James Brooks flashed some big-play potential for the passing game early in 11-on-11 drills during Tuesday’s second practice of Kent State’s preseason camp.
After getting behind the defense on a post route, the sophomore wide receiver reached out with one hand to haul in a long throw from Colin Reardon for a 70-yard touchdown.
While that play was nice, head coach Paul Haynes wasn’t as pleased with the pace his players brought to Dix Stadium on day two. A little extra spark is typical when camp opens as players are eager to get started with a new season. And while a slight drop off the next day is also normal, Haynes made sure his players knew anything less than maximum effort at all times is unacceptable during his post-practice talk.
There were still several impressive performances turned in during day two. Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Jontey Byrd made an impression for the second consecutive session, batting a ball at the line of scrimmage on the first play of 11-on-11. An alert Najee Murray nearly came up with the diving interception.
During these first two days, it is becoming apparent that Murray is the type of player who will bring consistent effort on every singe rep. And that includes the reps he watches from the sideline. The transfer from Ohio State is just a redshirt sophomore, but he is constantly talking with the rest of the Flashes’ defensive backs, pointing out tips on how to sell an interception or to anticipate the break of an opposing wide receiver.
Murray spent time with freshman corner Quan Robinson Jr. during one-on-one drills, pointing out technique as their teammates covered in one-on-one drills like an extra coach on the field.
In these first two days of camp, I’ve seen players helping their teammates with teaching points more than I have in any point during 10-plus years of covering Kent State football. Nick Holley is just a sophomore, but he is clearly settling into a similar leadership role in the secondary.
Despite the big play surrendered on the Reardon-to-Brooks touchdown, this Kent State secondary looks to have some exciting potential. Holley and Jordan Italiano look to be continue the run of success we’ve seen at the safety positions in recent years, following names like Brian Lainhart, Dan Hartman and Luke Wollet. Similarly, Murray has a chance to be mentioned along with former Kent State stars like Usama Young, Jack Williams, Rico Murray and Josh Pleasant.
Italiano is now exclusively a safety after playing the “star” safety-linebacker-hybrid position last season.
That star spot now shifts to fellow sophomore Elcee Refuge, who has also looked very good during the first two days of practice. Refuge has added some muscle during the offseason. He is 5-foot-9, but at 230 pounds he has a bit of a linebacker build to him. When I think linebacker-safety hybrids, I always go back to guys like Carnell Lake, who was a linebacker at UCLA before becoming a big hitter at safety in the NFL. Lake’s playing weight was 15 pounds lighter than Refuge.
Having Malcom Pannell back for a fifth year gives the Flashes a veteran influence at corner opposite Murray. There are also some youngsters who are shining early, like freshman cornerback Jerrell Foster, who made a nice diving play to knock away a comeback throw to the sideline from Nathan Strock to freshman wideout Zaquon Tyson late in the day.
Having Malcom Pannell back for a fifth year gives the Flashes a veteran influence at corner opposite Murray. There are also some youngsters who are shining early, like freshman cornerback Jerrell Foster, who made a nice diving play to knock away a comeback throw to the sideline from Nathan Strock to freshman wideout Zaquon Tyson late in the day.
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