FALL 2008 / Volume 8 - Issue 1
FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2008
BY ALAN ASHBY, DIRECTOR OF KENT SPORTS INFORMATION
The Kent State football team is proof that big things come in small packages. Despite standing just 5-5, 170 pounds, junior running back Eugene Jarvis is the leading returning rusher in the nation after compiling 1,669 yards on the ground in 2007 en route to earning honorable mention All-America and first team All-Mid-American Conference accolades.
Senior quarterback Julian Edelman, who was forced to play through injuries for most of last season, will give the Golden Flashes a potent one-two punch. When healthy, Edelman is one of the most dangerous dual threats in the conference. Leading the way for both on the offensive line is senior Augustus Parrish, who was a second team All-MAC honoree in 2007.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior linebacker Derek Burrell anchors a unit that returns seven starters from last year’s team. A third team All-MAC selection after making a career-high 112 tackles in 2007, Burrell will have a pair of dangerous sack threats in front of him in junior Kevin Hogan and sophomore Monte Simmons, while senior Rico Murray will be the leader of the defensive backfield.
Kent State kicks off an exciting home schedule under fifth-year head coach Doug Martin on Aug. 30 when the Flashes face national power Boston College in the second annual First Merit Patriot Bowl in Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Flashes will then welcome Delaware State to newly renovated Dix Stadium on Sept. 13 for a Heroes Day celebration.
Efforts then turn toward the MAC,as the Golden Flashes host arch-rival Akron on Oct. 4, followed by aHomecoming tilt with Ohio the following Saturday (Oct. 11). The Flashesclose out the home slate with contests against Temple (Nov. 12) and Northern Illinois (Nov. 18).
Don’t miss a minute of the exciting action.
For more information, visit www.kentstatesports.com.
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