Kent State punter Derek Adams to enter NCAA transfer portal

Kent State will look to replace a key part of their special teams unit in 2020, as redshirt junior punter Derek Adams announced his intention to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal on Friday morning.

Adams, the team’s primary punter since 2016, averaged 43.3 net yards per punt in 2019, with 19 fair catches, 11 punts of 50+ yards and just three touchbacks. He also had a season-long 76-yarder against Ball State, one yard short of his career-long punt (77 yards vs. Akron, 2018.)

It was a proper return to form after Adams suffered a season-ending injury early on in the 2018 season, as Adams was named to the all-MAC third-team defensive honors in 2019, behind Ohio’s Michael Farkas and Miami’s Kyle Kramer. Adams was named special teams player of the week for his performances vs. Wisconsin and vs. Auburn this past season.

Adams was also named to the all-MAC second team defense in 2017 after averaging 43.6 yards per punt and being named MAC East Special Teams Player of the Week twice.

Kent State was one of the most efficient special teams units in the country thanks in part to his stellar kicking efforts, with the Flashes giving up an average of 2.7 yards per punt return, good enough for 10th in the country. At the end of MAC play, the Golden Flashes were a Top 25 unit in net punting yards, finishing as the best unit in the MAC.

As he took a redshirt in his junior season, Adams should be eligible to play immediately upon transfer as a graduate. It is unknown where Adams will be transferring to as of publication.