August 8, 2012

Rise As One: Kent State Football Preseason Blog

August 23, 2012 - Day 19

With the start of the season just one week away, Thursday was an off day for the Golden Flashes. Coach Hazell ventured to the Water Stret Tavern in the afternoon for the season premier of the Darrell Hazell Show. The showcan be heard on Thursday nights from 6-7 p.m. on Fox Sports 1350. It will also be replayed two hours before each Kent State football game on WHLO 640 am, the official radio home of Kent State Sports.

Fans and community members are encouraged to stop by the show which begins at noon and runs for an hour starting every Thursday on September 6. Lunchtime specials will be available and Cajun Dave's will be open as well.

The players meanwhile not only prepared for the start of the 2012, but the first day of classes which takes place on Monday, August 27.

As the season opener darws near, don't forget that Kent State is holding a celebration for the men's golf team in recognition of their top 5 national finish on Thursday, August 30 prior to the football home opener vs Towson.

The Golden Flashes men's golf team is to be honored at the Kent State Field House at Dix Stadium located at 2227 Summit St, in Kent. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., with a presentation beginning at 5 p.m.

The celebration event is free and open to all. Attendees will have the opportunity for a meet-and-greet and signing with the teams before and after the presentation. Refreshments will be served at the event.

The Kent State men's golf team finished T-5th at the NCAA National Championship after advancing to the match-play quarterfinals. The finish is the highest in school history and marked the fourth time in the last five years the team has placed in the top 20 at the NCAA National Championship. The Golden Flashes also won five events during the season including a fourth straight Mid-American Conference Championship.

Everyone is encouraged to wear blue and gold and join the Kent State community as it celebrates the Golden Flashes on a successful championship season.

August 22, 2012 - Day 18

Two major announcements were made during Wednesday morning's practice. Senior left tackle Brian Winters, senior middle linebacker Luke Batton and junior defensive tackle Roosevelt Nix were named the three team captains as voted upon by players and coaches. Senior Spencer Keith was named starting quarterback after a tight camp battle with junior David Fisher and freshman Colin Reardon.

"We want Spencer to grab this team by the ears and lead us to a MAC Championship," Offensive Coordinator Brian Rock said.

On his way to being a four-year starter at quarterback, Keith ranks third among Kent State's career leaders in completions (549), passing yards (6,041) and touchdown passes (33).

Batton follows in the footsteps of his father Ben Batton, who was a team captain at Kent State in 1979 and a four-year letterwinner as a linebacker.

Coach Hazell also mentioned after practice that junior tailback/slot receiver Dri Archer will be ready to play next week. Wednesday marked the final day of summer camp. The Golden Flashes go into game week mode Saturday in preparation for their season opener Thursday, Aug. 30 against Towson.

August 21, 2012 - Day 17

Traditionally, summer camp practices all take place in the morning or afternoon, but when Coach Hazell saw that the first three games of the 2012 schedule all came at night (Towson 7, Kentucky 7:30, Buffalo 7), he decided to do something a little different. A late start under the Dix Stadium lights gave wide receivers and returners a preview of what's to come in the first three games.

After practice, Hazell mentioned that sophomore wideout Sam Miller (Orrville, Ohio) has "come out of nowhere" this camp and is expected to make contributions to a receiving corps that appears to be deep with talent this season. A starting quarterback decision will be made this evening and will be announced Wednesday.

August 20, 2012 - Day 16

On its final two-a-day of camp, the Golden Flashes went hard in pads Monday morning, before concentrating exclusively on special teams in the afternoon. Although Kent State coaches had hoped to name a starting quarterback at this point, the competition among senior Spencer Keith (Little Rock, Ark.), junior David Fisher (Oceanside, Calif.) and freshman Colin Reardon (Poland, Ohio) is still too close to call. A decision is expected to be made by late Tuesday night.

August 18, 2012 - Day 15

The desperation heave to the end zone from freshman quarterback Colin Reardon (Poland, Ohio) was broken up by junior cornerback Darius Polk (Lynchburg, Va.), sealing a 67-60 victory for the defense and the right to wear the navy blue practice jerseys throughout the 2012 season after a highly competitive jersey scrimmage against the offense Saturday (Aug. 18) at Dix Stadium.

Sophomore cornerback Dylan Farrington (Chapel Hill, N.C.) and freshman safety Jordan Italiano (Canfield, Ohio) each killed drives by the offense by recording interceptions. The defense posted four sacks in the win.

Senior quarterback Spencer Keith (Little Rock, Ark.) found sophomore wide receiver Sam Miller (Orrville, Ohio) for an 11-yard touchdown strike, and sophomore running back Trayion Durham (Cincinnati, Ohio) rumbled 27 yards to pay dirt for another score.

