By Mark Pszonak
With head coach Kenni Burns being placed on administrative leave, Kent State players are immediately eligible to enter the transfer portal. Numerous players will be contacted by other schools with the hope that they make themselves available. Here are three who will be the busiest in the coming days and weeks:
S Tevin Tucker, Redshirt Sophomore
At 5-foot-11 and 190-pounds, the North Carolina native enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with the Golden Flashes. Tevin Tucker totaled 65 tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended and one forced fumble after redshirting in 2023. Coming out of high school, he committed to Kent State over James Madison, Liberty, Delaware, Old Dominion and a host of FCS programs. He was one of the few young bright spots on a defensive unit that faced their fair share of difficulties during an 0-12 season.
LB Jayden Studio, Sophomore
To go along with Tucker, the other young defensive player who made a positive impression last season was true freshman linebacker Jayden Studio. 6-foot-0, 225-pounds, Studio was an in-state recruit who slid under-the-radar during his process. However, he immediately made his mark at Kent State, finishing the season with 38 tackles, two tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble. Young defensive playmakers will always be well received in the portal.
DT Stephen Daley, Senior
After a slow start as a true freshman, Stephen Daley has become one of the more productive defensive players on the roster over his last two seasons. Having totaled 99 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two fumble recoveries during this time, the 6-foot-1, 260-pounder from Virginia is a bit undersized, but has made up for that with his athleticism and instincts.
