Kent State Announces Football Recruiting Class For 2009 -- WATCH THE VIDEO
2/4/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
KENT, Ohio - Kent State head football coach Doug Martin announced the signing of 19 high school student-athletes to National Letters of Intent at a Wednesday afternoon “National Signing Day” press conference. Three additional members of the incoming class are already enrolled at KSU.
“I think that this class has exceeded our expectations,” Martin said. “We were able to land a few young men that we weren't sure we'd be able to get. I really think the stadium improvements played a big role in that - we're no longer showing recruits drawings and plans, they're seeing the finished product.
“The current players on the team were also instrumental in the recruiting process with the way they played on the field the last five games of the season and in their roles as hosts during the recruiting weekends. They really did a great job of selling the program.”
For the second year in a row, the Golden Flashes inked six student-athletes in the defensive backfield. In addition, KSU added four linebackers and a pair of defensive linemen. On the offensive side of the ball, the Flashes signed a trio of wide receivers and offensive linemen, two running backs, a tight end and a placekicker.
“Defensively, linebackers and defensive backs were at a premium,” Martin said. “We really went after as many good athletes as we could sign at those positions. Obviously offensively, we've been weak at wide receiver the past couple of years and I think we've found a couple of playmakers with this class. We're also bringing in a kicker who we fully expect to compete for the starting job this fall.”
Of the 22 signees, eight hail from the state of Ohio, bringing the total of in-state recruits to 41 in the five years under Martin. The class is also made up of student-athletes from eight different states outside of Ohio: Florida (4), Georgia (2), Maryland (1), Michigan (1), New York (1), North Carolina (1), Pennsylvania (2) and Virginia (2).
Kent State, which won three of its final five contests, completed the 2008 season with a 4-8 overall record and a 3-5 mark in Mid-American Conference play. The Golden Flashes, who will have to replace three starters on offense and four from defense, are scheduled to open the 2009 campaign at home against Coastal Carolina the first week of September.
2009 Kent State Football Signing Class
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown/High School/Previous School
Dri Archer RB 5-7 155 Laurel, Fla./Venice
Tyler Arend OL 6-5 295 Paulding, Ohio/Paulding
Luke Batton LB 6-0 200 Macedonia, Ohio/Nordonia
Anthony Bowman ATH/RB 5-10 168 Detroit, Mich./St. Mary's/Scottsdale C.C.
Dana Brown DL 6-1 265 McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport Area
Ed Cazenave WR 6-2 180 Dallas, Ga./East Paulding
Freddy Cortez PK 6-0 200 Fort Meade, Fla./Fort Meade
Mike Daniels DB 6-0 195 Greenville, N.C./Southeast Raleigh/Hargrave Academy
Jake Dooley LB 6-2 215 Mason, Ohio/Mason
Zack Gonosz S 5-10 185 Dallas, Ga./East Paulding
Tyshon Goode WR 6-1 185 Syracuse, N.Y./Nottingham/Hargrave Academy*
Danny Gress LB 6-1 220 Englewood, Ohio/Northmont
DeVonte' Helms DL 6-3 260 Waldorf, Md./Potomac
Garrick Piggott DB 6-1 200 Williamsburg, Va./Lafayette/Hargrave Academy
Max Plunkett OL 6-8 305 Dayton, Ohio/Archbishop Alter
Darius Polk DB 6-0 180 Lynchburg, Va./Virginia Episcopal School/Hargrave Academy*
Fabrice Pratt DB 6-2 180 Miami, Fla./Sunset
C.J. Steward LB 6-1 215 Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson/Hargrave Academy*
Bryan Wagner TE 6-5 290 Mantua, Ohio/Crestwood
Jeff Walker WR 6-5 200 Akron, Ohio/Coventry
Kent Walker LB 6-2 235 Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning/Hargrave
Brian Winters OL 6-5 320 Hudson, Ohio/Hudson
* Enrolled at Kent State at the beginning of the Spring 2009 semester
Some random facts about the Kent State recruiting class:
• The group includes six players from Hargrave Academy in Chatham, Va., including three who enrolled in classes at the beginning of the spring semester. They join five returners for KSU that are Hargrave alums.
• Two of Dri Archer's high school coaches - head coach John Peacock and assistant Larry Shannon - played at East Carolina during Doug Martin's tenure as an assistant coach/offensive coordinator with the Pirates. Peackock lettered in 1994, Shannon from 1994-97.
• Luke Batton's father, Ben, was a four-year letterwinner for the Golden Flashes from 1976-79, serving as a team captain his senior year.
