Heart and Soul: Kent State’s Linebacker Corps Ready to Anchor Defense in 2025

KENT, Ohio – The foundation of any successful defense starts in the middle, and Kent State's linebacker room enters fall camp with a clear identity built on two non-negotiables: effort and physicality.

"Every day has to start with effort and physicality," said linebackers coach Kevin Snyder. "If you don't have those, those are hard to coach. So that's going to be the identity."

Preseason Recognition Fuels Leadership Core

Leading the charge are two players who have already garnered national attention. Senior Mason Woods and redshirt junior Canaan Williams earned preseason All-MAC recognition from Athlon Sports and Phil Steele, setting high expectations for the linebacker unit.

Woods, the mike linebacker from Woodbridge, Virginia, has emerged as the unit's defensive quarterback. Standing 5-11 and weighing 215 pounds, the redshirt senior has transformed into what Snyder calls "the heart and soul of our defense."

"Throughout the off-season and the camp so far, he's been the heart and soul of our defense as our mike linebacker," Snyder explained. "The way he communicates, the way he commands the defensive line gets us figured out when people are confused, gets us aligned, gets us playing."

Snyder challenged Woods to elevate his game in specific areas this offseason, and the veteran has responded.

"I've asked him to take control of our defense. He's doing that," Snyder said. "I've asked him to be better with his eye discipline and at beating blockers. And he's doing those things right now to the best of his ability."

Williams, the 6-foot, 205-pound redshirt junior from Waldorf, Maryland, brings a different leadership style but equally significant impact. Where Woods is vocal, Williams leads by example.

"Canaan Williams is less vocal, but just in terms of his work ethic and ability to continue to improve his best," Snyder noted. "He's more of a lead by example type with his work ethic and attitude."

Williams used the offseason to transform his physique, adding significant muscle to his frame. "He used this off-season to gain a lot of muscle. He's got a great frame to put it on, so he looks great, so now he can play the game more physically, like we want him to play," Snyder said. That physical development has opened up new possibilities for Williams' role.

Depth Through Versatility

One of the most impressive aspects of this linebacker room is its depth and versatility. Snyder estimates the unit is "two and a half and working on getting to three deep" at most positions, with six or seven players capable of playing multiple spots.

"Our guys are pretty much all interchangeable," Snyder said. "We have six or seven guys who can play at least two positions, if not three, and that's exactly what I want."

Leading that versatile group is redshirt sophomore Sayed Abuhamdeh, a 6-foot, 225-pound linebacker from North Royalton, Ohio, who has impressed coaches with his ability to play all three linebacker positions. "He's a guy playing all three linebacker positions," Snyder said. "He's smart. He communicates. And if you can get a guy out there communicating who can play all three positions and you can trust them, that's huge for the depth of your room."

The room features an intriguing blend of experienced transfers and returning players. Semaj Cross, a 6-1, 217-pound redshirt senior transfer from Lafayette, brings valuable experience to the unit. "He's kind of just a guy who's played a ton of football, and that can go — you can't overstate the fact that he's played a ton of football in his career," Snyder said. "He understands defense, he understands coverage and fit structure."

Sophomore Nylan Brown, who ended last season with an injury, has returned with authority. "He's working in there very well. He has the loudest voice on our defense, and that's what it has to be," Snyder said of the 5-11, 235-pound linebacker from Indianapolis.

Fresh Faces Making Impact

Several players have caught Snyder's attention early in fall camp, including some making position transitions. The versatility theme continues with players like CJ Young, who has moved from safety to linebacker.

"CJ Young is coming down and playing Will linebacker for us. He was in safety last year," Snyder explained. "He's had a great start to camp. He's one of the leaders of our team. He's doing what I'm asking of him. He's a smart football player."

The room also features fresh talent in freshman Tanner Mintz from Akron, Ohio, freshman Trey Rubinstein from Napoleon, Ohio, and freshman Rafael Terrero Jr. from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, all eager to contribute to the program's depth.

Areas for Growth

Despite the talent and depth, Snyder knows there's work to be done. The focus during fall camp has been on fundamental improvements that plagued the unit at times last season.

"The biggest thing after watching last season, coming into this season, that we had to grow on is number one, alignment discipline and eye discipline," Snyder said. "Those are the two biggest things we have right now that we're working on. Because if you can get aligned and put your eyes where they're supposed to be, you give yourself a shot."

The emphasis on proper technique and discipline reflects Snyder's belief that success starts with doing the basics correctly. "As a linebacker crew, I think the most important thing is, can you get aligned and put your eyes where they're supposed to be? If we can do that, we give ourselves a shot to make the plays we're supposed to make."

Successful Camp

With two preseason All-MAC selections leading the way and a deep, versatile supporting cast, expectations are high for this linebacker unit. Snyder has defined clear benchmarks for what constitutes a successful fall camp.

"A successful fall camp for the linebackers would include playing physically downhill, against blockers, beating blockers, playing with great effort, and just being the guys who can get our defense where they want to be," Snyder said. "Getting us aligned, getting the defense set, putting our eyes where they're supposed to be, and doing our job."

The combination of proven leadership, improved physicality, and tactical versatility positions this linebacker room as a strength of Kent State's defense. While Snyder maintains that "We are nowhere near where we need to be," the foundation appears solid for a unit that could define the Golden Flashes' defensive identity in 2025.

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