Two-a-day practices begin for KSU football team

The first of 10 scheduled two-a-day practices began for the Kent State football team Wednesday with the first practice going from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in full pads and helmets and the second running from 3:30 to 5 p.m. sans gear.

With about 25 minutes remaining at the end of the second practice, a lightning strike in the distance caused a short delay as the team immediately ran off the field and headed for the nearby Fieldhouse to finish the day’s work.

Understand, getting nearly 100 people from one place to another isn’t usually the easiest exercise to undertake, yet the Flashes handled the sudden change in venue with precision.

“I like this team, I really do,” second-year head coach Darrell Hazell said. “Their preparation is just off the charts. They’re all just so focused right now. The older guys are finally bringing the younger along and teaching them, they’re all working hard and there’s no complaining. It’s just a blessing and fun to be around.”

As for standouts on the day, Hazell pointed to quarterbacks David Fisher (junior) and Colin Reardon (freshman) as having an excellent morning practice.

“It was a phenomenal morning for those two, then I thought all three (including senior Spencer Keith) came back and had a great afternoon,” Hazell said.

The coach also liked the day’s work from freshman tailback Julian Durden (Pa.) and fifth-year senior receiver Matt Hurdle (Va.).

“Durden’s going to be something special,” Hazell said. “And Hurdle’s been very consistent, every day. If he can keep coming along the way he has so far, he will help us tremendously.”
 

Hurdle's emergence is all the more important for the Flashes during camp with top receiver Tyshon Goode sidleined with a high hamstring injury suffered the first day of preseason camp. Hazell said he expects it to be at least two weeks before Goode will even be able to get back on the field to test his left leg.