Senior kicker Freddy Cortez (Fort Meade, Fla.) connected on field goal attempts of 19 and 23 yards while freshman Anthony Melchiori (Aurora, Ohio) dialed two conversions up from long distance, hitting from 47 and 44 yards.

The Golden Flashes kick off the 2012 season on August 30, at home against Towson with a Postgame Fireworks presented by AMETEK & Fairmount Properties. New this season, the first 1000 fans into the Indoor Tailgate Zone will receive a great giveaway item at each home game.

Visit www.kentstatesports.com or call the Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 672-2244 for more information or to order your season tickets. Be sure to tune into WHLO 640 AM and iHeartRadio to follow Kent State Sports on the radio all season long.

August 17, 2012 - Day 14

The Kent State football team completed its final preparation for its highly anticapated jersey scrimmage with a spirited two-a-day session Friday (Aug. 17) at Dix Stadium. Check out the photo album from the morning session by clicking on the photo below.

The right to wear the blue practice jerseys will be on the line Saturday (Aug. 18) as the offense and defense go head-to-head. Be sure to visit KentStateSports.com tomorrow afternoon for a video recap of the jersey scrimmage.

August 15, 2012 - Day 12

After an early team breakfast in the Varsity K Room, Kent State players boarded buses at Dix Stadium just after 7 a.m. without any idea where they were heading. Even assistant coaches did not know where Head Coach Darrell Hazell had picked to spend the day.

Buses headed west on the Ohio Turnpike as many players fell asleep. Some were optimistic about ending up at Cleveland Browns Stadium or Cedar Point. The destination turned out to be a familiar one for Hazell...Oberlin College.

The Golden Flashes had both a morning and afternoon practice on grass fields in preparation for road tests, including their Sept. 8 battle at Kentucky. Players then enjoyed time at the school's indoor pool followed by a cookout.

The offensive coordinator at Oberlin from 1989-91 and a graduate assistant coach in 1986 & 87, Hazell personally scoped out five different Northeast Ohio locations, before choosing the home of the Yeomen.

August 14, 2012 - Day 11

Tuesday morning, the Golden Flashes took the field a bit earlier than usual and ended early after spending a good chunk of their Monday on the Dix Stadium turf. Kent State players will have one more day of practice before going on public display at Thursday's Fan Fest.

Coaches Corner Audio

Kent State fans will have their first opportunity to see the 2012 Golden Flashes football team – and check out the Indoor Tailgate Zone in the Field House – when the Department of Athletics hosts Fan Fest on Thursday (Aug. 16). The event is free and open to the public.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the Indoor Tailgate Zone will run for an hour in the Kent State Field House. Activities will include inflatables, food vendors and music as well as an opportunity to take pictures with Flash and Kent State cheerleaders.

The festivities will then move to Dix Stadium for an open practice and scrimmage, which is slated to begin at 6 p.m. Fans who wish to purchase season tickets will have the opportunity during the game to select their seats. At the conclusion of the scrimmage, there will be an autograph session on the field with Kent State players and coaches.

August 13, 2012 - Day 10

The Golden Flashes spent a lot of time on the field Monday with an afternoon full pads session capping off another two-a-day. Redshirt freshman Evan Shimensky (Kent, Ohio) continued to make his recent adjustment from quarterback to wide receiver. Also making a position switch this summer was redshirt freshman J.J. Sanders (Columbus, Ohio), moving from defensive back to linebacker.

Highlights from Day 10

August 11, 2012 - Day Nine

Saturday marked the annual preseason kick scrimmage for Kent State football.

Senior Freddy Cortez converted 7-of-9 field goal tries, but it was freshman Anthony Melchiori who gave his Gold Team a 24-21 victory over the Blue Team with a 42-yard field goal. Melchiori converted on 8-of-14 on field goal tries on the day.

Coach Hazell commented that the spirit and energy of the team on both sides of the ball was great to see.

Sunday brings the first off day of practice during fall camp for the Golden Flashes. The team contines with two-a-days on Monday. Coming up on Thursday is Kent State fans will have their first opportunity to see the 2012 Golden Flashes football team as well as check out the Indoor Tailgate Zone in the Field House. The Department of Athletics hosts Fan Fest on starting at 5:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the Indoor Tailgate Zone will run for an hour in the Kent State Field House. Activities will include inflatables, food vendors and music as well as an opportunity to take pictures with Flash and Kent State cheerleaders.

Check out highlights from the kick scrimmage below.

Follow these links for more on the kick scrimmage from the Akron Beacon Journal & Record Courier

Freshman Melchiori leads Gold Team to win in KSU kick scrimmage (Akron Beacon Journal)

Aurora's Melchiori handles pressure, hits winner in Kent State football's kick scrimmage (Record Courier)

August 10, 2012 - Day Eight

Friday marked the Kent State football team's second two-a-day session of training camp. However, Friday's afternoon session came to a quick halt following a power outage in the KSU Field House. Players used the time for weight training with limited light in the weight room and watching game film.

