Golden Flashes pick up key new pieces, zero in on free safety Jelani Keyton
KENT, Ohio - A month into Kent State's season has seen them split the middle: coming out on top against Wofford College and Ball State in their first MACtion of the season, but dropping two tough contests against ranked opponents South Carolina and Ohio State. From these results, they have started to see some action on the recruiting trails.
The team received the hard commitment from two-star quarterback C.J. O'Malley, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound quarterback out of Olney, Maryland. O'Malley, a pocket-passing quarterback noted for his quick release paired with a rocket of a deep-ball, briefly considered Ohio and Toledo, but ultimately closed his recruitment early and committed to the Golden Flashes.
"I didn't even need to go on my official visit, that's how sure I am" commented O'Malley after news of his commitment was released. "After conversations with Coach [Mark] Carney, and the level of detail Coach [Khalil] Prince is bringing to the offense, it was a shoe-in for me to go there. I'm excited to get down there and start to work."
The team also landed a verbal commitment from two-star outside linebacker DeMarcus Dougan. Dougan, a hard-hitting linebacker all the way from Long Beach, California, Dougan made his verbal commitment on the spot during his official visit to Kent this past weekend, as he was on campus for Kent State's strong victory over Ball State. Southern Mississippi and Navy are still reported to be in the bidding for his services, but Kent State is expected to land the 6-foot-1, 228 pound backer.
"My grandfather served in the Navy, so that connection has always been important for me to go and explore," commented Dougan. "But Kent State is building something slowly under Coach Carney and I respect what they've got going on. It was a movie there this past weekend and I can definitely see myself being a part of that."
The team remains in on free safety Jelani Keyton, a 5-foot-9 free safety from Blaistown, New Jersey who still is sporting a top 5 that has Kent State at the top, but includes schools such as UMass , West Virginia, and Boston College amongst them. The rangy safety isknown for his ball-hawking ability and fluid hips, with an impressive ability to cut in different directions and cover space with ease despite his more diminutive stature. He is expected to be on campus during Kent State's Week 5 matchup against Ohio this weekend.
Recruiting Class of 2027Kent State Golden Flashes Recruiting Board
| Player | Pos | St | ★ | Natl | St Rk | Pos Rk | Top 3 | Stage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeMarcus Dougan | WILL | CA | 2 | 3106 | 273 | 243 | | 🟡Verbal Commit |
| C.J. O'Malley | QB | MD | 2 | 1987 | 39 | 140 | | 🟢Hard Commit |
| Pierre Farrior | WILL | CA | 2 | 2505 | 226 | 188 |   | Offer Sent |
| Jelani Keyton | FS | NJ | 2 | 1853 | 66 | 67 |   | Visit Scheduled |
| Dakota Hebert | MIKE | CO | 2 | 1442 | 11 | 81 |  | Offer Sent |
| Gerald Blade | OG | VA | 1 | 3784 | 105 | 184 |  | 🟡Verbal Commit |