Injured veterans could return for resumption of MAC football schedule

The Golden Flashes may welcome several injured players back to action when the Mid-American Conference schedule resumes on Saturday at Northern Illinois.

Haynes talks to fans during Monday's
Coach's Corner at Water Street Tavern

While they don't appear on the official depth chart released on Monday, linebacker DeVante' Strickland and safety Calvin Tiggle may be back on Saturday according to head coach Paul Haynes.

Strickland hasn't played all season long. Tiggle hasn't played since the season opener against Ohio University.

Getting two seniors back in the middle of this young defense could be a big lift for the Flashes, especially against a team that ranks 13th in the nation in rushing offense and also likes to throw to the backs on screen plays. Covering backs out of the backfield was an issue for the Flashes last week in Virginia. 

During his weekly Coach's Corner luncheon meet and greet at Water Street Tavern earlier today, Haynes said he doubts that running back Trayion Durham will be back to face Northern Illinois. This game was something of a target date for the Flashes regarding Durham. After Durham missed all of preseason camp, the coaching staff cautiously hoped to have the big back for the bulk of the conference season. On Monday, Haynes talked about the possibility of redshirting Durham.

Haynes said sophomore Nick Holley is the primary back and he will continue to be spelled by senior Anthony Meray and freshman Miles Hibbler. Some fans and members of the media noticed that Hibbler did not see action at Virginia. Haynes confirmed today that Hibbler's absence was due to a minor injury, and he is expected back this weekend.

If you haven't attended one of the Coach's Corners at Water Street Tavern on Monday and you are a Kent State football fan, you should check it out. The crowds have been very good, and Haynes goes out of his way to try to talk to everyone there before addressing the crowd and answering the questions. I'm a former member of the media, and I've actually learn more from those Q and A's then I have in the weekly press conferences. They are more informal and Haynes is pretty candid.

Next week's Coach's Corner will feature a very special guest in former Kent State quarterback Joshua Cribbs.

Just a tip ... I always order my lunch from Mr. Zub's Deli (which is located in the Water Street Tavern) online and it is always waiting for me when I arrive. No wait and more chance to mingle.

One of the interesting things to come out of Monday's Q and A was the fact that senior wide receiver Chris Humphrey is getting more inquiries from NFL scouts than anyone on the Flashes' roster. They like Humphrey as a possible Brian Brennan-type possession receiver. Other players like tight end Casey Pierce and Durham, even with the injury, are also very much on the NFL radar.

The Flashes are 0-4, but that hasn't kept NFL scouts away. Josh Cribbs, Julian Edelman, James Harrison and many more have played for Kent State teams that have struggled. A picture frame hanging just outside Haynes' office door and holding the business cards of the NFL scouts who frequently visit Kent reminds current and future Golden Flashes that "Kent State feeds the NFL."