Eleven Flashes Named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-MAC Team

KENT, Ohio -  Eleven Kent State football players were recently named to Phil Steele’s 2011 Preseason All-Mid-American Conference Team.  Sophomore defensive lineman Roosevelt Nix and senior cornerback Norman Wolfe were both named to the first team defense.

Wolfe was not the only KSU cornerback selected, as senior Josh Pleasant earned a spot on the third team.  Pleasant has started in 24 career games, making 140 tackles and four interceptions.  Wolfe had a breakthrough season in 2010, totaling five interceptions and 102 tackles.

Nix was joined on the defensive line by junior Jake Dooley, who was named to the third team.  Nix was the 2010 MAC Defensive Player of the Year and was named a Freshman All-American by four organizations.  Dooley started nine games in 2010, closing out the year with seven tackles, two sacks a forced fumble against Ohio.

Offensively, senior center Chris Anzevino claimed a spot on the second team, while junior receiver Tyshon Goode and junior tackle Brian Winters were picked to the third team.  Anzevino was recently named to the Rimington Award Watch List for the second straight season, while Winters claimed All-MAC third team honors as a sophomore.  In just two seasons, Goode ranks among Kent State’s top 10 career leaders in catches (112), receiving yards (1,498) and touchdown grabs (10).

Rounding out the third team were junior linebacker Luke Batton and senior punter Matt Rinehart.  Batton made 68 tackles last season, while Rinehart is a two-time All-MAC First Team selection.

Senior wide receiver Sam Kirkland and junior kicker Freddy Cortez each landed spots on the fourth team.  Kirkland made 56 catches for 599 yards last season, while Cortez has made 24 field goals in two seasons.

Under the direction of first-year head coach Darrell Hazell, Kent State opens the 2011 campaign at Alabama Sept. 3, before kicking off its six-game home slate Sept. 10 against Louisiana. Call (330) 672-2244 for season ticket information.