After coming off a 2-10 season last year, the Kent State Golden Flashes are ready for a big season this year in the MAC Conference. One of those players expected to have a big season is Safety KJ Sherald who is ready for this season to begin as he was excited to get practice going yesterday. “It’s really fun out there being with your teammates getting better and working every day,” Sherald said.
This is the second year for Head Coach Sean Lewis at Kent State, and Sherald says that the team has improved in all phases of the game. “We are moving a lot faster. The offense has moved a lot faster, and that makes the defense move at a faster pace. We also have a lot of depth at the receiver position, which helps the defensive backs,” Sherald stated.
The Golden Flashes have some nonconference opponents in the first few weeks of the season including Arizona State, Auburn, and Wisconsin. Sherald says he is excited to head to those places to play the sport he loves. “It’s an opportunity for us to change this program. Those are big games, and a lot of people don’t think we will win. It’s an opportunity for us to turn this program around. We were in a lot of those games last year but did not finish. We are looking to finish this year,” Sherald commented.
Sherald also says that the coaching staff has been enjoyable to work with. He has learned a lot since the time that they got to Kent State. “It’s fun; it’s always good to work with Coach Windham and Coach Hood. They have a lot of attention to detail, so when we go on the field, they preach urgency and running to the ball and all the little things that come with playing defensive back,” Sherald said.
Sherald had 91 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and three sacks last year for the Golden Flashes. One of his biggest goals this year is to get his first interception. He has not got one since he has been at Kent State and wants to accomplish that this season. “We need interceptions because it would change the momentum for us in the game. So we are all trying to get more interceptions on the board, more tackles for loss, and recover some more fumbles,” Sherald mentioned.
Sherald also enjoys playing in the MAC and says there are a lot of underrated players in the conference which creates competition. “It’s a lot of competition, and not a lot of people look at the MAC Conference. I think it’s good football and it’s a great conference. I’m honored to be a part of it,” Sherald added.
Kent State starts their season on August 29th at Arizona State. Kickoff is at 10 PM on PAC-12 Networks.