First Place: Da’Realyst Clark

Junior wide receiver Da’Realyst Clark is “Da” best male athlete in Kent. Not only does Clark have one of the most unique names in KSU sports, but he also had one of the most iconic seasons in recent memory.

“We have one of “Da” best players in “Da” nation,” coach Mark Carney said. “His impact on defenses and the way he plays the game make him a special kid.”

Clark had four memorable moments in wins during the 2025 season, including nation-leading two kickoff-return touchdowns.

Starting the season off against Merrimack, Clark returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown as a part of the Flashes’ first win in almost two years.

“Da’Realyst Clark is a special player,” Carney said. “I knew if 30 got his hands on it, he was gonna make a special play.”

While Clark’s first kickoff return iced the game, his second set the tone early for another win. Just 14 seconds into the Flashes’ 42-6 homecoming win against UMass, Clark sped down the sideline en route to a 91-yard touchdown.

Speed is not the only way Clark can score touchdowns, as he threw one to freshman wide receiver Wayne Harris on a pitch play to seal a 24-21 win against the Bowling Green Falcons.

“Little do people know I used to play quarterback, so it’s nothing new,” Clark said. “I do whatever it takes for the team to win, regardless if it’s playing offense, defense or if I have to kick return.”

The Wagon Wheel rivalry is arguably the best in the entirety of the Mid-American Conference, and Clark stamped his spot in its history with an 89-yard touchdown catch. The receiver’s deep ball touchdown was a part of the Flashes’ 42-35 win over the Akron Zips, in which the wagon wheel was brought back to KSU.

Following the season, Clark was awarded MAC Special Teams Player of the Year as well as All-MAC First Team honors as a return specialist in recognition of his excellent season.

“Nothing has really changed, I’m still the same guy,” Clark said. “I stay in the house, play the game, football is still cool, and I chill with my lady, that’s all I do.”

Second Place: Luke Matthews

The starting senior shortstop for the Kent State baseball team, Luke Matthews, is arguably the most all-around player on the team.

While last season was Matthews’ first with the Flashes, the shortstop previously played at the collegiate level for Palomar College, where he was second on the team in hits with 66 in 2024.

Experience is an underrated aspect that the senior brings to the Flashes, as it can be leaned on when the season becomes difficult.

“In the portal era, older wins,” coach Jeff Duncan said. “When you get challenged and seasoned in the game of baseball, you have a chance to be very successful.”

In 2025, Matthews blossomed into one of the best players in Kent and the MAC on his way to earning second-team honors.

Matthews dominated from the plate last season with a .354 batting average on 58 hits, including 15 multi-hit games and a seven-game hitting streak.

Additionally, last season defensively, Matthews recorded a .935 fielding percentage with 62 putouts and 26 double plays turned.

On the base paths, Matthews stole the third most bags on the team last season with 18 in 25 attempts, displaying his impact on all aspects of the game.

“When you’re strong up the middle, you have the chance to win a lot of games,” Duncan said. “I think we can have the best defense in the league.”

Strong defensive play could be the key to getting the Flashes to go further in the postseason this season, and Matthews will need to play at a high level for KSU to achieve its goals.

Third Place: Dru DeShields

Adversity is something redshirt junior quarterback Dru DeShields knows better than anybody, and the way he overcame it to become the Flashes’ starting quarterback makes him a part of the Best of Kent.

Tearing an ACL is one of the most feared injuries in all of sports, and it has ruined the careers of many athletes. Rarely do athletes come back from one ACL tear and play at the same level, let alone three of them, but most athletes are not DeShields.

Heading into the 2025 season, DeShields was not the starter quarterback but quickly took over the role in the Flashes’ first game against Merrimack.

“It’s great to play at home, it’s always great,” DeShields said. “Seeing the fans and everybody, half my family is here.”

Throughout the season, the quarterback accomplished multiple big feats including leading the team to its first win in almost two years as well as bringing the Wagon Wheel back to Kent. 

DeShields finished the year throwing for 2,030 yards and 18 touchdowns while only throwing three interceptions.

“Seeing his work and optimism pay off, it was cool for him to prove it to himself,” Carney said. “That was pretty freaking special.”

Josh Szeremet is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].