Check out this photo gallery from Friday's morning session by clicking the picture below

Photos from Day Eight

Preparations for the 2012 season continue Saturday (Aug. 11) with a kick scrimmage at Dix Stadium. Tune into KentStateSports.com for video highlights following the scrimmage.

Flashmob Fridays are slated to begin next week. Follow Kent State deputy athletic director Tom Kleinlein (@FlashesDeputyAD) and @KSUathletics on Twitter for more details.

The Kent State football team will out on the town on Saturday night delivering season tickets. Over 100 randomly selected Kent State football season ticket holders in Kent and surrounding communities will be hand delievered their 2012 season tickets by members of the coaching staff and players. The team will be delivering from 6-8:00 pm.

August 9, 2012 - Day Seven

Rain fell throughout the morning, including moments of heavy downpours at Dix Stadium Thursday, during day seven of summer camp. KentStateSports.com sat down with assistant coach Brian George after practice to talk about the defensive line. George mentioned redshirt freshman Nate Terhune (Chagrin Falls, Ohio) as a young player who has really made an impression thus far, comparing some of his qualities to Lee Stalker.

The Golden Flashes will have their second double session day on Friday followed by the team's kick scrimmage Saturday morning.

Below Defensive Line Coach Brian George talks about this year's front four rotation.

August 8, 2012 - Day Six

With a warm sun heating up the Dix Stadium playing surface, Wednesday morning's session - the first session of the team's first two-a-day of the year - featured various set plays as well as position-specific drills. The morning session was in full pads, while the afternoon was limited to helmets and shoulder pads. Lightning interrupted the p.m. practice at Dix Stadium, forcing players to run to the locker room, change their shoes and head to the KSU Field House.

Check out this photo gallery from Wednesday's morning session by clicking the picture below

Photos from Day Six

Below Athletic Trainer Alex Walker and Coach Hazell talk about the mental and physical aspect of two-a-days.

August 7, 2012 - Day Five

Tuesday marked the first day in pads during preseason practice for Kent State football. Get inside the sights and sounds down on the field with Ty Linder who will be bringing you the play-by-play action of every snap this season on WHLO 640 AM & iHeartRadio.

On tap for Wednesday, the Golden Flashes begin their first session of two-a-days.

Fans will be able to catch Coach Hazell on Fox Sports 1350 AM on Thursday at 5:30. Tune in on iHeartRadio.

Also don't forget to Pledge Your Allegiance for Kent State in the College Colors Day spirit competition. By visiting www.espn.com/collegecolorsday, Golden Flash fans can register to pledge their allegiance to Kent State as the school with the most college spirit and loyal fan base. All registrants are entered to win weekly $50 gift cards from ESPN Shop and one of two grand prizes including a $500 college shopping spree at ESPN Shop.

Click here for more information.

August 6, 2012 - Day Four

Monday brought another sunny afternoon for the Golden Flashes out at Dix Stadium. KentStateSports.com caught up with senior place kicker Freddie Cortez.

August 5, 2012 - Day Three

Rain forced the Golden Flashes to go inside the Field House Sunday morning for days two and three of football camp.

The Golden Flashes were in shells for the first time Sunday and will be in full pads Tuesday. Players had their photos taken Sunday afternoon and had a picnic at Dix Stadium with family members.

The festivities will then move to Dix Stadium for an open practice and scrimmage, which is slated to begin at 6 p.m. Fans who wish to purchase season tickets will have the opportunity during the game to select their seats. At the conclusion of the scrimmage, there will be an autograph session on the field with Kent State players and coaches.

Don't forget that Kent State faculty and staff receive special discounts on their season tickets

August 4, 2012 - Day Two

Kent State's 2012 football squad went back on the hot turf Saturday. Head Coach Darrell Hazell was particularly impressed with the cohesiveness of the defense as a whole and their timing off the snap. Check out more highlights below:

August 3, 2012 - Day One

Preparations for the Kent State football program's 90th season of competition kicked off on Friday (Aug. 3) at Dix Stadium with a high-tempo practice in the August heat, marking the start of preseason training camp for the Golden Flashes under second-year head coach Darrell Hazell.

Friday's workout marked the debut of several student-athletes for the Blue & Gold. Freshman quarterback Colin Reardon (Poland, Ohio) showed off his arm strength while junior offensive lineman Pat McShane (Stow, Ohio), a transfer from Indiana, took the field for the first time with his sights set on locking down a starting spot at guard.

Kent State will return to the practice field Saturday (Aug. 4) at 1 p.m. and will make the transition into practicing in pads early next week.

The voice of the Golden Flashes, Ty Linder takes you down on the field for an inside look. The season opener less than four weeks away on Aug. 30 vs Towson.

More highlights from Day One at Dix Stadium.