The football team began its training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 1, seeking to build on the success of last season, where they won twelve games and reached the quarterfinals of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
After ranking fifth in the College Football America 2018 Yearbook Preseason FCS Top 30 poll, the reigning Big South Conference champions are following head coach Brian Bohannon’s vision in pursuit to first place aspirations.
“The vision was very clear. The foundation was going to be laid upon this idea called effort, attitude and toughness,” quarterback Chandler Burks said. “You see it everywhere. It’s posted in our locker room, it’s posted on our helmets, it’s in the office. It’s everywhere. From there, we’re going to take that mentality to the field and win championships. That’s the conference championship, which guarantees you a spot into the playoffs, and then taking that to the national championship and becoming the powerhouse in the FCS.”
The senior’s determination is pushing him to improve on accuracy this training camp. He said the quarterbacks fell short of their goal last season after completing around 60 percent of their passes. Burks, whose skills also landed him on the preseason Walter Payton Award watch list, may serve his biggest impact with his off-the-field intangibles.
“If he was running for president I’d vote for him,” senior wide receiver Justin Sumpter said. “That’s the type of person he is, probably one of the greatest leaders I’ve ever been around.
The leadership attitude has trickled throughout the team, with some of the younger players taking roles usually held by veterans. This can be seen through sophomore defensive standout Bryson Armstrong, who has become as much a vocal leader as he is a physical leader.
“I’m trying to become a better leader and work on my leadership skills,” Armstrong said. “It’s important as a defense we communicate. And so, this year I’m really focused on communicating as a defense and getting to know my teammates a little better.”
Unsatisfied with the pace and intensity of training camp, Bohannon challenged the team in a meeting. As pads were put on and the week progressed, the team gradually improved.
Because the bulk of returning seniors is on offense, Bohannon said there are many unsolidified positions, including left tackle and multiple defensive positions.
In order to stand out, players are referring back to Bohannon’s vision of effort, attitude and toughness.
“Effort is the one thing that everyone can control,” running back Darnell Holland said. “It’s impossible to run 100 yards so fast, but you can always control your effort and give 100 percent no matter what.”
“Our main motivation is just trying to be the mentally and physically toughest offensive line in the country,” said pre-season All-American center CJ Collins. “And, taking care of one another and looking out for each other, because on the offensive line it’s really a brotherhood. It’s got to be a five in one heartbeat.”
As the season draws nearer, the team will need to continue to practice at a high standard to be prepared for a tough first opponent. The head coach expects nothing less.
“The gold standard of this program is just certain things that are required to be a Kennesaw State football player. Effort, attitude and toughness are definitely some of them,” Bohannon said. “To play harder and have a better attitude and be mentally and physically tougher than anybody we play, you have to practice like it. And that’s the hard part. I definitely think they understand the standard. I think every day, to come out and fight to get to the standard is the challenge.”
