Football
- Title:
- Recruiting Coordinator/Linebackers
- Email:
- bneedham@kent.edu
- Phone:
- 330-672-3350
Ben Needham enters his fifth season on Kent State's staff and second as defensive coordinator. ย In January of 2016,ย Needham was promoted to defensive coordinator after spending threeย seasons as Kent State's recruiting coordinator and linebackers coach.
Four players on Kent State's defense were selected to the All-Mid-American Conference Team in 2016, including Terence Waugh and Najee Murray on the first team. ย Safety Nate Holley led the nation in solo tackles per game and ranked second in total tackles. ย Kent State ranked fourth in the MAC in total defense and fifth in scoring defense. ย Five Flashes on defense were named to the Academic All-MAC Team, while linebacker Nick Cuthbert earned Academic All-America First Team accolades.
In 2015, linebacker Matt Dellinger ranked 16th in the conference in tackles and was named to the Academic All-MAC Team.
As recruiting coordinator, Needham has spearheaded a recruiting effort that gaveย the Golden Flashes unprecedented depth at a number of positions.ย In 2015, Kent State's recruiting class included players from 11 states.
Kent State's 2014 recruiting class included 11 all-state selections and nine players who competed in a state championship game.
Needham spent the 2012 season working as a defensive graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas.
Prior to Arkansas, he spent the 2010-2011 seasons at Ohio State University, as the teamโs defensive quality control assistant and as the defensive graduate assistant.
Needham came to Ohio State following two seasons as the defensive line coach at Drake University.ย From 2008-2009, he coached two all-conference performers as the Bulldogs ranked among the FCS Top 15 in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense both seasons.
Needham began his coaching career at Wabash College as the defensive line coach in 2007.
A 2007 graduate of Ohio State, Needham served as an undergraduate intern from 2005-06 with the Buckeyes.ย He played two seasons on the offensive line at DePauw University before earning his degree at Ohio State.
A native of West Lafayette, Ind., Needham played football at West Lafayette High School.
