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'Dual Threat Dru' DeShields raising Kent State football's expectations
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- 'Dual Threat Dru' DeShields raising Kent State football's expectations
KENT — Dru DeShields has made plays with his arms and legs since his days at West Branch High School.
If Kent State's Mid-American Conference opener was any indication , "Dual Threat Dru" could be a problem for the MAC this fall.
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DeShields accounted for all three KSU touchdowns in the Golden Flashes ' 26-13 win over Ball State Saturday, Sept. 26, at Dix Stadium.
Kent State Golden Flashes quarterback Dru DeShields (12) throws during the NCAA football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sept. 19, 2026.
After leading his team to its first win in a MAC opener since 2022 and first win over Ball State since 2019, DeShields was jubilant but centered.
"It feels amazing from where we came from, but we expect this to happen," DeShields said. "The amount of work with we put in the offseason, we expect to win."
It was the kind of performance KSU coach Mark Carney expects from his quarterback.
"He's doing a really good job utilizing his legs in the pass game," Carney said. "That makes it incredibly difficult to defend."
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"They really didn't have a spy on me today," DeShields said. "They dropped a lot of people in coverage because my wide receivers are playmakers. They left a void in the defense, so I took advantage."
KSU's first touchdown vs. Ball State illustrated all of DeShields' tools.
After the pocket broke down, DeShields scrambled to his right and found Brandon White for a 7-yard TD. It was White's first collegiate score.
"That's just the scramble drill," DeShields said. "Brandon found space in the defense. His man attacked me, so I just threw it to him. Credit to him for finding that space."
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DeShields later connected with Da'Realyst Clark on a 5-yard TD pass, and had a 7-yard TD run.
It all added up to DeShields going 16-of-25 passing for 182 yards and two TDs. He also led KSU's rushing attack against Ball State with 71 yards and a TD.
With stats like that, DeShields and Carney said they wouldn't be surprised if defenses shift more attention DeShields' way.
"People might watch film and decide to put a spy on me," DeShields said. "That takes a guy out of coverage. It's pick your poison at that point."
"It's tough. That element of Dru's game puts a lot of pressure on defensive coordinators," Carney said. "Makes it tough to call plays."
Micahel Leonard can be reached at mleonard@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 'Dual Threat Dru' DeShields raising Kent State football's expectations
