Calhoun and other wide receivers shine on Camp Day 4

Several big plays by Kent State receivers highlighted Thursday’s Day No. 4 of preseason camp at Dix Stadium.

I almost got knocked over on the sideline as sophomore Charles Chandler soared high to pull down a throw from Colin Reardon. That just happens to be the photo I snapped of the grab right there to the left. If Chandler can keep making plays like that, he will be a valuable asset as at 6-foot-2 he is the second tallest receiver on the roster behind freshman Luke Grandjean.

The most eye-popping catch was made by Ernest Calhoun. The 5-foot-6 sophomore speedster used his legs to turn several short throws into big plays on Thursday, but he showed off his hands by reaching back with one hand to pull in a throw by Reardon that was behind him on a crossing pattern early in the day.

Calhoun was thrust into a role as Dri Archer’s stand-in last season while Archer recovered from an injury suffered in week one. He responded in the return game by bringing back 29 kickoffs for 514 yards. He also had an impact in the rushing game with a 29-yard run against Bowling Green highlighting his five carries for 59 yards. Of his eight catches for 42 yards last season, four grabs were turned in during an early trip to LSU.

From a talk with offensive coordinator Brian Rock following today’s practice, it looks like Calhoun could become an even bigger part of the offense this year. Rock pointed to Calhoun and fellow sophomore James Brooks as potential big-play makers in the passing game this season.

Calhoun walked on last season as a freshman from nearby Akron Buchtel. His hard work in 2013 and in the offseason was rewarded two nights ago when he was given a full scholarship along with fellow walk-ons fifth-year senior Marcus Wright and junior defensive end Clay Miller.

“You get what your work deserves, and (Calhoun) has worked hard in the classroom and also on the field,” head coach Paul Haynes said after practice. “It was much deserving.”

Tomorrow is the first day in full pads for the Flashes. Haynes said the team will likely do one “live” period on Friday “to see, when the lights turn on, who kind of shines.”

Here’s a "Did You Know" that only longtime fans might remember – those fans who watched Kent State football from 1941 until Dix Stadium opened in 1969.

Click the picture above for
a then-and-now look at the
Dix Stadium stands

The current stands beyond the north end zone of Dix Stadium are actually the stands from the sideline of old Memorial Stadium. That previous home of the Golden Flashes football team used to be located on what is now the parking lot in front of the M.A.C. Center.

The stands from the north and south sidelines at Memorial Stadium were moved east down Summit Street to the new Dix Stadium in 1968 to serve as the bleachers behind the north and south end zones. The south bleachers were torn down in 2007 to make room for the current scoreboard and concession area. 

DIX STADIUM PROMOTIONAL SCHEDULE FOR 2014

Just to add to the fun of the 2014 Kent State Football season, we have a wide range of tailgate and game promotions schedule for all six home games.

Here’s a look at the promotion schedule, along with a reminder that season and single-game tickets are on sale now for the 2014 season. CLICK HERE for more information.