STARS OF 2008: Junior RB Eugene Jarvis is a bona fide star and the team's offensive catalyst. Either senior Julian Edelman or sophomore Giorgio Morgan will lead Kent State from the quarterback position. Whoever wins the starting job has a chance to claim postseason honors by the time the book is closed on 2008. Senior linebacker Derek Burrell, a third-team All-MAC pick, is the team's top returning tackler (112 total tackles, 52 solo). Watch for sophomores Andre Flowers and Monte Simmons to blossom.

TOP NEWCOMERS
OL Mike Roder -- Already enrolled and participating in spring drills, the Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College transfer should step into a starting role at offensive guard.

DB Josh Pleasant -- The Maryland speedster chose Kent State over several BCS-conference schools. Clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, Pleasant had six interceptions and two punt-return touchdowns last fall for Hargrave Military Academy.

S/ATH Jharron Armstrong -- The Washington, D.C., Dunbar High product was the city and championship game MVP. He had five interceptions last fall. Armstrong is from the same high school that produced Josh Cribbs.

P Matt Rinehart -- The Flashes are expecting the freshman to be an upgrade in the kicking game. The team's punt average from last season was 35.9 yards per kick.

ROSTER REPORT

--The Flashes return 41 letter winners and 15-of-22 starters. ent State ended the 2007 season on a seven-game slide.

Senior QB Julian Edelman played six games last season with a partially torn PCL in his knee before a broken arm ended his season. A knee injury in only his second game halted freshman Giorgio Morgan's stint as starting quarterback. The contest for the No. 1 job should be the focal point of spring drills. Coach Doug Martin indicated the quarterbacks will be live in scrimmage situations, so the staff can better evaluate their play.

Senior Jameson Konz is moving from OLB to TE in an effort to beef up the big-play capability of the passing game. Konz has been clocked at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash.

Sophomore WR Rashad Tukes has been dismissed after a violation of team policy.

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