• Jake Dooley's father, Kevin, lettered at Kentucky in 1984, '85 and '87. Doug Martin was a Wildcat from 1981-84. Dooley's .866 completion percentage (13-for-15) Sept. 19, 1987 against Indiana still stands as the second-best mark in school history.
• Kent Walker's father, Edward, played at Wake Forest with Kent State Associate Head Coach Jerry McManus. Walker lettered in 1976 and 1977, while McManus lettered in 1975 and 1976.
Student-Athlete Bios
Dri Archer
RB • 5-7 • 155 • Laurel, Fla./Venice
Prior to Kent State: Was team MVP, first team all-area and a second team all-conference pick his senior year at Venice High School...rushed for 1,482 yards and 17 touchdowns on just 145 carries (10.2 ypc), while adding 21 receptions for 402 yards and five scores...helped lead team to back-to-back district titles and an undefeated 2008 regular season...also returned kicks for the Indians, averaging 22.3 yards on both kickoffs and punts...returned one punt for a touchdown...also lettered in track and baseball...coached by John Peacock. Personal: Born Aug. 9, 1991...son of Valerie Hart...has two brothers, Aaron and Derek...plans to major in business.
Coach Martin Says: “Dri can be a great return man he has tremendous speed.”
Tyler Arend
OL • 6-5 • 295 • Paulding, Ohio/Paulding
Prior to Kent State: All-area, all-county, all-conference, all-district, Top 100 prospect in Ohio, Scholar Athlete award winner and team offensive line MVP as a senior at Paulding High School...three-year varsity letterwinner with 93 career pancakes...named a top 100 prospect in Ohio as a junior...member of National Honor Society and FFA...coached by Chris Etzler. Personal: Born May 25, 1991...son of Dave and Joanna Arend...has two brothers, Scott and Shaun, and a sister, Jackie...intends on majoring in exercise physiology or business..
Coach Martin Says: “Tyler has tremendous upside because of his frame we think he's going to be a 320-pound lineman in no time. He also has great strength.”
Luke Batton
LB • 6-0 • 200 • Macedonia, Ohio/Nordonia
Prior to Kent State: Second team All-Ohio selection and conference defensive MVP his senior season when he recorded 130 tackles for the second consecutive year...special mention all-state as a junior...two-time all-league and all-district honoree...two-time team captain at Nordonia High School...team MVP as a senior...helped team to region title as a sophomore and back-to-back conference crowns in 2006 & '07...was also a three-year letterwinner in baseball...coached by Al Huge. Personal: Born March 20, 1991...son of Ben and Carolyn Batton...has three sisters, Christina, Melanie and Monica, and a brother, Ben...father was a four-year letterwinner at Kent State from 1976-79, serving as a team captain his senior year...brother played football at Malone and John Carroll...plans to major in physics
Coach Martin Says: “Luke is probably the most productive high school player we saw all year. When you turn on his tape or watch him play, it seemed like he was making every play.”
Anthony Bowman Jr.
ATH/RB • 5-10 • 168 • Detroit, Mich./St. Mary's/Scottsdale C.C.
Prior to Kent State: Transfer from Scottsdale Community College where he was a first-team all-conference kick returner in lone season...coached by Doug Madoski...began his college career at Iowa...returned four kicks for 76 yards in 2006 as a freshman for the Hawkeyes...grabbed 26 passes for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 1,703 rushing yards and 23 TDs on 219 attempts during career at St. Mary's High School...helped guide the Eaglets to a Catholic League title in 2005...a second-team all-state honoree as a senior...awarded three letters in football and track... two-time state champion in the 200-meter dash and two-time runner-up in the 100-meter dash...coached by George Porritt. Personal: Born April 24, 1988...parents are Anthony and Roxanne...has two sisters, Savannah and Macola...plans to major in English.
Coach Martin Says: “Anthony is a Big Ten talent who can come in and impact our program immediately, between kick returns and possibly at wide receiver or running back. He can be an electric player.”
Dana Brown Jr.
DL • 6-1 • 265 • McKeesport, Pa./McKeesport Area
Prior to Kent State: Second-team all-state pick as a senior and two-time first-team all-conference member as a junior and senior...accumulated 219 tackles 23 sacks, 6 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries during service at McKeesport Area High School...posted 101 and 103 tackles his senior and junior years, respectively...caused four and recovered six fumbles during senior season...coached by George Smith. Personal: Born Feb. 5, 1991...son of Dana Brown Sr. and Tracy Harrison...has five siblings, Lauren, Tanaya, Daelin, Davon and Dalon...was on student council...intends to major in education.
Coach Martin Says: “Dana has extraordinary quickness and is really strong in his lower body. He'll be an interior lineman for us probably a nose guard.”
