SPRING OBJECTIVES The Flashes are desperate to establish a vertical passing attack, and deciding between senior Julian Edelman and sophomore Giorgio Morgan as to the No. 1 quarterback is a key piece. In 2007, Kent State ranked 12th in the Mid-American Conference in turnover margin (-0.92) and scored only 15 touchdowns on 41 red-zone trips. The Kent State red-zone defense ranked 11th in the MAC.
BUILDING BLOCKS Kent State anticipates having the nation's top returning rusher -- 5-5, 170-pound Eugene Jarvis. The dynamo rushed for a Kent State record 1,669 yards (139.1 yards per game) and 10 touchdowns on 279 carries (a 6.0 average) in 2007. Second-team All-MAC Augustus Parrish is a senior and pro prospect at offensive tackle. The Flashes are re-tooling their defensive front seven, but that group could surprise.
SCHEDULE SITUATION The Flashes open their season Aug. 30 against Boston College at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Kent State's season will likely be determined in back-to-back home games, Oct. 4 and 11, against MAC East rivals Akron and Ohio. Kent State has made renovations to Dix Stadium for the 2008 season.
QUOTE TO NOTE "With the loss of five seniors from the two-deep, including both of our starting guards, finding a player of (Mike Roder's) caliber was one of our top priorities. Mike is a big strong lineman with two years of experience at the junior college level." -- Kent State coach Doug Martin.
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