One of the most prolific offensive players in Kent State football history is not ready to leave behind the blue and gold quite yet.

Quarterback Dustin Crum announced today that he will play for Kent State again in the 2021 football season, despite being a senior.

“I am happy to say that I will be returning to Kent State for another season. I am thankful for every opportunity that Kent State Football has given me and I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates and continue to chase our family goals for one more season,” Crum said on Twitter. 

Last year’s Tropical Smoothie Cafe Bowl MVP has played in all four football seasons since he arrived at Kent, but because of a blanket waiver approved by the NCAA in April, all fall sports athletes have been granted an additional year of eligibility.

Crum has decided to make use of that final year of eligibility and is almost certain to return as the starter under center for the Golden Flashes next year.

Also announcing his intention to return to Kent State was senior left guard Adam Gregoire. After missing all of 2018 with an injury Gregoire played in all 13 games last year for Kent State and was the starter again this season.

“After talking with Coach [Sean] Lewis, I know that I have a lot left in the tank to give to the program,” Gregoire said on Twitter.

The interior offensive line for the Flashes this season consisted of three seniors and Gregoire returning is very important to keeping Crum protected next season.

Kent State only played in four games this season, finishing 3-1, with its only loss coming against No. 24 Buffalo. The team’s final two games were cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.

The senior from Grafton, Ohio led a Kent State offense that was one of the best in the country under coach Sean Lewis’ “FlashFast” scheme.

Under Crum the Kent State offense was second with 49.8 points per game and first overall in total offense with 606.5 yards per game.

Despite only attempting 113 passes through four games, Crum threw for 1,181 yards and 12 touchdowns against just two interceptions. He was very efficient, completing his 72.5 percent of his passes while also rushing for 240 yards and four touchdowns

The return of Crum ensures that the Flashes will remain one of the most potent offensive threats in the nation next year.

Owen is a sports editor. Contact him at [email protected].

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Hi, I’m Lauren Sasala, a senior journalism student from Toledo. I’m also the editor in chief of The Kent Stater and KentWired this semester. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important news about Kent State and the Kent community. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate.