By: by Jake Dorow
August 24
AJC: Jones finds solace in Kennesaw State football family
The Kennesaw State Football team continued its march towards the 2016 season with a closed scrimmage on Wednesday afternoon at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
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Just 10 days separate the Owls from their second season of football, when KSU opens versus East Tennessee State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium next Saturday at 7 p.m. A limited number of tickets are on sale, and can be purchased at
KSUOwls.com/tickets.
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The Black & Gold scrimmaged under game-like situations Wednesday with the varsity offense battling the scout team defense, while the varsity defense took on the scout team offense. All game situations were rehearsed, right down to the coin toss.
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"The guys are ready to play," said head coach
Brian Bohannon. "We've been practicing for a long time, and it's getting to that point where everybody's just ready to go play. We had a simulation of a game today, two more practices this week and then we'll get into game week."
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The Owls are back in shells for Thursday afternoon's practice and will practice again Friday before taking the weekend off. Game Week prep begins Monday.
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August 23
ENEMY TERRITORY: Presbyerian
August 22
TOP 10 MOMENT (#1): Football Makes Debut
Owls Team Up With Vet Tix Program
Head coach
Brian Bohannon surveyed the gridiron Monday evening at The Perch as the Kennesaw State football team began its fourth week of preparation for its 2016 slate.
The Owls are just 12 days away from kickoff under the lights at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, welcoming familiar non-conference foe East Tennessee State to The Nest on Sept. 3 for a 7 p.m. tilt. KSU continued prep work with 1-on-1's, special teams, unit work and scout team drills.
A 20-period haul that lasted just over two hours ended with red zone work and field goals, before finishing with some Effort, Attitude, and Toughness (E.A.T) conditioning.
August 21
ENEMY TERRITORY: Clark Atlanta
August 19
Head coach
Brian Bohannon looked on as the Kennesaw State football squad practiced through a wet 20-period haul at the Perch Friday evening, concluding week three of preparation for the upcoming 2016 slate.
The Owls continued work in full pads throughout the day and picked up the tempo over the final periods, working on 1-minute drills in a fast-paced grind-it-out final periods. KSU also continued full unit work and scout teams worked with both sides of the ball.
The team will enter the weekend with two full days of rest before ramping up for ETSU Monday with only a few weeks until kickoff at 7 p.m. on Peachtree TV at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
ENEMY TERRITORY: Monmouth
August 17
August 16
The third week of preparation for the 2016 football season is well underway at Kennesaw State, and the Owls worked through a 22-period practice Tuesday afternoon in hot and humid conditions at The Perch.
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While the effort wasn't 100% from his team on Tuesday, head coach
Brian Bohannon said it isn't unexpected.
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"This is always a tough week," said the Owls' second-year head coach. "Because you're out of camp and it's the first week of school. This is always a tough one to fight through. You've got to fight through it and get better every time out."
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Much attention has been paid to the Owls' inside running game as
Jake McKenzie moves from QB to the 2-Back spot and
Micah Reed recovers from an injury that forced him to miss the end of last season, but there are seasoned playmakers on the perimeter for KSU.
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"We're trying to get some depth there, but obviously
Chaston Bennett has been a huge playmakers and he's practiced extremely hard. The guy that has come on and had a good camp is
Myles White and
Darnell Holland did some really good things last year."
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Practice continues for Kennesaw State in the late afternoons on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
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OTHER OWL NEWS
Owls Lend a Wing on KSU's Move-In Day
ENEMY TERRITORY: Gardner-Webb
August 15
School's back, and the Kennesaw State football team moved its practice back to mid-afternoon with classes in session. The Owls held their first school practice at The Perch on Monday, going through a 22-peiord grind in mid-afternoon humidity and heat.
For the first time during the month, head coach
Brian Bohannon and his staff established scout teams on both sides of the ball. With a little over two weeks remaining until Kennesaw State welcomes East Tennessee State to The Nest on Sept. 3, the Owls continued to work on executing their offensive and defensive game plans.
"Being an Owl means family. We all came here together a few years ago and have worked hard while making each other better," WR
Justin Sumpter said. "We want to make ourselves better each and every day and want everyone to reach excellence."
LINKS TO REMEMBER
SCRIMMAGE PHOTO GALLERY
KENNESAW STATE AUDIO & "THE FINAL WORD"
TRAINING CAMP: UNPLUGGED
August 13
SCRIMMAGE PHOTO GALLERY
Saturday morning's scrimmage at The Perch offered a break from the heat and humidity that has dominated Training Camp, but there wasn't a break in effort as the Owls completed a 102-play scrimmage that impressed head coach
Brian Bohannon.
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"This was a much better week of practice and today's scrimmage was much better than last Saturday's," said Bohannon. "We're still not ready to play, but we've made a lot of improvement and something we can build on over the next few weeks as we get ready for the first game."
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Saturday officially marked the end of the Owls' two-week Training Camp. The team checks out of its Training Camp hotel and moves into campus housing this afternoon in preparation for the start of classes on Monday. The team has Sunday off.
