MACwood Squares is our summer reading series on the best athletes in Mid-American Conference sports history. This week features Kent State. Looking for your MAC school? Consult our schedule for other teams and please submit your nominees as well.
It's too bad this feature didn't run a couple years from now, because Roosevelt Nix might be considered for it. But even though he had the best year by a defenseman in the MAC ever, this is a career mark, not a single-season award. Fortunately, the Golden Flashes have enough history to fill up a nice set of great players.
WR Eugene Baker (1995-98) — Holds every receiving record (receptions, yards, TDs) in school history. Only man to have 15 receptions in a game (which he did three times) or four touchdowns (which he did twice). Had 18 TDs in a season — nobody in their career had more than 15.
QB Joshua Cribbs (2001-04) — A school record 10,839 total yards. First in passing yards, third in rushing yards, first in points and first in touchdowns; 2-time Pro Bowl kick returner for the Cleveland Browns.
LB James Harrison (1999-2001) — Fifth all time in tackles for loss, holds record for sacks in a game (five, ironically against Ben Roethlisberger). Admittedly his career was more impressive in the NFL: Four-time Pro Bowler, won two Super Bowls with the Steelers, was the AP Defensive POY in 2008.
LB Jack Lambert (1971-73) — Second all-time in tackles, holds single-season record for tackles in a season (233) and once had 29 tackles in a game. 1972 MAC Defensive POY, 1972-73 AP All-American honorable mention; 46th overall selection in 1974 NFL Draft, 9-time Pro Bowl selection with Pittsburgh Steelers, helped win four Super Bowls, and was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
RB Eric Wilkerson (1985-88) — Holds record for all-purpose yards (6,026) and is second in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and third in total points. Was named 1987 MAC Player of the Year, and twice was an AP All-American honorable mention. Also second on the team in kick returns.
The school also produced three great coaches: Lou Holtz, Gary Pinkel and Nick Saban all played there. Pinkel was an All-American tight end. You could also consider recent players Julian Edelman, Brian Lainhart, and Jameson Konz, who didn't always have the numbers but gave their fans fond memories.
Okay, vote.
Who are your nominees for Kent State's MACwood Squares? Comment below, tweet us at @HustleBelt or submit a FanPost making your case. The final nine will be revealed Friday.