Kent State Golden Flashes
2000 overall record: 1-10
Conference record: 1-7 (7th in East)
Returning starters
Offense: 6
Defense: 9
Kickers: 2
2000 statistical leaders (* - returners)
Rushing: Chante Murphy* (800 yds)
Passing: Zach Williams (1,120 yds)
Receiving: Matt Curry* (511 yds)
Tackles: James Harrison* (101)
Sacks: Three players with 3 each
Interceptions: Six players with 1 each
What's new
The Golden Flashes will switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 alignment on defense this season because of increased strength at linebacker. There are two returning starters, plus two promising talents who have not yet played. James Harrison and Rashan Hall give Kent State plenty of experience, and we will soon be introduced to Anthony Henriquez, who is academically eligible after missing last season, and Pierre Wilson, a transfer from Michigan State.
Battling it out
A trio of sophomores will be vying for the starting quarterback job this fall, led slightly by Ben McDaniels, who emerged in the spring as a good leader and decision-maker. Jeff Valentino missed some practice time with foot injury but showed ability in three starts last year. Adam Frederick saw limited action in 2000 and did not have any completions, but he has thus far shown that he belongs in this race. Don't be surprised if two incoming freshmen also enter the battle in August.
Eye catcher: OT Joel Reikowski
He started at tight end last year and made 11 receptions, but the offensive line needed to find two new starting tackles for this season. The coaches moved him in the middle of the spring, and Reikowski played well enough to be listed as the top left tackle. He doesn't have great size for that position (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) but is more experienced than the other candidates.
Budding star: CB Jacon Avery
He originally came to the program as a walkon and played on special teams as a freshman. Avery became a starter at corner last year and was a very quiet but productive performer, making 77 total tackles. He is the team's best cover man and continues to improve, being named by the coaches as one of the co-defensive players of the spring.
Brad Edwards researches college football for ESPN and is a contributor to ESPN.com throughout the year.