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As opposed to last week where the offense had the run of play early, it was the defense that flexed its muscles early on Saturday. A
Jordan Genovese field goal from 30 yards on the opening drive were the only points yielded by the defense over the first seven possessions.
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"We played with a lot more effort today," said sophomore WR
Justin Sumpter. "We weren't very aggressive in attacking the plays last week, and I feel like this week we picked it up a lot."
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There were no turnovers on Saturday, and just a few penalty flags.
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Scrimmage Highlights:
**
Desmond Johnson registered a clutch sack on third-and-15, dropping the QB in the backfield to force one of six straight punts early on.
**The first touchdown came on the eighth series as
Chandler Burks called his own numbers and scored from 17 yards out.
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Chaston Bennett got that first touchdown drive started with an 18-yard carry, and the key play was a pass from Burks to
Myles White for nine yards on fourth-and-one inside the Red Zone.
**Genovese booted his second field goal of the day – from 26 yards – on the ninth series.
**Burks broke free again, jetting 49 yards untouched and setting up a 10-yard TD run by
Micah Reed.
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Steven Johnson sprinted 46 yards for a touchdown to cap a drive that also saw
Tommy Bryant find
Jordan Walker for a 19-yard strike on third-and-five.
**With
Jantzen Jeffrey under center later in the scrimmage, he plunged in the end zone on a four-yard carry after a clutch fourth-down carry from
Sam Outlaw kept the drive alive.
**Burks reached pay dirt again to cap the scoring with a three-yard touchdown run. Earlier in the drive, he connected with
TJ Reed for 18 yards and found
Christian Branch for a 22-yard strike.
August 12
ENEMY TERRITORY: Missouri S&T
August 11
AJC: Henkle ready to build on last season
EXPOSURE: Unplugged
August 10
ENEMY TERRITORY: Furman
DJ Tron coming to Football This Fall
August 9
The Owls moved another step closer to prime time football at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, completing Day 2 of the second week of Training Camp on Tuesday morning. Kennesaw State will take on ETSU on Peachtree TV at 7 p.m. in The Nest.
KSU wore full pads for the second straight day for a 24-period haul, fighting off rainy showers throughout the day. The Owls picked up the tempo over the final periods of the day, working on 1-minute drills in a fast-paced battle between the offense and defense. Redshirt-sophomore
Luther Jones highlighted a strong stance from the defense, coming up with a big stop in the backfield.
"Camp is going well and I'm trying to just get back into training shape. But as a team, from week one to week two, to scrimmaging as a team, it's been a drastic change from a year ago," Jones said. "We have great chemistry up front on the defensive line, and it's great to have almost everyone back from a year ago."
The Owls will continue camp with their first two-a-day on Wednesday with the early session beginning at 9:45 a.m. before enduring on the second practice in the late afternoon.
August 8
The Kennesaw State football team moved another day closer to kickoff after completing Day 1 of the second week of Training Camp at The Perch. The Owls are working towards their opening game versus East Tennessee State at Fifth Third Bank Stadium on Sept. 3, which will mark KSU's first-ever night game with a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Owls went through a demanding 24-period practice that lasted two hours in full pads. The practice held a lot of unit work, full 11-on-11 contact and goal line work at the end of the day.
Redshirt-sophomore
Jake McKenzie highlighted period 23, lowering his shoulder and bursting through the defense for a 46-yard rush to electrify the offense in a fast-paced energetic final 10 minutes of practice with full 11-on-11 contact.
"I'm pleased with the beginning of week two. We came out with a different type of attitude this week and that's always great to see," head coach
Brian Bohannon said. "Honestly, this camp is completely different than last year and everyone has an idea of what is going on and how to go about our business. We are looking for some depth at slot and there is some really good competition at corner and up front at defensive line. The thing about us is we are young, and the competition is really good."
August 6
PHOTO GALLERY (Patrick Duffy)
EXPOSURE: 70 Yards of Contact
Under sunny, hot and humid conditions at Kennesaw State's practice facility, The Perch, the Owls scrimmaged for the first time in Training Camp and both sides of the ball had their moments during a 103-play practice.
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The KSU offense had the run of action early in the scrimmage, with QB
Trey White capping an opening drive with a one-yard touchdown. The defense was able to establish some rhythm and forced a pair of turnovers later in the scrimmage. There were just a handful of penalties.
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Some key plays and highlights:
- **Senior QB Trey White hit sophomore WR Justin Sumpter over the middle for 26 yards to help set up an early score.
- **White scored on a one-yard TD run on the opening drive.
- **Sophomore QB Chandler Burks connected with sophomore WR Jordan Walker for a 24-yard strike.
- **The longest play of the day came from senior RB Chaston Bennett, who took a pitch on third-and-short and sprinted past the defense for a 63-yard touchdown.
- **White completed a 19-yard pass up the right sideline to redshirt freshman RB TJ Reed.
- **Sophomore RB Jake McKenzie scored from two yards out, finishing a drive that included a pair of third-down conversions inside the 40-yard line.
