Kent State Football Second Scrimmage Recap

KENT, Ohio – Kent State's second fall scrimmage showcased a much cleaner operation across all phases, with the defense emerging as the clear winner of the day. Head coach Mark Carney praised the overall improvement from the first scrimmage, noting significant growth in execution and preparation.

Defense Wins Situational Football

The Golden Flashes' defense excelled in critical game situations, dominating multiple scenarios that often determine game outcomes. The unit successfully defended against backed-up offensive drives, forcing punts when the offense had its "heels on the goal line." The defense also came up big in two-minute drill situations and four-minute situations.

"I thought the defense did really well in winning all of those situations," Carney said, emphasizing the importance of what the team calls the "middle eight" - the final four minutes of the first half and opening four minutes of the second half where games are often decided.

The defense forced multiple three-and-outs and several crucial fourth-down stops, embodying the identity Carney wants to establish. Their communication and defensive multiplicity created problems for the offense's identification and post-snap reads.

Quarterback Battle Intensifies

The competition for starting quarterback remains fierce between Dru DeShields and CJ Montes, with Carney calling it "a real competition" with both players pushing each other. DeShields showed marked improvement with a highlight 55-yard strike to Maurice Stephens. His maturity and leadership have shone through during his recovery process.

"Really, really proud of Dru," Carney noted. "His preparation at this point has been excellent, and that's put him in a position to succeed. The more reps he gets, the better he gets."

Younger quarterbacks Ruel Tomlinson, Jett Hilding, and Deante Ruffin also received valuable situational work as they adjust to the increased emphasis on game situations at the college level.

The coaching staff hopes to decide on the starting quarterback soon after reviewing the film from the scrimmage.

Offensive Line Shows Major Improvement

According to Carney, the most significant area of offensive progress from scrimmage one to scrimmage two came up front, where the offensive line's communication has reached "really, really good" levels. The health of veterans Dustyn Morell, Matt Pajuste, and Ashton Rivera has been crucial to this improvement.

The offensive line dominated short-yardage situations throughout the scrimmage. Carney couldn't recall a single short-yardage or goal-line situation where the offense failed to run the ball successfully, with perhaps only one fourth-and-four conversion attempt being unsuccessful.

Running Back Depth Emerges

Several running backs made their mark during the scrimmage. Marques Hicks had an impressive showing in his first live-tackling situation since returning from a knee injury, including a run where he broke three tackles on a single carry.

"Today was really his first live go," Carney explained. "Today, to see him against live tackling was really good. I thought he handled himself really well."

Ayden Harris proved particularly effective in goal-line situations, scoring multiple short-yardage touchdowns with his power running style. However, Carney noted that ball security remains Harris's primary area for improvement after putting the ball on the ground during the scrimmage.

Secondary Makes Splash Plays

Joel Boamah provided one of the scrimmage's highlight moments with an interception and approximately 50-yard return. The athletic defensive back continues to develop technically and compete more consistently, growing his understanding of situational football.

"As long as he can continue that trend, he's another guy that will help this football team," Carney said of Boamah's progression.

Special Teams Consistency

The special teams units, led by coach Conrad, showed strong execution throughout the scrimmage. Multiple successful field goal attempts provided confidence boosts for the kicking game. Carney noted the positive impact across the entire team since special teams involve players from both sides of the ball.

Looking Ahead

With two weeks remaining before the season opener, Carney emphasized that while splash plays on both sides were encouraging, consistency remains the primary focus. The team showed significant operational improvement from their first scrimmage, but continued refinement in all phases will be crucial as they prepare to "hit somebody else."

The quarterback decision looms as the most immediate storyline, but the defensive dominance and offensive line improvement suggest Kent State is building a solid foundation for the upcoming season.

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