4.24.

4.36.

These two numbers are the 40-yard dash times of running back Chris Johnson of the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and running back De’Anthony Thomas of the University of Oregon.

Considered as “simply a touchdown waiting to happen” in Sports Illustrated’s Sept. 24 edition, Thomas currently owns the college football landscape. But despite Thomas’ high-profile presence on one of the top teams in the nation, I believe that we may have an even faster player right here in the beautiful city of Kent.

That’s right, I’m talking about none other than Kent State junior running back Dri Archer. The football equivalent of a five-tool player, Archer has lit up the scoreboard for the Flashes in 2012. How well has he performed, you ask?

This season, Archer has rushed for 331 yards on 38 attempts [8.7 yards per carry] with four touchdowns. He has reeled in 10 receptions for 173 yards [17.3 yards per catch] and two touchdowns. Oh, and I can’t forget to mention his two kick return touchdowns of 98 and 99 yards.

His big numbers have earned him multiple accolades. He has twice been named Mid-American Conference East Division Special Teams Player of the Week, and was given Honorable Mention for National Kick Returner of the Week and All-Purpose Performer of the Week by the College Football Performance Awards for his work against the Ball State University Cardinals. His total of 350 all-purpose yards versus the Cardinals also resulted in him being one of only three players nationwide named to the Paul Hornung Award Weekly Honor Roll.

Teammate and offensive lineman Terrell Johnson told me at the conclusion of the Flashes’ 2011 spring practice that Archer was “a star in the making.”

A year and a half later, I’m convinced that Johnson was dead-on with that statement.

Archer is so fast, I almost expected his 99-yard kick return touchdown Saturday against Ball State. He had, after all, already taken a kick 98 yards for a touchdown in the Flashes’ season opener at home against Towson University, and he knifed through the University of Kentucky’s defense for a rushing touchdown a week later.

High above the field, perched atop the Dix Stadium press box, I was in the midst of calling the play-by-play action for Black Squirrel Radio. Back to return for the Flashes were Archer and wide receiver Eric Adeyemi. Not to discount Adeyemi’s talent or ability, but if the Ball State coaches had done their homework, they would have kicked away from Archer.

Instead, the Cardinals had to learn the hard way. Archer took the kick at the Kent State 1-yard line and began his 99-yard sprint to the promised land. The scary part about his run, though, is he almost didn’t even look like he was sprinting. From my view at the top of the stadium, it looked like he was simply gliding across the field. I don’t think words can accurately describe this phenomenon, which I have only witnessed twice before and usually involves players measuring at least 6-foot-5. But that’s what makes Archer’s speed so fascinating — he’s only 5-foot-8.

Sports blog RantSports.com called the run “one of the most boring, yet amazing 99-yard kickoff returns.” Television play-by-play man Michael Reghi warned viewers to “buckle it up, everybody” as Archer received the kick. The end of the call was as simple as Archer made the feat appear: “Oh baby, Dri Archer, see … you … later!”

If Archer hadn’t understandably started coasting at about the 20-yard line, I sincerely believe he may have completed the run in fewer than 10 seconds — in full pads.

I highly encourage you to experience this for yourself. Google search “Kent State’s Dri Archer 99-yard kickoff return.” You will not be disappointed.

My radio show on Black Squirrel Radio, “Sports With Shook,” started a Twitter poll Saturday evening — who is the fastest player in college football: Oregon’s De’Anthony Thomas, or Kent State’s Dri Archer? But I’m going to ask you, the readers: which of the two do you think is the fastest in college football? Tweet your answer @NickShookDKS or @SportsWithShook with the hashtag #FastestManInNCAA. Dri follows the show. He’ll see your support. Maybe we can get Thomas to do the same.

Disagree with Nick? Like his opinions? Think you’re faster than Dri Archer? Tweet him @NickShookDKS . Be sure to tune into “Sports With Shook” every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., hosted by Kory Kubasek, Austin Coley, Jake Rosenberger and Nick Shook, only on Black Squirrel Radio.