Transfers Play Key Role in #FlashFAST Era
10/23/2018 11:40:00 AM | Football
Transfers Play Key Role in #FlashFAST Era
Kent State and head coach Sean Lewis were able to secure multiple junior college transfers that play a key role on this Golden Flashes team such as quarterback Woody Barrett and running back Jo-El Shaw. They were also able to sign a graduate transfer from Nevada, defensive lineman Jordan Silva. These three transfers play integral roles for a KSU coaching staff that is fixated on making Kent State a winning program.
Transfers are more prevalent than ever in today's college football landscape. In 2017, seven percent of FBS student athletes transferred from two-year programs to a four-year school. Graduate transfers have become a trend in recent years as well with the number of grad transfers doubling in the last two years.
After beginning his career at Auburn amid a coaching change and a seven-player position battle, Barrett decided to transfer to Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Mississippi in hopes of earning more playing time. He combined for over 1,600 yards and 14 touchdowns before looking to transfer back to a Division-I program. Wanting to go back home to Florida, Barrett's high school coach told him about Kent State and Coach Lewis. He took a visit to Kent State and eventually committed largely because of his mom.
"My mom kind of gave me the motivation to commit," said the 6-2, 236-pound quarterback. "I wanted to go back home, wait it out and weigh all my options. Deep down I haven't always made the right decisions, but she felt like this was home for me. She was happy with it and I was happy with it."
Barrett's companion in the backfield, Jo-El Shaw, is another junior college product that has settled at Kent State. The Pittsburgh native was recruited by Lewis during his time as the co-offensive coordinator at Syracuse, but opted for the JUCO route and chose to attend Lackawanna Community College. He rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 18 touchdowns while earning first team all-conference honors his sophomore year.
Shaw and Lewis remained in touch and that relationship led to Shaw committing to Kent State.
"He still had faith in me and wanted me even when some other coaches didn't know what I would bring to the table," said Shaw. "I can always talk to Coach Lewis. That is one thing I respect about him. Whenever I am uncomfortable or something, I can go talk to him."
Jordan Silva decided to use his final year of eligibility outside of Nevada where he spent the previous four years. Silva had plans to stay on the west coast, but Mountain West Conference transfer rules prohibited him from playing at another school in the same conference. Nevada's head coach put Silva in contact with Kent State defensive coordinator Tom Kaufman.
"Coach Kaufman called me up and told me that he watched my film and he loved me," said Silva. "We came up here and honestly I knew right away that this was where God wanted me to be. My family and I fell in love with the school right away and the coaching staff. I have never had a coaching staff that made me feel like I was a part of the family when I hadn't even been here before. So I think that is a big deal. I really bought into what they were selling."
What Kent State is selling is a culture change. Silva knows he plays a crucial part in turning around this football program. But he wishes he had more time to see the final result.
"I am a fifth year," said the California native. "But I wish I had more time. All I can do is cherish these moments that I have. Coaches said they wanted to win now and that is why they were open to bringing in people like me. Even though we didn't win these last few games, people saw what we can do when we listen to coaching. This coaching staff has a great plan. If we all buy in and apply ourselves we can really make a change here."
The fifth year defensive end has totaled 28 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack and a forced fumble this season.
Silva sees big things in the future for the Golden Flashes. Since Silva only has one season left, part of the change in culture will be in the hands of the two offensive junior college transfers that pace the Kent State offense.
"He is the leader of the offense," said Silva of Barrett. "He is a great player. I pray with him before every game. He knows that he has to lead the offense. He knows that he is in control. He is the quarterback. Same with Jo-El, he is a great running back. I love watching that man run the ball. He has great talent and is a big back that can really get some yardage. He can go right downhill and bring a good running game."
Both Barrett and Shaw know they play a significant role in the future of Kent State football. Barrett has been a dual threat this season, throwing for 1,748 yards and eight touchdowns, while adding 378 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Shaw soared on to the Kent State football scene, rushing for 105 yards and three touchdowns in his first game for the Golden Flashes.
The pair are up for the challenge and believe the Golden Flashes can do great things moving forward.
"We all really came in with our heads down and went straight to work," said Barrett about the transfers. "We tried to show guys that there can be a change at Kent State. As long as you just work and put your head down, everything will work out for itself."
"It is definitely something special," said Shaw. "Not a lot of people can say that they went to a bowl game here at Kent State. Not many people can say that they won here at Kent State. It will be big to turn this program around to a winning season soon. I believe we can do that and it will be something special that not a lot of people can see from outside of Kent."
There is no doubt that the culture of Kent State football is changing. These three transfers can and will help define which direction the program will go. And from the look of it, the Golden Flashes are on the rise.
