The Kent State football team enters the season with renewed hope. With a talented core of players coming back on both sides of the ball, KSU may be in the best position to finish a successful season in quite some time. With the additions of Anthony Henriquez and Pierre Wilson, a transfer from Michigan State, the Flashes have elected to go to a 3-4-defense part of the time.

With the already solid linebacking of Rashan Hall and James Harrison the Flashes defensive unit certainly has the most potential coming out of spring.

The most disheartening part of the defense was the defensive secondary last season, which constantly was slashed for long yardage and costly penalties. The team was tied for worst in the MAC with only 6 interceptions.

The biggest hole on this year’s team will be the quarterback. Jeff Valentino got a few starts last year and was successful in leading the Flashes to their only win in overtime against the Chippewas. But coming out of spring it looked like Ben McDaniel would be the leading candidate to take the number one job. McDaniel a sophomore from Canton McKinley has impressed the coaching staff during spring practices and his ability to make quick and correct decisions, coupled with his leadership qualities have given him the slight edge.

But if McDaniel scuffles early expect both Pees and new offensive coordinator, Mike Drake to make a change to either Valentino or sophomore Adam Frederick.

The running back duo of Chante Murphy and Booker Vann should provide Drake with the ability of mixing his offense up, something the Flashes have failed to do in the past. Murphy was the leading rusher in ’00 with 800 yards. The biggest reason for the pass oriented Golden Flash attack was a direct result of them falling behind early in games. The big play ability of Jose Davis and Eugene Baker are a thing of the past, and no one has stepped up to fill that void yet.

The starting wideouts will be second year starters Matt Curry and Jurron Kelly, both seeing a sizable portion of the playing time last season. Joel Reikowski, last season’s TE, will move to guard this season, which will improve a line that includes pre-season All Mac selection RG Brian Hallett.

If the Flashes are going to improve on a putrid one win season from a year ago they must do it with discipline. Discipline many times was not present last season as hitting players out bounds, roughing the quarterback and punter and not knowing the snap count cost the Flashes dearly throughout the season.

The non-conference games against Iowa and West Virginia are almost assured losses, however, fans may remember how Kent did against Pittsburgh a few seasons ago, almost upsetting the Panthers away from home. KSU also fairs pretty well when they are big underdogs on the road which this team will be.

With the addition of Bucknell, an I AA team, on the schedule the Flashes are looking at one of their easier home schedules. Only hosting five home games this season, the Flashes get Northern Illinois, Ball State and Buffalo, three games that are must wins if this season is to be of any success. Marshall also comes to town, which is a nice game for the fans, but is normally a horrid experience for any MAC team. The trip to Bowling Green allows the Flashes to take on another struggling program that is dealing with a coaching change.

The Flashes will have some the same problems that they have in the past. But with the administration behind Pees and the basketball team’s success last spring will guide this football team to a winning record.