Martin Era Kicks Off: 2004 Football Outlook
8/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Following the 2003 season, The Sporting News labeled Kent State the next breakout team in the Mid-American Conference, a tall order as the Kent State University football program enters the Doug Martin era after the former offensive coordinator took over as head coach in March 2003. Martin replaces Dean Pees, who left to accept a position with the New England Patriots.
But Martin returns an experienced, veteran squad that includes 41 letterwinners and 19 starters from last season's team that went 5-7 and finished 4-4 in the MAC, to attempt to accomplish the task. And coming out of spring drills, Martin likes what he is seeing from his team.
"I'm really excited about the attitude of our players," Martin said. "They have taken ownership of this football program. Our leadership is coming from within. We have a very strong group of leaders, not only from the senior class, but from the entire football team.
"The work ethic this summer has really been impressive," Martin continued, "and I think we have a very unselfish attitude, which I believe is fundamental to the team's success. Right now they're poised to have a great season."
THE OFFENSE
Kent State looks to sustain its explosiveness on offense in 2004, following a record-breaking season last fall under Martin's watch. The Golden Flashes posted 30 or more points in a school-record eight games in 2003, including each of the final six games of the year. KSU averaged 26.8 points per game overall and an impressive 32.6 points per game in MAC contests. The season totals of 4,509 total offensive yards (2nd), 375.8 total offensive yards per game (6th), 321 points (3rd), and 26.8 points per game (5th) all ranked in the top six in the single season record book and Martin looks for more in 2004.
"We want to be a very aggressive, attack-oriented offense. I don't believe in taking what the defense gives you. I believe in dictating to the defense. We do that in a couple of different ways:
"No. 1 with our tempo and pace of play. We want to get out of the huddle very quickly, get to the line of scrimmage and make the defense line up.
"No. 2 our play-calling has to be very aggressive. Part of that is my nature and the way I like to play the game. The other part is that is how our offense is setup. To be very attack-oriented."
QUARTERBACK
The conductor of that offensive attack is senior quarterback Joshua Cribbs. For the third straight season, Cribbs led the Golden Flashes in rushing and passing. He was 178-of-364 passing for 2,424 yards and 14 touchdowns, while rushing for 701 yards and another 14 scores. He also caught one touchdown pass for 29 TDs on the year. Cribbs' total offense of 3,125 yards eclipsed the previous mark held by Jose Davis by more than 250 yards and as a quarterback, Cribbs ranks in the top five all-time at Kent State in total offense, rushing, rushing touchdowns, passing and scoring.
"Without question, he's the MAC's most exciting player," Martin said about Cribbs. "I don't see anybody else in this league that can beat you with his arm and with his legs like Josh Cribbs can and he did both last year."
The Flashes return a youthful game-breaker in sophomore Antwan Smith, who can play quarterback or halfback. Smith completed 7-of-18 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns as the backup quarterback in 2003. His quickness and playmaking ability make him one to watch this season. Redshirt freshman Tom Sitko got half the snaps during spring practice and will be in the mix for the backup slot. Senior quarterback Darryl Polk also returns, having completed 53-of-106 passes for 493 yards and two touchdowns in 10 games in 2002 and 2003.
RUNNING BACK
Senior David Alston , who labored through injury-riddled 2002 and 2003 seasons playing in only four and five games, respectively, looks to bounce back in 2004. When healthy, Alston gives the Flashes a speedy breakaway threat. Prior to his injury last season, Alston carried 79 times for 327 yards. Sophomore Kevin Beverly and redshirt freshman Rasheed McClaude, will to add depth to the running back corps this fall and compete with Alston for the starting spot. Beverly finished second on the team with five rushing touchdowns and totaled 266 yards on the ground last year, while McClaude showed promise during spring drills.
"I'm really pleased with our running backs," Martin said. "David Alston had a tremendous spring and so did Rasheed McClaude and Kevin Beverly. Those three guys have a lot of speed and breakaway ability. I think we've got three really good ones there."
RECEIVERS
Senior flanker Darrell Dowery, Jr. returns to lead a deep and talented pool of pass-catchers in 2004. In the three-receiver set employed by Martin, Dowery enjoyed a breakout season in 2003, leading the Flashes with 41 receptions for 783 yards, good for fifth on KSU's all-time yardage list, and averaged 19.1 yards per catch. Backing up Dowery at flanker will be sophomore Brian Bell, a great possession receiver and blocker, and J.E. Fredrickson, an athletic receiver with loads of potential.
Following a productive 2003 season that saw him finish third on the squad with 21 receptions and second with 364 yards, deep threat sophomore Najah Pruden will look to step in and replace four-year letterman Daryl Moore at split end. Sophomore Cameron Bobb will likely backup Pruden.
The H-back position will be manned by junior Derrick Bush and a pair of converted defensive backs in sophomore Jon Drager, and junior Tyrell McElroy. Bush finished third on the team with 21 catches for 306 yards. Antwan Smith may also work in the mix at halfback. He had 18 catches for 194 and two touchdowns, while rushing for 92 on 20 carries.
