Three former Flashes announce NFL signings as UDFA

Brady Hamilton

Kent State graduate student Nico Bolden takes down Ball State’s Carson Steele during the game Nov. 2.

Jacob Shondel, Reporter
April 30, 2023

As the NFL draft ended, no player from Kent State’s football team heard their name called — extending the program’s streak to nine years without a player being drafted. 

The last player to be selected in the NFL draft was Dri Archer in 2014. 

The next step for eligible players is signing as an undrafted free agent. So far, three players have announced their signing. 

Nico Bolden

Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Bolden will be signing with the Carolina Panthers. 

The 6’3’’ safety led KSU’s defense recording 103 tackles during the 2022 season, totaling 188 tackles over his two seasons at Kent State. 

During the Oct. 15 matchup against Toledo, Bolden recorded a career 14 tackles.

The Panthers, who had the first pick in the NFL draft, selected Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. 

Marvin Pierre

Per Kent State football, Pierre will be signing with the Arizona Cardinals.

Kris Leach (11) and Nathan Monnin (67) celebrate in the endzone during Kent State’s 52-47 win over Northern Illinois on Wednesday night.

Pierre, who appeared in 11 games for the Flashes, recorded 98 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. 

The 6’1’’ linebacker posted three games of 10 or more tackles and two games totaling multiple tackles for loss. 

During the 2023 draft, the Cardinals selected two players at the linebacker position. 

Kris Leach

Per Kent State football, Leach will be signing with the Denver Broncos. 

Leach, who started all 11 games last season, led all tight ends for KSU, recording 94 yards on eight catches. 

In his career at Kent State, he totaled 16 catches for 190 yards and played in 28 games. 

The Broncos selected five players in the 2023 draft, with only two playing offense. 

Notable undrafted players from KSU

It’s been nine years since the last Flash heard their name called on draft night.

Three former Flashes signed as undrafted free agents and had long careers in the NFL:

  • Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers) 16 seasons
  • James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots) 15 seasons
  • Josh Cribbs (Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets) 10 seasons

Gates ranks first in NFL history with 116 receiving touchdowns. 

Harrison is the only undrafted free agent to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2008). 

Cribbs totaled eight kick return touchdowns in his career – second most all time. 

Jacob Shondel is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].