of Urban Meyer, and through the ranks of the SEC.

Ron English in considered to be on the hot seat, after not winning a single game in his first two seasons at the helm of EMU. Two wins this year are an improvement, but not what the program is looking for. Both programs are looking for drastic changes to try and break two of the nation's longest bowl droughts.

Currently, only three programs at the FBS level have gone over 20 years without a bowl appearance. New Mexico State have not gone bowling since 1960. Kent State has the second longest, currently at 38 years, 1972 marking the last time the Flash have made a bowl game.

1972 was also Eastern's first season as a member of the MAC Conference. That year, Kent State won their only conference title. 15 years later in '87, Eastern would win the MAC outright for their own conference title.

Since the beginning of the MAC Championship game, only three member programs have not participated in the game; Temple, Kent State, and Eastern Michigan. Temple is looking to break through this year. Kent State and Eastern Michigan would easily settle for a bowl bid. Both teams made their last bowl game during the only year they won a conference title.

Two of the three longest bowl droughts belong to two programs that meet Saturday at Rynearson Stadium. Both will be desperately looking for a win, possibly to spark a late season insurgence. While it may mean little for this season, these two programs will take every win they can get.

Maize · Nov 1, 2010

Season 2, Game 8

Season 2, Game 8

October 22, 2011
Rynearson Stadium - Ypsilanti, MI

vs.

Finley Returns, Survive Late Scare in Win

Game Boxscore
Kent State (2-6).......3......10.......9........9......31
E Michigan (2-7).......0........7.......3......13......23
Stat of the Game: Total Offense: Kent State - 485 yards -- Eastern Michigan - 276 yards
Player of the Game: Zack Gonosz, FS - Kent State - 3 tackles (2 solo), 2 INT, 1 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
KENT: 36 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 8:19
-
2nd Quarter
KENT: 2 yard run by J. Terry (XP Good) - 13:47
KENT: 24 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 2:16
EMU: 1 yard run by B. Axon (XP Good) - :25
-
3rd Quarter
KENT: 33 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 9:16
EMU: 49 yard Field Goal by T. Baertchi - 6:42
KENT: 11 yard pass from C. Finley to J. Thompson (Conversion failed) - 2:38
-
4th Quarter
EMU: 65 yard interception return by M. Rose (XP Good) - 12:37
EMU: 3 yard run by B. Axon (Conversion failed)- 10:19
KENT: 37 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 2:54
KENT: 30 yard interception return by Z. Gonosz (Conversion failed) - 2:10
_______________________
Player Stats
Chris Finley, QB - 26/45, 414 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Alex Gillett, QB - 17/34, 188 yards, 4 INT
Ben Axon, RB - 25 carries, 72 yards, 2 TD
Jacquise Terry, RB - 20 carries, 48 yards, 1 TD
Tyshon Goode, WR - 12 receptions, 183 yards
Kinsman Thomas, WR - 10 receptions, 110 yards
Kendrick Pressley, WR - 7 receptions, 126 yards
Nick Olds, WR - 3 receptions, 33 yards
Justin Thompson, TE - 1 reception, 11 yards, 1 TD
Freddy Cortez, K - 4/5, Long of 37, 1/1 on XP
Thomas Baertchi, K - 1/3, Long of 49, 2/2 on XP
Kalonji Kashama, DE - 9 tackles (3 solo), 3 for loss
Fabrice Pratt, SS - 8 tackles (4 solo), 1 FF
Jake Dooley, DE - 8 tackles (2 solo), 2 for loss, 1 sack
Steve Brown, OLB - 7 tackles (2 solo), 2 for loss
Leon Green, DE - 7 tackles (2 solo), 1 for loss, 1 sack
Marcell Rose, CB - 5 tackles (3 solo), 1 INT, 1 TD
Zack Gonosz, FS - 3 tackles (2 solo), 2 INT, 1 TD
_______________________________
Injury Report
Corey Neal, RT - Eastern Michigan - Broken tailbone - 8 weeks
Brian Waters, OT - Kent State - Strained back - 7 weeks
Lee Stalker, DE - Kent State - Torn pectoral - 3 weeks
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: vs. Bowling Green (2-5)

Maize · Nov 1, 2010

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Boise State - 7-0
2. Rutgers - 8-0
3. TCU - 8-0
4. Missouri - 8-0
5. Iowa - 6-1
6. Ohio State - 6-1
7. Ole Miss - 6-1
8. Georgia Tech - 7-1
9. Alabama - 6-2
10. West Virginia - 6-1
11. Oklahoma - 6-2
12. Miami - 6-2
13. Wisconsin - 6-2
14. Penn State - 7-1
15. Arkansas - 7-2
16. Texas - 6-2
17. Oklahoma State - 7-1
18. Clemson - 6-2
19. Florida State - 6-2
20. LSU - 7-1
21. Stanford - 6-2
22. Central Michigan - 7-0
23. Oregon - 5-3
24. Minnesota - 6-2
25. Colorado State - 8-0

-

Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Tom Savage, QB, Rutgers
3. Stephen Garcia, QB, South Carolina
4. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
5. Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU

packersfan4eva · Nov 1, 2010

Shit...2-8...that's tough.

Maize · Nov 4, 2010

packersfan4eva said:
Shit...2-8...that's tough.

Well, only 2-6 right now, but a game against Oklahoma State is almost a guaranteed loss. I have a big recruiting update that I will post tonight before the Bowling Green game.

Maize · Nov 6, 2010

Recruiting News and Updates

Kent State
Houston Adds Before 'Big' Visit
Just days before Kent State prepares to host rival Bowling Green, it will also be hosting a slew of recruits. In total, eight players will be taking their official visit. None have committed verbally to Kent State, but the team did add one player that did so.

Jesse Houston, a local product and the team's second running back to commit to being a part of the 2012 Recruiting Class. Houston's commitment brings the total to four, as the team has a got a slow start in their recruiting efforts this season. But with two more home games, the team still has time to host players and continue to pick up commitments.

Houston, a versatile player could end up playing fullback or tight end, as he is a gifted receiver and blocker. It will be tough to see how his game will translate to the collegiate level. The team also is hosting another runner, Michael Fraser, a true fullback that is a big (6'0" 223) blocker that plays like a linebacker on offense.

Billy Gonzales is taking a similar recruiting approach to what Urban Meyer and company did, during his time at Florida. Stocking up on players at a certain position when it seems there is great depth of talent at that position. Some years, Florida would add eight defensive backs and very few the next. That could be Gonzales approach, especially with runners this season.

The highest rated player to visit is three-star athlete Dylan Harrison. Named after Bob Dylan, his style is unconventional, similar to the lyricism of Dylan. He could play both ways at the next level, but Secondary Coach Scott Booker sees hims as a safety.

Another potential player for Coach Booker is Cornell Higgins. Considered the next best player to visit this week, he is a Pennsylvania native that has favored Big East Schools (UConn & Rutgers). His visit could make his decision for him.

The team will also be hosting another corner, with a different play style from the finesse play of Higgins. Andy White, also a player from PA, is a hard hitter that could bulk up and play linebacker. While he lacks speed and recovering ability, he does have solid man coverage skills and could be a cover linebacker for Kent State.

Of the other four players visiting, only one is a two-star (Kyle Johnson), another is from Pennsylvania (Defensive Tackle Andrew Swan), and one is currently favored to play for rival Bowling Green (Quarterback Mike Dortch).

Johnson is a guard that could make an instant impact for the Golden Flashes. A run blocker, he could be a situational player early in his career. Swan still has some growing to do as a player, but seems full grown for the position (6'6" 280). Dortch is a decent armed 'slinger' currently leading Greenville High School into the Ohio High School State Playoffs.

Finally, only one player has given a soft commitment to Kent State, that player being linebacker Adam Crowell. Overlooked by bigger schools, a surprising senior season has put him on the map for some MAC schools (Ball State and Kent State). Crowell is a balanced player with surprising speed. While he has continued success bigger schools might start to get into the picture. Like Louisville did last week by scheduling an official visit with Adam for next week.

A big week for Kent State could give the team two straight conference wins and a chance to knock off an in-state rival. More than that, it could jump-start recruiting efforts that have been slow to takeoff.

Players Committed In-Season

Terry Brown, DE, Clearwater, FL - 6'5" 262 - Nationally Ranked DE: #219

Chris Walters, RB, Strongville, OH - 6'0" 205 - Nationally Ranked RB: #133

Chad Robinson, ATH, Piqua, OH - 6'2" 260 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #119

Jesse Houston, RB, Northridge, OH - 6'3" 236 - Nationally Ranked RB: #150
Players Visiting vs. Bowling Green

Dylan Harrison, ATH, Solon, OH - 6'2" 210 - Nationally Ranked ATH: #87

Cornell Higgins, CB, Bloomsburg, PA - 6'3" 176 - Nationally Ranked CB: #128

Kyle Johnson, OG, Vandalia, OH - 6'3" 306 - Nationally Ranked OG: #139

Adam Crowell, OLB, Princeton, IN - 6'3" 200 - Nationally Ranked OLB: #182

Andrew Swan, DT, Jeanette, PA - 6'6" 278 - Nationally Ranked DT: #162

Andy White, CB, Monroeville, PA - 6'1" 182 - Nationally Ranked CB: #193

Mike Dortch, QB, Greenville, OH - 6'0" 205 - Nationally Ranked QB: #136

Michael Fraser, FB, Ross Township, PA - 6'0" 223 - Nationally Ranked FB: #59

Maize · Nov 7, 2010

Season 2, Game 9

Season 2, Game 9

October 29, 2011
Dix Stadium - Kent, OH

vs.