"We've got some guys that run well with the ball," Martin said. "Darrell Dowery is good with the ball in his hands and Jon Drager made some big plays as a punt returner for us. He can make you miss and Tyrell McElroy show that in the spring, too.
"Then we have some big receivers that may not be speed guys, but they're physical and can run; guys like Brian Bell and Najah Pruden. We have skill at wide receiver, but I'd like to see us with a little more speed eventually."
TIGHT END
Experienced senior Charles Newton will and sophomore Luke Tillman will provide the Flashes with a dynamic duo at tight end. Newton caught only five passes for 73 yards, but carried the ball 15 times for 25 yards, scoring two touchdowns and contributed solid blocking both in the running game and on passing plays. Behind Newton will be junior Nick Bigrigg, sophomore Austin Novak and redshirt freshman Jake Parsons.
"Our tight ends have tremendous upside," Martin said. "Luke Tillman is a really interesting guy, because of his size and strength we could use him as a running back, but could also use him at tight end or haldback. He could really help us in a a lot of areas."
OFFENSIVE LINE
Kent State returns three starters from last year's offensive line. This season's front five looks to be one of the team's deepest groups. Senior left tackle Jason Andrews looks to bounce back from a broken leg that caused him to miss seven games last season. Andrews missed spring drills, but expects to be ready in the fall. Sophomore Nate Manning started once last season and the agile big man will be counted on to back up at tackle. Three-year letterman senior Chad Bandiera, the team's top returnee will get the nod at left guard. Bandiera displayed his durability and versatility by starting all 12 games, at three different positions along the line in 2003. Freshman Travis McGraw, who enrolled at Kent State in January and competed in spring practice, will likely backup. At center, a pair of redshirt freshmen will battle for the starting nod in Bill Starry and Kiff Kinkead, replacing three-year starter Steve Smith. Sophomore Craig Rafdal moves over to left guard after starting seven games last season there as a redshirt freshman last season. Talented sophomore Justin Aderhold will be the primary backup to Rafdal. The Flashes third returning starter along the offensive line is junior Daniel Carter, who was an 11-game starter, at right tackle in 2003. Redshirt freshman Joe Marafine is the likely top backup at right tackle.
"We've probably got more depth there than we've ever had before," Martin said. "We feel like we're going to have nine, maybe 10 players that we will be comfortable putting in the game. That's going to offer us a lot of opportunities to play enough kids to keep everybody fresh and at the end of the game still have something in the tank. Our size as also gotten better along the line."
THE DEFENSE
Kent State will rely on a fresh face in the coaching booth and experienced veterans on the field to lead its defense in 2004. New defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis comes to Kent State after five seasons at nearby Youngstown State, where he served the past three campaigns in the same capacity. Rekstis will depend on eight returning starters, including the entire seconday and All-MAC linebacker Eric Mahl, to carry the Flashes to the upper echelon of the MAC.
"I want our defense to play fast and physical," Martin said. "I want us to play great team defense with 11 people running to the football. That's what I've seen Coach Rekstis bring to us this spring and that's what his teams at Youngstown State did."
DEFENSIVE LINE
Leading the way at the defensive end spot is junior Daniel Muir, who moves over from after spending last season at nose tackle. Muir recorded 46 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, and had 1.5 sacks in 2003. Junior Nate Wesley returns after missing last season and will backup Muir at end Wesley made 10 starts in 2002. At nose tackle the Flashes look to junior Roger Attieh, who along with sophomore Larry Brown will battle for the starting spot. Attieh finished last season with 13 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception. At the defensive tackle, a pair of talented redshirt freshman, Colin Ferrell and Mark Malloy, will fight for the starting job.
"We've got plenty of depth on the defensive line," Martin said. "We were probably three-deep at every position in the spring. We are a little bit undersized, but we're faster than we've ever been there. I'll give up size for speed any day. Our linemen can run to the ball and make some plays."
LINEBACKERS
A hard-working linebacker corps is highlighted by an All-MAC performer in senior middle linebacker Eric Mahl. He started all 12 games in 2003, leading the Golden Flashes and finishing eighth in the conference with 10.5 tackles per game. His season total of 126 tackles was the highest since Roger Terry's 154 in 1996. Backing up Mahl at inside linebacker is sophomore Justin Murphy. At the other inside linebacker, senior Antonio King returns after making 47 tackles and registering two sacks last fall. He will be pushed by sophomore Jonathan Eggleston, a special teams warrior last season who made six tackles. One outside linebacker position will be manned by tenacious junior Jon Sessler who made one start last season and finished with 32 tackles and one sack. Sessler and senior Damian Stolowski, who made 11 starts at defensive end last year totaling 45 tackles, will make an experienced duo at OLB. The other outside backer starting job will likely be between junior Justin Parrish, and sophomore Bruce Rice. Parrish started eight games at defensive end registering 46 tackles, one sack and two fumble recoveries last season. Rice returns following a solid freshman season in which he made two starts and recorded 14 tackles, 1.5 for loss.
"We have a solid group of linebackers, but it's actually where we have the least depth, especially at inside linebacker" Martin said. "Eric Mahl and Jon Sessler have a lot of experience and Damian Stolowski was moved to linebacker in the spring. We're going to rely on youth, for depth, at that position."
