Iowa State Cyclones
Kent makes leap forward in '06, wants even more
From Canton REPOSITORY
By MIKE POPOVICH
Canton REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER
KENT Quarterback Julian Edelman still remembers Kent State's bus ride home from Ball State after the final football game of 2006.
The Golden Flashes lost. Their last hope for a bowl berth was gone. A bitter ending suddenly hung over a once-promising season.
"You think of the last game, driving back a couple hours with the taste in your mouth you just lost," Edelman said. "You had a chance to change something for this program."
How 2006 finished is what fuels the Flashes in 2007. They made a giant leap forward a year ago. Their next step is to finish what they began.
With 19 starters back, the Flashes have the potential to contend for their first Mid-American Conference title and bowl appearance since 1972 when future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Lambert starred for them.
They got a taste of first in the MAC East through the end of October last season, but lost four of their final five games to finish 6-6.
"They were very disappointed in the way the season ended, that we didn't finish better," Head Coach Doug Martin said. "They got to the door where they could see the prize on the other side, but we just didn't knock the door down."
Last year's late-season slump certainly did not shatter Kent State's spirits.
"It has made them hungrier, work harder and motivated them," Martin said. "I think they're embracing the fact there are expectations of them now where there hasn't been before. And it has been a much more intense summer camp than what we've had before."
The mindset now, starting nose tackle Colin Ferrell said, is competing to the end.
"Ever since the end of last season, all we have been focusing on is finishing everything up," Ferrell said. "Every drill, every play, every practice, we have to finish hard."
The Flashes were part of the fourth-biggest turnaround in college football last season. In 2005, they lost nine straight games and finished 1-10.
Martin said the players' belief in themselves helped with their success. The addition of Edelman also was a factor.
Edelman transferred to Kent State from the College of San Mateo (Calif.) and quickly became one of the MAC's top quarterbacks. Despite batting a shoulder injury that required off-season surgery, he threw for 1,859 yards and 10 touchdowns and finished second on the team in rushing with 658 yards and seven TDs.
Martin also saw a will to win out of Edelman.
"The mentality he brought to our football team; he didn't care about the past of Kent State," Martin said. "He was just worried about playing now and the future of it. His competitiveness really changed our team as a whole."
Edelman certainly helped the Flashes take a big step forward in 2006. He anticipates more success in 2007.
"With the coaching staff and players we have, I expect us to be contenders," he said.
By MIKE POPOVICH
Canton REPOSITORY SPORTS WRITER
KENT Quarterback Julian Edelman still remembers Kent State's bus ride home from Ball State after the final football game of 2006.
The Golden Flashes lost. Their last hope for a bowl berth was gone. A bitter ending suddenly hung over a once-promising season.
"You think of the last game, driving back a couple hours with the taste in your mouth you just lost," Edelman said. "You had a chance to change something for this program."
How 2006 finished is what fuels the Flashes in 2007. They made a giant leap forward a year ago. Their next step is to finish what they began.
With 19 starters back, the Flashes have the potential to contend for their first Mid-American Conference title and bowl appearance since 1972 when future Pro Football Hall of Famer Jack Lambert starred for them.
They got a taste of first in the MAC East through the end of October last season, but lost four of their final five games to finish 6-6.
"They were very disappointed in the way the season ended, that we didn't finish better," Head Coach Doug Martin said. "They got to the door where they could see the prize on the other side, but we just didn't knock the door down."
Last year's late-season slump certainly did not shatter Kent State's spirits.
"It has made them hungrier, work harder and motivated them," Martin said. "I think they're embracing the fact there are expectations of them now where there hasn't been before. And it has been a much more intense summer camp than what we've had before."
The mindset now, starting nose tackle Colin Ferrell said, is competing to the end.
"Ever since the end of last season, all we have been focusing on is finishing everything up," Ferrell said. "Every drill, every play, every practice, we have to finish hard."
The Flashes were part of the fourth-biggest turnaround in college football last season. In 2005, they lost nine straight games and finished 1-10.
Martin said the players' belief in themselves helped with their success. The addition of Edelman also was a factor.
Edelman transferred to Kent State from the College of San Mateo (Calif.) and quickly became one of the MAC's top quarterbacks. Despite batting a shoulder injury that required off-season surgery, he threw for 1,859 yards and 10 touchdowns and finished second on the team in rushing with 658 yards and seven TDs.
Martin also saw a will to win out of Edelman.
"The mentality he brought to our football team; he didn't care about the past of Kent State," Martin said. "He was just worried about playing now and the future of it. His competitiveness really changed our team as a whole."
Edelman certainly helped the Flashes take a big step forward in 2006. He anticipates more success in 2007.
"With the coaching staff and players we have, I expect us to be contenders," he said.
Badge
About
My Other Color - Friend of Fred
Music
© 2009 Created by JCloned on Ning. Create a Ning Network!
