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The Kent State coaching staff have hit the recruiting trail hard this spring tracking down talent to help build the program into an Mid-American Conference contender.
Still trying to add players to the 2018 class, one of the prospects to recently earn a chance to play college ball at Kent State was Jerome Buckner II.
"Me and coach Ben (Needham) have been exchanging messages for the last few months. Today he messaged me with his number and said get to him as soon as I can. I texted him about three minutes after to let him know it was me and we got straight to business talk. I let him know I love Kent and am interested and he let me know the WR coach (Coach Doc) and OC have seen my film and they want to offer me a scholarship," Buckner stated to Hustle Belt after announcing his offer on Monday evening via Twitter.
Blessed to receive an offer from Kent State University, Glory to God! #HopeBoys #AGTG pic.twitter.com/GVLidp0pxR
— Jerome Buckner II (@Jr_Buck) May 15, 2017
A shifty playmaker who now attends Gahanna Lincoln after transferring from Columbus Academy, Buckner has already earned a few offers to date. The Flashes now join Ohio University, Elon, and Robert Morris in the pursuit of the 5’10, 160-pounder.
While he holds numerous offers and has interest coming in from programs such as Illinois, Missouri, Michigan State, Air Force, Western Michigan, Buffalo, Miami and Cincinnati, Buckner is very intrigued to learn more about what the Flashes have to offer on and off the football field.
"It was honestly unexpected. I haven't been up to the campus but with Kent State being close to home I will definitely plan on making that trip this summer," he said.
Trying to find the right place for him to not only grow as an athlete but as a student, Buckner is already starting to focus on what he wants out of a program before he decides to shut down the process and verbally commit to a school.
"What I'm looking for is the right fit. Going all the way from how the professors are graded to what style of offense the university runs to how I feel when I walk into the dorm. I am big on a home environment and a family feel and as I take my visits those two things I will be very aware of."