Defense Comes Alive Over Rival

Game Boxscore
Bowling Green (2-6)....0.......0.......0.......0........0
Kent State (3-6)..........7.....10.......7.......3......27
Stat of the Game: Turnovers: Bowling Green - 2 -- Kent State - 1
Player of the Game: Chris Finley, QB - Kent State - 18/36, 157 yards, 2 TD, 8 carries, 1 TD
______________________________________
1st Quarter
KENT: 29 yard pass from C. Finley to T. Goode (XP Good) - 6:32
-
2nd Quarter
KENT: 34 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - 11:29
KENT: 3 yard pass from C. Finley to J. Terry (XP Good) - 7:16
-
3rd Quarter
KENT: 3 yard run by C. Finley (XP Good) - 9:55
-
4th Quarter
KENT: 21 yard Field Goal by F. Cortez - :11
_______________________
Player Stats
Aaron Pankratz, QB - 18/34, 159 yards, 1 INT, 15 carries, 32 yards
Chris Finley, QB - 18/36, 157 yards, 2 TD, 8 carries, 1 TD
Jacquise Terry, RB - 24 carries, 99 yards, 2 receptions, 29 yards, 1 TD
John Pettigrew, RB - 21 carries, 81 yards
Tyshon Goode, WR - 10 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD
Ray Hutson, WR - 8 receptions, 38 yards
Kendrick Pressley, WR - 4 receptions, 26 yards
Chris Scheidt, WR - 3 receptions, 34 yards
Freddy Cortez, K - 2/2, Long of 34, 3/3 on XP
Jerry Phillips, K - 0/2
Will Johnson, OLB - 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 FF
Dylan Farrington, DE - 12 tackles (5 solo), 2 for loss, 1 sack
Dwayne Woods, OLB - 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 for loss
D.J. Lynch, OLB - 7 tackles (3 solo)
Ishmaa'ily Kitchen, DT - 4 tackles (1 solo), 2 for loss, .5 sack
Luke Batton, OLB - 4 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT, 1 FR
_______________________________
Injury Report
Adrian Hodges, WR - Bowling Green - Dislocated elbow - 9 weeks
Lane Robilotto, FS - Bowling Green - Broken ribs - 2 weeks
Adrien Spencer, CB - Bowling Green - Torn shoulder - 1 week*
Brian Waters, OT - Kent State - Strained back - 6 weeks
Lee Stalker, DE - Kent State - Torn pectoral - 2 weeks
* - Injury occurred during game
_______________________________

Next Game: vs. Buffalo (1-8)

Maize · Nov 7, 2010

News Around College Football

Top 25
1. Rutgers - 9-0
2. Boise State - 8-0
3. Missouri - 9-0
4. TCU - 9-0
5. Iowa - 7-1
6. Ohio State - 7-1
7. Ole Miss - 7-1
8. Georgia Tech - 8-1
9. Alabama - 7-2
10. Oklahoma - 7-2
11. Miami - 7-2
12. Penn State - 7-1
13. Arkansas - 8-2
14. Oklahoma State - 8-1
15. Clemson - 7-2
16. LSU - 8-1
17. Florida State - 7-2
18. Central Michigan - 8-0
19. Stanford - 7-2
20. Texas - 6-3
21. West Virginia - 6-2
22. Colorado State - 8-1
23. UCLA - 6-2
24. Wisconsin - 6-3
25. Baylor - 8-2

-

Heisman Watch
1. Kellen Moore, QB, Boise State
2. Tom Savage, QB, Rutgers
3. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
4. LaRon Byrd, WR, Miami
5. Matthew Tucker, RB, TCU

Maize · Nov 7, 2010

Statistics & Standings

Team Rankings
Category - Stat - Nat'l Rank
Total Offense - 312.9 - 79th
Pass Offense - 217.4 - 55th
Rush Offense - 95.5 - 86th
Points Per Game - 16.4 - 105th
Total Defense - 363.8 - 96th
Pass Defense - 225.9 - 81st
Rush Defense - 137.9 - 102nd
Turnover Differential - +4 - 29th