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The defensive backfield returns all four starters from a unit that interecepted seven passes and broke up 31 in 2003. The returners at cornerback, junior Barry Drakeford and sophomore Usama Young, combined to start 19 games and break up 18 passes last season. Drakeford added 78 tackles, which included five for loss. Young was named to the 2003 collegefootballnews.com Freshman All-America Team and garnered Bronco Nagurski/Football Writers Association of America Defensive Player of the Week honors against Central Florida, intercepting two passes and recovering two fumbles. Redshirt freshmen Jack Williams, Darrell Pierce will be the top backups behind Drakeford and Young. Transfer Abram Elam will be the likely contender to start at strong safety, while senior Vashawn Patrick also returns after recording 94 stops, fourth on the team, and two interceptions in 2003. A pair of experienced veterans will compete for the starting job at free safety. Shannon Davis returns following a stellar 2003 campaign in which he ranked third on the team with 98 tackles and recorded one sack, three forced fumbles and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Ashley played in 11 games and registered 23 tackles, including 14 solo, and recovered one fumble.
"We struggled at times in the secondary last year, but at the same time that's not always on the secondary," Martin said. "I was impressed with the young kids we have at defensive back in the spring, and I while I think we're a little bit better in zone coverage, they're developing some man thanks to the experience they had last year."
THE SPECIAL TEAMS
The Golden Flashes special teams will be a strength in 2004 as each of the kicking specialists and the return specialists return for next season.
Junior Travis Mayle, who earned Freshman All-America honorable mention two years ago, returns for his third season. Mayle hit on 16-of-24 field goal attempts with a career-long 44-yarder against UCF and converted a school-record 33 PATs, accounting for 81 points for the Golden Flashes. His 1.33 field goals per game was good for second in the MAC and 26th in the nation, and his 16 total field goals placed him second in the KSU single-season record book.
Junior punter Joshua Brazen returns after averaging 40.4 yards per punt last season, ranking seventh in the MAC and fifth in the Kent State single-season record book. Originally a walk-on, Brazen emerged last year as a dependable commodity, pinning the opponent inside the 20-yard line on 15 occasions. Brazen averaged 41.9 yards per punt over the last nine games of the campaign.
The Golden Flashes also return a top return specialist in sophomore Jon Drager. Last season, he was ninth in the MAC in yards per punt return, averaging 7.2 per attempt, while also averaging 20.1 yards per kickoff return, which ranked second on the team. Drager's longest punt return of the season, a 34-yarder against Akron, setup the game-winning field goal in the final seconds. Senior Antonio King also returns to the kickoff return duties after ranking sixth in the conference at 21.4 yards per return on 25 attempts. He had a season-long of 47 yards. Seniors David Alston (25.0 ypr) and Darrell Dowery Jr. (31.0 ypr) also return and could be in the mix of kickoff returners.
"My philosophy on special teams is to put the best football players you have on them to go win football games on special teams," Martin said. "We want to be aggressive on special teams. We want to pressure other teams on their returns and utilize our speed to make our return game very effective."
THE SCHEDULE
The Golden Flashes open the 2004 schedule Sept. 4, at Iowa (10-3 in 2003), playing the Hawkeyes for the second time in four seasons. Iowa finished fourth in the Big Ten last season and won the Citrus Bowl against Florida, 37-17.
Kent State continues its non-conference schedule Sept. 11, against Liberty (6-6) in the home opener at Dix Stadium. The Flashes close out the non-conference schedule Sept. 18 at Rutgers (5-7).
"I think our non-conference schedule is really competitive and very demanding," Martin said. "Opening at Iowa is going to be a daunting task, but I'm really interested to see how we play in that game and how respond.
"Coming back and playing Liberty in our first game at home will be exciting. The Rutgers game is another marquee game getting to play at Big East team in their stadium. It will be a tough test."
Kent State then opens the MAC schedule for the second consecutive year against crosstown rival Akron (7-5), in a Thursday night contest Sept. 23 at Dix Stadium. It will be the third meeting between the teams in 17 games.
"The big deal is the Thursday night game," Martin commented. "I think it should be an outstanding setting for a football game. I think it will be another tremendous outing and a great atmosphere like last year's game at their place."
The Flashes then hit the road for a pair of games at Central Michigan (3-9) Oct. 2 and defending MAC champion Miami (13-1) Oct. 9, as Kent State open the year with four of its first six games on the road.
Marshall (8-4) visits Dix Stadium Oct. 16 for Homecoming Weekend as Kent State hosts the first of back-to-back games at home. The second comes Oct. 30 against Ohio (2-10). KSU goes back to the road at Buffalo (1-11) at Nov. 6 before closing out the home portion of the schedule Nov. 13 against Eastern Michigan (3-9), who meets KSU for the first time since 1998. The Golden Flashes close out the 2004 regular season Nov. 23 at UCF (3-9). Kent State finishes the year with three of its final five games at home.
"I like our MAC schedule and I think it's favorable," Martin said. "If we can get through the first part before our open date, and we're healthy, then we're going to have a chance to finish very strong."