- **Freshman QB Tommy Bryant picked up 23 yards on a rush, then scored later that same drive from five yards out.
- **The two fumbles were recovered by sophomore DB Taylor Henkle and freshman DE Allen Johnson. They were forced by sophomore LB Anthony Gore, Jr. and freshman LB Bronson Rechsteiner, respectively.
- **Sophomore K Jordan Genovese kicked a pair of field goals – from 33 and 40 yards
Following the scrimmage KSU returned to the film room to break down the tape, and meet in positional group. Sunday, the Owls are back on the practice field for a special teams practice that will bring Week 1 of Camp to a close.
August 5
The Owls threw on the pads Friday for the first time during Training Camp, and the hitting picked up and the intensity increased as the first week winds down. Friday's was a brisk and up-tempo 16-period period workout at The Perch as the team got a break from the heat. Saturday morning, the team will scrimmage for the first time in Camp.
Every Friday between now and the end of the season, keep it tuned to KSUOwls.com for the Final Word podcasts. Members of the Owl Network radio broadcast team -- Brian Giffin, Tutan Reyes and
Art Eckman -- will catch up with the Owls to offer their perspectives and insight. This week's Final Word podcasts kick off with head coach
Brian Bohannon and sophomore DL
Luther Jones.
You can listen below:
August 4
PHOTO GALLERY (Kyle Hess)
ENEMY TERRITORY: Point
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August 3
VOTE NOW: Kennesaw State's Top 10 Moments from 2015-16
ENEMY TERRITORY #1: East Tennessee State
August 2
The Kennesaw State football team completed its second day of training camp on Tuesday morning as it continues preparations for the opening act under the lights at Fifth Third Bank Stadium when the Owls welcome East Tennessee State for a 7 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 3.
The Owls went through an efficient and fast-paced two-hour practice at The Perch, once again battling the heat and humid conditions. KSU, led by Coach
Brian Bohannon and the staff, continued the process of installation on all three phases of the game – offense, defense and specials team with specific team drills throughout the day.
"So far I feel like we are doing pretty good and everyone has the right attitude. Last year we understood that we were really young for a start-up program," redshirt-sophomore linebacker
Dez Billingslea said. "The biggest difference this season is we are older, more focused and more mature. Playing under the lights this season is exciting and we want the fans to come to the games and have a great experience."
More Coverage
WSB-TV (Anthony Amey, @
AnthonyAmeyWSB)
WSB-TV (@wsbtv)
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August 1
After a day of meeting and prep on Sunday, the Kennesaw State Owls were finally back on the practice field Monday to officially begin the program's second Training Camp. The Owls will spend the next two weeks preparing for the 2016 season before classes begin at KSU on August 15.
There were 94 Owls at The Perch on Monday morning as practice began under hot and humid conditions. KSU began the day with breakfast, treatment and positional meetings before a spirited practice of 24 periods that began at 9:45 a.m. The remainder of Monday's schedule included lunch, team meetings and dinner.
"It was a good feeling getting back," said senior RB Micah Reed. "Yesterday's meeting was a big step for this season and establishing our goals and where we want to be. It was a fun atmosphere yesterday to get back with the coaches and my teammates and establishing a game plan for this year. It feels a lot different than last year. The growth on this team has grown tremendously."
The team practices again Tuesday morning without pads, will move to shells on Wednesday and Thursday and then strap on the full pads for the first time on Friday.
More Coverage
EXPOSURE: The Second Act
PHOTOS: Day 1 Gallery
AJC: 5 notes from the first day of KSU's Training Camp
July 31
The Kennesaw State Owls welcomed 94 student-athletes back to campus Sunday to report for the program's second annual Training Camp, which begins Monday morning. Sunday's activities including the players checking into the hotel, a team dinner and presentations from various departments including compliance, academics, communications and the KSU Police.
The Owls, picked to finish third in the Big South Conference this season will enter two weeks of Training Camp before classes begin August 15. KSU's season opener is set for Saturday, Sept. 3 versus East Tennessee State at 7 p.m. at Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
"The vibe around the team is great heading into year two and it's great to be back," said senior C
Malik Letatau, who was one of four Owls named Preseason All-Big South. "We have a better idea of what to expect and what's to come. We are all really excited to get things rolling. After a full year under or belts, the word we use is hungry and we are hungry to surpass what we did last year. We want to build on last year and work towards a conference championship."
Also Sunday,
Jim Kiritsy, KSU's director of strength & conditioning handed out the team's Iron Owl Award to
Dante Blackmon for his effort and dedication both in and out of the weight room over the last year.
Head Coach
Brian Bohannon ended the day by awarding three walk-on seniors -- QB
Trey White, DL
Nick Perrotta and RB
Steven Johnson -- with full scholarships for their final seasons in The Nest.
July 29
AJC: 6 things to watch as Kennesaw State opens camp
July 27
July 26
Four Owls Named Preseason All-Big South; KSU Picked Third
PHOTO GALLERY: Big South Conference Media Day
KSU Announed Football TV Schedule
MDJ: Kennesaw State tapped third in preseason poll