Individual Statistics
Passing
C. Finley - 113.8 QB Rating, 81/161, 965 yards, 7 TD, 1 INT, 6 sacked
S. Keith - 67.5 QB Rating, 47/131, 621 yards, 1 TD, 7 INT, 10 sacked
G. Morgan - 74.9 QB Rating, 36/87, 371 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 8 sacked
Rushing
J. Terry - 157 carries, 554 yards, 3.5 AVG, 4 TD, 1 fumble, Long of 15
C. Finley - 40 carries, 120 yards, 3.0 AVG, 1 TD, 1 fumble, Long of 15
D. Archer - 27 carries, 86 yards, 3.1 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 10
W. Jones - 19 carries, 36 yards, 1.8 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 7
D. Thomas - 13 carries, 25 yards, 1.9 AVG, 0 TD, 0 fumbles, Long of 5
Receiving
T. Goode - 80 receptions, 876 yards, 10.9 AVG, 2 TD, 7 drops, Long of 47
K. Pressley - 47 receptions, 595 yards, 12.6 AVG, 2 TD, 5 drops, Long of 61
J. Terry - 8 receptions, 152 yards, 19.0 AVG, 2 TD, 1 drop, Long of 48
W. Jones - 6 receptions, 74 yards, 12.3 AVG, 0 TD, 1 drop, Long of 29
Blocking
B. Winters - 17 pancakes, 6 sacks allowed
K. Cleveland - 14 pancakes, 1 sack allowed
C. Anzevino - 12 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
M. Fay - 10 pancakes, 4 sacks allowed
B. Wagner - 10 pancakes, 5 sacks allowed
Defense
L. Green - 26 solo tackles (54 total), 14 for loss, 5.5 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
B. Tyson - 23 solo tackles (66 total), 8 for loss, 1.5 sacks, 0 INT, 3 FF, 0 FR
F. Pratt - 21 solo tackles (43 total), 3 for loss, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
W. Johnson - 20 solo tackles (45 total), 5 for loss, .5 sacks, 0 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR
L. Batton - 20 solo tackles (55 total), 9 for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR
J. Pleasant - 14 solo tackles (32 total), 1 for loss, 0 sacks, 1 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
T. Johnson - 13 solo tackles (36 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
C. Gilbert - 13 solo tackles (22 total), 0 for loss, 0 sacks, 2 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
I. Kitchen - 12 solo tackles (27 total), 9 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
L. Stalker - 12 solo tackles (34 total), 7 for loss, 3 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF, 1 FR
Z. Gonosz - 11 solo tackles (33 total), 4 for loss, 0 sacks, 3 INT, 0 FF, 0 FR
C. Tiggle - 10 solo tackles (25 total), 3 for loss, 0 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR
J. Dooley - 6 solo tackles (15 total), 6 for loss, 2.5 sacks, 0 INT, 1 FF, 0 FR
Kicking
F. Cortez - 15/19, 78%, Long of 43, 11/11 on XP
Punting
M. Rinehart - 87 punts, 3,743 yards, 43.0 AVG, 28 Inside 20, Long of 76
Kick Returns
J. Pleasant - 28 returns, 670 yards, 23.9 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 62
K. Pressley - 11 returns, 239 yards, 21.7 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 51
Punt Returns
J. Pleasant - 37 returns, 282 yards, 7.6 AVG, 0 TD, Long of 24

Maize · Nov 10, 2010

Recruiting News and Updates

Kent State
6 Sign, Just in Time
In the team's second win in as many games, they are riding their winning streak into a home game against MAC bottom-dweller Buffalo. Last week, against rival Bowling Green, the team was able to shut out their opponent. More than that, they showed an aggressive approach.

The new coaching staff was thrilled after the win and were quick to learn how it affected recruiting. Of the eight players who visited last week, five have already committed to Kent State. Most of whom did it in-person, while they were on campus following the Flash's win.

Besides the five that visited, Brandon Merrick also announced that he would be signing with Kent State. A two-star linebacker from Sandusky, Ohio, Merrick had favored Kent for a few weeks. He knew it was the right decision and called Head Coach Billy Gonzales to let him know.

Merrick had been recruited heavily by Recruiting Coordinator Jeff Kastl and Linebackers Coach Jim Fleming. He is expected to be a special teams player rather quickly.

Along with Merrick, four other defensive players signed. Trying to help a defense that has given up over 350 yards per game, the team has focused on adding talent on depth to a young defense.

Cornell Higgins will help an ailing secondary, that will be losing three senior corners. Also to assist will be one-star Pennsylvania native Andy White. Each have different styles but could push the rest of the corners on the roster for early playing time.

The team has focused on specific recruiting areas, mainly Ohio and Pennsylvania. Being only one hour from the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, Kent is geographically in a good position to recruit heavily from both states. Each are usually considered top ten states for high school football.

So far, Kent has received commitments from ten recruits. Five are from Ohio and three are from Pennsylvania. All three from the 'Keystone State' committed this week. The other being Andrew Swan, a basketball player and defensive tackle that is athletic, but might need to bulk up (6'6" 278).

Overall, the team enters their final home game looking poised for a strong finish to their in-season recruiting efforts. Three players will visit for the Senior's final home game: receiver Jeff Henry, versatile tackle Jason Olsen, and former receiver-turned-safety Kevin Gardner.

Players Committed In-Season