Kent State Spring Football Talk
- SSN - Kent State
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
It’s April 11th 2026, 1 year removed from when Coach Carney was officially introduced as the interim head coach for the 2025 season. Ironically, both days started the same way. A cold brisk morning with kids running around, pop music blaring over the speakers and the Golden Flashes ready to prepare for a practice. This practice started off differently though. A lot more is known about this team compared to the year prior.
The practice started with a special teams walk through, followed by offense and defense walk through, and then individual period. After that, the competition started. “First team O vs first team D” as Coach Carney's voice echoes through the speakers. Here we go.
The first big play of the day started on offense, where Dru DeShields connected with Jared Kelley for a big gain. The next couple of drives were won by the defense, back to back interceptions. One of those interceptions came from Safety Derrick Jackson III. Offense got back on their grove after the two turnovers. The first being a 40 yard gain, Dru DeShields to Ardell Banks. Next, Banks is found again, this time in the back of endzone after an acrobatic "headtop"catch as the kids would say nowadays.
Post practice, more smiling, kids scoring and showing their dance moves, players signing autographs and an always happy Coach Carney. When asked about practice and the spring thus far, coach said "there’s a renewed energy, a renewed focus for the 2026 season". Carney mentioned that he’s pleased with how receivers Jared Kelley and Jay Jay Ethridge have stepped up after the departure of receivers Deshaun Martin and Cade Wolford. He mentioned the defensive line as another position group that he’s pleased with, with Jahmod Mathis transferring after one year. Semaj Bridgeman, Antonio Bottiggi and Jaihien Roy are ready for the challenge this year and fill the production that has left.
We then began to talk about the 2 position groups with the most overhaul this offseason; the running backs and linebackers. True Freshman running backs Brandon White, transfer Jakorian Caffey and transfer Mason King are some guys that are separating themselves from the pack. This battle looks to be settled during the fall. The linebacker room is a room that’s filled with “football guys” as Carney said. There’s Rising freshman who are a year older, along with transfers Hayden Dawahare and Rocco Nicholl, Nate Gregory. They’re all pushing for playing time this fall and the starters will be finalized during the fall as well
There’s also a group of freshman that are making a case to play this fall. Carney said “Similar to last year, this freshman class is expected to have guys that will be playing this fall.” But who from this freshman class can we expect to see play this fall? There’s a couple that have stood out in Carney's eyes. Running back Brandon White from St. Edward’s, Wide receiver Brendan Smith, versatile Defensive Lineman Eckley Bridges, Corner Lennox Lemon and Lineman Will Johnson have all made the case to play early.
This team is not a finished product as carney said But they’re getting there. With a couple more spring practices to go, along with summer workouts and fall ball. The questions that Carney & co are asking, will be answered.