Football’s 2010 freshmen rank third in conference

The Kent State football team announced its 20-member 2010 recruiting class on Wednesday. Of the 20 recruits, 16 are defensive players.

Following a first-place Mid-American Conference ranking in 2009, this year’s recruiting class is ranked third in the conference and boasts five three-star recruits, according to Rivals.com.

Out of last year’s recruiting class, 12 true freshmen played at some point in the season, with five starting at least one game.

The Flashes have to replace seven starters from last year’s team, including three on offense and four on defense.

Kent State coach Doug Martin said at a press conference Wednesday the team got what it was looking for on both sides of the ball, despite only recruiting four offensive players.

“We went defense-heavy in this class as you’ll see,” Martin said. “We’ve got quite a few seniors that’ll be playing defensively for us, so in preparation for that that’s kind of where we headed. Several offensive linemen are there that I think will be real key for us.”

Martin highlighted four players at the press conference:

1. Tom Pizzurro, OL Height: 6’3” Weight: 300

Armonk, N.Y./St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.)/Hargrave Academy (Va.)

Notes: Started on offensive line of St. Thomas Aquinas’ 15-0 team that was said to be one of the nation’s best. Martin said Pizzurro can be an immediate impact player this season.

2. Dylan Farrington* CB Height: 6’0” Weight: 190

Chapel Hill, N.C./Chapel Hill/Hargrave Academy (Va.)

Notes: Was named his conference’s defensive back of the year in his senior season. Currently enrolled at Kent State, which allows him to participate in spring practices. With a lot of young defensive backs on the roster, Farrington will be in a battle for playing time.

3. Cedric McCloud* QB Height: 6’2” Weight: 218

Jacksonville, Fla./William M. Raines/Central Carolina Sports Academy (N.C.)

Notes: “I haven’t seen a guy throw a ball like this since I coached (Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback) David Garrard back at Eastern Carolina,” Martin said. “He’s got a tremendous arm, so we’re real excited for him.”

4. Steve Mehrer, LB Height: 6’1” Weight: 211

Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Jerome

Notes: Martin said Mehrer’s athleticism sets him apart from most linebackers, so look for him to play on the outside. Named all-state in his junior and senior seasons.

* Enrolled at Kent State at the beginning of the Spring 2010 semester

Contact sports editor Cody Francis at [email protected].