Ed Cazenave
WR • 6-2 • 180 • Dallas, Ga./East Paulding
Prior to Kent State: Totaled 30 catches, nine for touchdowns, en route to earning all-region honors as a senior at East Paulding High School...hauled in 50 receptions to garner first-team all-state accolades during his junior campaign...Raiders complied a record of 33-6 during his career...lettered in football and track...former teammate of fellow Flashes recruit Zack Gonosz...played for John Reid. Personal: Born April 11, 1991...parents are Edward and Vanessa...has a brother, Jeremiah...intends on majoring in communications...lists winning SCLC Youth Speak Out Competition as proudest achievement...hopes to work in the broadcasting field.
Coach Martin Says: “Ed has tremendous size and great speed. He's one of those players who is most dangerous after the catch. We think he can really help us out this year.”
Freddy Cortez
PK • 6-0 • 200 • Fort Meade, Fla./Fort Meade
Prior to Kent State: Was an all-state selection as a sophomore at Fort Meade High School...three-time all-county honoree, both as a kicker and punter...was 106-for-113 on extra point attempts in his career and 13-for-22 on field goal attempts...nailed a career-long 52-yard field goal as a sophomore...also lettered four years in baseball and three in soccer...coached by Jemalle Cornelius. Personal: Born Oct. 10, 1990...parents are Alfonso and Maribel Cortez...has three brothers, Alfonso Jr., Jesus and Jack, and two sisters, Maria and Perlita...Jesus was a four-year letterwinner on the football team at Bethune-Cookman...plans to major in business...helped fix roofs of houses that were damaged by hurricanes.
Coach Martin Says: “Freddy won a highly-regarded kicking camp in Florida and was very impressive when we saw him in person. We're excited about what he can bring here.”
Mike Daniels
DB • 6-0 • 195 • Greenville, N.C./Southeast Raleigh/Hargrave Academy
Prior to Kent State: Was an all-state selection his senior year at Southeast Raleigh High School after recording 112 tackles, two interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles and a sack...helped team to a 10-3 mark while earning defensive MVP honors for the second time...finished his career with 337 tackles, 15 interceptions, eight forced fumbles and three sacks...was a two-time all-region selection...also lettered in basketball and track, winning the state long jump title as a senior...coached by Daniel Finn at Southeast Raleigh and Robert Prunty at Hargrave. Personal: Born Jan. 4, 1989...son of Laura Daniels...has a brother, Brian Daniels, and two sisters, Ebony Daniels and Krystal Cleveland...plans to major in business administration.
Coach Martin Says: “Mike is a great athlete. We think he can come in here and play right away.”
Jake Dooley
LB • 6-2 • 215 • Mason, Ohio/Mason
Prior to Kent State: Earned all-league honors his senior season after recording 102 tackles (40 solo) and eight tackles for loss...named Mason High School's most outstanding defensive player and was a team captain...earned Academic Award for the highest GPA on the team...was a teammate of Josh Kline, who redshirted for the Flashes last year...also lettered three years in lacrosse...coached by Dave Sedmak. Personal: Born May 16, 1991...parents are Kevin and Lori Dooley...has a brother, Josh, and a sister, Rachel...father played football at Kentucky, lettering in 1984, '85 & '87...uncle, Joe Dooley, played at Ohio State from 1980-84...plans to major in business management or computer information systems.
Coach Martin Says: “Jake has tremendous upside in that he can play three of the four linebacker positions here. He'll also contribute on special teams because of his speed.”
Zack Gonosz
DB • 5-10 • 185 • Dallas, Ga./East Paulding
Prior to Kent State: Two-time all-state honorable mention and all-region selection following his junior and senior seasons at East Paulding High School...selected as Paulding County's Player of the Year as a senior...helped lead the Raiders to a region championship as a junior and state semifinals as a sophomore...tallied 13 interceptions and more than 350 tackles during his high school career...earned four football and two baseball letters...former teammate of fellow Flashes recruit Ed Cazenave...was coached by John Reid. Personal: Born Oct. 8, 1990...son of Mark and Judy Gonosz...enjoys fishing...plans on majoring in education...aspires to coach high school football.
Coach Martin Says: “Zack is the best tackler in the secondary that we saw in recruiting. He's a very physical player.”
Tyshon Goode
WR • 6-1 • 185 • Syracuse, N.Y./Nottingham/Hargrave Academy
Prior to Kent State: Was a two-time all-state and three-time all-league honoree at running back for Nottingham High School...compiled 3,771 yards rushing and 40 touchdowns over his final three seasons, including a 1,400-yard, 15-TD effort as a senior...played for Paul Sealy at Nottingham and Robert Prunty at Hargrave. Personal: Born Feb. 20, 1990...son of Diedra Glenn...has two sisters, Cintia and Cinte Johnson, and a brother, Tommy Checks...Cintia was a three-year letterwinner at guard for the Syracuse women's basketball team...plans to major in business management.
Coach Martin Says: “Tyshon is an incredible athlete with a great vertical leap. He gives us true playmaking abilities at wide receiver.”
Danny Gress
LB • 6-1 • 220 • Englewood, Ohio/Northmont
Prior to Kent State: Racked up 221 total tackles (29 for loss) and 10 sacks at Northmont High School...first-team all-conference and all-division selection following senior campaign when he compiled 119 stops...helped lead Thunderbolts to a 10-2 mark and berth in the 2008 region semifinals...team captain and MVP as a senior...took down opposing quarterbacks 7.5 times as a junior...twice earned a scholar-athlete nod...two-time letterwinner...coached by Lance Schneider. Personal: Born Oct. 3, 1990...parents are Dan and Cindy...has four siblings, Dana Burkett, Alicia Gress, Anna Coyle and Tommy Kitchen...intends to major in sports administration.
Coach Martin Says: “Danny is a solid tackler with good speed and agility. He should contribute right away on special teams.”
DeVonte' Helms
DL • 6-3 • 260 • Waldorf, Md./Potomac
Prior to Kent State: Two-time honorable mention All-Met selection...piled up 51 tackles (38 solo), nine sacks, one interception and four forced fumbles as a junior at Potomac High School...part of 2005 state championship squad that went 12-2...three-year varsity captain for Wolverines...coached by Chris Davidson. Personal: Born June 27, 1991...son of Suzanne Helms...siblings are Diamond and Dierra...plans to major in criminal justice.
Coach Martin Says: “DeVonte' was a great find. He has really good agility and strength. We think he can come in and play right away as a freshman.”
Garrick Piggott
DB • 6-1 • 200 • Williamsburg, Va./Lafayette/Hargrave Academy
Prior to Kent State: Twice earned all-region accolades at Lafayette High School...was also a three-time all district selction...for his career, tallied 1,353 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground while posting 221 receiving yards and two scores...was a three-time all-state, all-region and all-district selection on the track team...played for Paul Wheeler at Lafayette and Robert Prunty at Hargrave. Personal: Born Oct. 2, 1989...son of Cary Piggott and Richard Wiggins...hopes to major in criminal justice.
Coach Martin Says: “According to the Hargrave coaches, Garrick was one of their best athletes. He has played a variety of positions and we think he'll be a very good defensive back because of his speed.”
Max Plunkett
OL • 6-8 • 305 • Dayton, Ohio/Archbishop Alter
Prior to Kent State: Was an All-Ohio honorable mention selection as a senior, in addition to earning first team all-league, all-area and All-Southwest Ohio accolades...helped Archbishop Alter High School to the 2008 Division IV state title...team went 11-1 his junior year and 15-1 the year before as the Division III runner-up...earned two varsity letters in football as well as two in basketball...coached by Ed Domsitz. Personal: Born June 15, 1990...son of Gail and Theresa Plunkett...has two siblings, Sandy and Michael...plans on majoring in finance.
Coach Martin Says: “Obviously with Max, his size speaks for itself. Down the road he's going to be an excellent offensive lineman for us.”
Darius Polk
DB • 6-0 • 180 • Lynchburg, Va./Virginia Episcopal School/Hargrave Academy
Prior to Kent State: Was a three-time all-state selection as a cornerback, wide receiver and kick returner at Virginia Episcopal School...made 39 catches for 1,139 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior...also lettered in basketball and track, winning the state title in the 200 meters and setting the school long jump record (22'-6”) as a junior...played for Kyle Alexander at V.E.S. and Robert Prunty at Hargrave. Personal: Born July 18, 1990...son of Charlene Owens...has two brothers, Martin and Malcolm Owen...volunteered at the Jubilee Family Development Center in high school...hopes to major in business management or criminal justice.
Coach Martin Says: “Darius has tremendous speed and is a very good man-to-man cover corner. We also think he can help us out in the kick return game.”
Fabrice Pratt
DB • 6-2 • 180 • Miami, Fla./Sunset
Prior to Kent State: Earned All-Dade County honors his final three seasons at Miami Sunset...also named the 21st best player in Dade County his senior season after helping his team finish with a school-best 8-2 record...finished his high school career with 168 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and three blocked punts for a touchdown...besides football, lettered in track for the Sunset Knights...coached by Jason Malkin. Personal: Born Dec. 29, 1990...son of Mini Pratt...has two siblings, Valerie and Taylor...plans on majoring in buisiness.
