Michael Machen

Class:
Redshirt
Hometown:
Mobile, Ala.
High School:
McGill-Toolen

Former minor league baseball player who is the returning starter at quarterback ? Coaches believe he has the physical tools to be as good as he wants to be ? Coaching staff also hopes last year?s experience will benefit going into this season ? Became just the fourth different Kent State quarterback to throw for more than 2,000 yards in a season ? Very intelligent player who adapted well to new system ? Won the Leo E. Strang Award in the spring for the highest GPA on the team ? A former pitcher, he has great size and a very strong arm ? Has earned one letter.

2005 Sophomore Season
Played in and started 10 games last season in first year at Kent State ? Completed 200-of-365 passes for 2,078 yards and 11 touchdowns in first year in new system ? Connected on 54.8 percent of passes and had a 102.70 quarterback rating ? Posted just the sixth 2,000-yard passing season in Kent State history, becoming just the fourth different Kent State quarterback to throw for that many yards in a single-season ? His 200 completions are the second-most all-time in a single-season in school history and his 365 attempts tied the school record ? Totaled two 300-yard passing games, doing so first against Miami Sept. 17, with 338 yards on 31-of-56 ? Also had 336 yards, completing 25-of-45 at Western Michigan Oct. 22 ? In Kent State debut went 31-of-52 for 293 yards and two touchdowns at Michigan State Sept. 3 ? Posted 292 yards with two TDs at Navy Oct. 15 ? Also punted four times for an average of 41.8 yards per punt, twice pinning the opponent inside the 20-yard line.

Prior to Kent State
Attended Coffeyville Community College in Coffeyville, Kan. last year ? Led Ravens to 10-2 record and a victory in the Valley Sun Bowl ? Threw for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns and was a second team All-Jayhawk Conference pick and was named a JC Grid-Wire All-Academic performer ? Attended the University of Alabama in 2003 but did not see game action ? Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 14th round of the 2000 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft ? Spent two years in the Braves organization and one with the Baltimore Orioles before returning to football ? Led McGill-Toolen to the second round of the Alabama state playoffs and was named honorable mention all-state after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns as a senior ? Lettered twice in football, three times in basketball and four times in baseball ? Was coached by Chris Nemith.

Personal
Born Oct. 5, 1981 ? Parents are Christopher and Jo Machen ? Majoring in finance.