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Being nudged into a tight spot next to their main rival and in the heart of B1G country has led to some interesting recruiting practices for Kent State. The Golden Flashes have typically mined the south as good or better than other MAC schools, and it's something the doesn't appear to be changing anytime soon.
Conor Brumfield
Acworth, Georgia
Status: Verbally committed to Kent State
Height: 6'4''
Weight: 235lbs
Position(s): OL (TE)
High School: Altoona
Last week Kent State received commitment No. 3 from an Atlanta-area prospect with a unique skill set. Conor Brumfield, an offensive tackle from Altoona High School, is the second player from the South to commit to Kent State already.
Brumfield pledged to the Golden Flashes over offers from Georgia State and a handful of FCS programs, telling the Marietta Daily Journal, "I'm just excited about it. I'm happy to get the opportunity that I want to make it to the next level..."
At 6-foot-4 but just 235 pounds, Brumfield is an interesting prospect. He's played quarterback in the past, and projects to be a tight end when he gets to Kent State until he can gain some more weight. But what he lacks in current size, he makes up for in natural ability. Those worried about his lack of a natural position right now should keep in mind that former Central Michigan tackle Eric Fisher arrived in Mt. Pleasant in similar fashion, too small to be en effective tackle, and ultimately had grown too big to play other positions. Five years later he wound up in the NFL.
I'm not claiming Brumfield has the potential to be an Eric Fisher. I don't know, and only Brumfield and the Golden Flashes' coaching staff really will. But there's some great skills in Brumfield's arsenal. He's an aggressive run blocker, and while pass blocking isn't his strength, with added bulk at the college level he could become an impenetrable wall.
He possesses quick hands and quick feet, and since the Kent State staff will get to bulk him up they can ensure he keeps his quickness with added mass. He may be currently unranked by the scouting services, but there's legit potential in this Georgia prospect.
Check out his highlights, courtesy of Hudl: