What we learned today during The Paul Haynes Show

We talked head football coach Paul Haynes for quite a bit about the Golden Flashes’ running game during today’s radio show at the Kent State Student Center. 

He said the status of running back Trayion Durham is still unclear, and it appears that the Flashes will go with a running back by committee starting with senior Anthony Meray first, then sophomore Nick Holley and freshman Miles Hibbler. Haynes is very pleased with what all three have shown in camp and does not appear to be overly concerned with the fact that Hibbler will be making his college debut while Holley is getting used to playing running back after making the move from wide receiver.

The one thing missing from the threesome is the change-of-pace factor that the 250-pound Durham offered with a speedster like Archer. According to Haynes, Meray, Holley and Hibbler bring similar skillsets, with Hibbler possibly having the most breakaway speed of the three. Haynes also likes the fact that all three also have the ability to make plays catching the ball out of the backfield.

While Durham may not be available, it will be nice to see the other Kent State player who wears the uniform No. 34 be back in action. Haynes has raved about fifth-year senior Richard Gray, both for his play on the field this spring and his attitude off of it. If Gray can put it all together in his final year after missing last season to ineligibility, he could set himself up for a very real chance to play on Sundays. This is a special talent with superior athleticism at 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. Ohio University will remember that from his superhuman punt block two years ago in Athens that saw him leap over a blocker to get to the kick. An NFL team playing a 3-4 and ready to convert Gray from defensive line to a standup position at linebacker could have a real find.

We’ll be back to record The Paul Haynes Show in the Kent State Student Center every Thursday at noon during the football season, and it is a great opportunity for fans to come down and meet Haynes, his coaches and players who will come on as guests. 

Today’s guest was tight end Casey Pierce, another player on the Kent State roster with NFL potential. He is an impressive guy, and he had quite a few positive things to say about the development of some of his younger teammates. Pierce specifically talked about the development of sophomore wide receivers James Brooks and Ernest Calhoun. Combine those two with senior Chris Humphrey and Pierce believes there is enough talent and playmaking on the perimeter to really open up opportunities for him in the middle of the football field.

Pierce caught 33 passes for 364 yards – the most by a tight end at Kent State since Jason Gavazda in 1999. He should up those numbers and as a prototype of what NFL teams are looking for at the tight end position, don’t be surprised to see him follow past Flashes tight ends like Gavazda and O.J. Santiago in a chance to play at the next level.