Coach Martin Says: “Fabrice reminded us of Usama Young when you look at his body and the way he plays with speed. He's versatile enough to play either safety or corner.”
C.J. Steward
LB • 6-1 • 215 • Jacksonville, Fla./Wolfson/Hargrave Academy
Prior to Kent State: Finished his career with 233 tackles, eight sacks, 36 tackles for loss and six forced fumbles, highlighted by a 130-tackle effort his junior campaign...was a four-year letterwinner at Wolfson High School...also earned three varsity letters in soccer, two in track and one in basketball, garnering all-state accolades in soccer his junior year...played for Law Johnson at Wolfson and Robert Prunty at Hargrave. Personal: Born June 5, 1990...son of Anthony McClendon and Celestine Holloway...has a sister, Celendra Williams...taught Vacation Bible School and served as a YMCA counselor...participated in student government...plans to major in anthropology.
Coach Martin Says: “C.J. has great range from sideline to sideline. He's an extremely good tackler and is a very athletic linebacker.”
Bryan Wagner
TE • 6-5 • 290 • Mantua, Ohio/Crestwood
Prior to Kent State: Named All-Portage Trail Conference, all-district and All-Ohio his senior year as a defensive end...also received the Jack Lambert Award for being the team's defensive MVP...earned All-PTC his sophomore and junior seasons as a fullback...named underclassman of the year his sophomore year with the Red Devils...besides football, lettered all four years of high school in track, including being named team MVP three times...played for Tom Hannan. Personal: Born Aug. 8, 1990...son of Dona and Brad Wagner...is a cousin of Alan Vanderink, who is a sophomore wide receiver for the Flashes...plans to major in physical education.
Coach Martin Says: “With Ryan, we got a tight end that can do a variety of things and is a little bigger than what we currently have on the roster. He was also a running back in high school, so is pretty athletic despite his size.”
Jeff Walker
WR • 6-5 • 200 • Akron, Ohio/Coventry
Prior to Kent State: Played wide receiver, running back and quarterback for the Akron Coventry Comets...amassed 111 receptions, more than 1,500 yards receiving, 24 total touchdowns, 190.5 tackles, six interceptions and four forced and recovered fumbles...his 111 receptions is a Coventry school record...earned honorable mention All-Ohio honors his senior season...named first team All-Portage Trail Conference and second team all-district his final three years of high school...also recognized as a Fox Sports player of the week his sophomore season...lettered three years in football and one year in track for the Comets...coached by Jay Newcome. Personal: Born Sept. 25, 1990...son of Lorraine Walker...has one older sister, Erin...related to Rob Davis, who boxed professionally for more than 10 years...is undecided on a major.
Coach Martin Says: “Jeff is a great athlete with tremendous jumping ability and great hands. With his size, we think he can contribute right away.”
Kent Walker
LB • 6-2 • 235 • Kittanning, Pa./Kittanning/Hargrave
Prior to Kent State: Went to Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia following high school, where he was rated the fourth-best linebacker and was 20th on the list of the Top 50 prep school players by Rivals.com for 2009...while attending Kittanning high school, he was named first team all-conference defensive end as a junior and senior...also named second team all-conference his senior year as a tight end...tied a single-season school record with 12 sacks in 2006...lettered in football and track with the Wildcats...played for Sam Panchick. Personal: Born Feb. 18, 1988...son of Edward and Elizabeth Walker...has two older brothers, Karl and Kraig...related to many current and former pro and collegiate football players, including: second cousin Gus Frerotte, who currently is the starting quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings; uncle Mitch Frerotte, a former guard at Penn State and a four-year NFL veteran; father Ed played middle linebacker at Wake Forest with Kent State assistant coach and running backs coach Jerry McManus and brother Kraig plays for Division II Indiana of Pennsylvania University...is undecided on a major.
Coach Martin Says: “Kent is really athletic. He has great instincts and can play a variety of the linebacker positions. We're looking for him to be an immediate contributor for us.”
Brian Winters
OL • 6-5 • 320 • Hudson, Ohio/Hudson
Prior to Kent State: Named All-Ohio and All-Northeast Ohio Conference his senior season with the Hudson Explorers...also named all-conference his sophomore and junior years...besides lettering in football twice, also lettered three times in wrestling...named All-NOC in wrestling his freshman and sophomore years...coached by Tom Narducci. Personal: Born July 10, 1991...son of Stefani and Bill Winters...plans to major is either criminal justice or business.
Coach Martin Says: “We were impressed with Brian's aggressiveness. We think he has a lot of upside and can play several different positions on the offensive line.”
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