Ever since Dri Archer's dominance in 2012 and 2013, Kent State could not find a good fit in the running back room.
After 2013, the Flashes' rush offense dropped to last in the Mid-American Conference with only 82 yards per game. Since then, they have struggled to find someone to really control the backfield, until Jo-El Shaw.
"People look for me to make plays," Shaw said after the Spring game prior to the 2019 season. "Even if I make plays I still have to be a leader and try to push everybody to be the best they can.