Kennesaw State University Football Program Guide for Aspiring Players and Fans
As I sit here watching the latest Kennesaw State University volleyball match replay, I can't help but draw parallels to what makes our football program so special. You see, when Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete both recorded triple-doubles in that championship-caliber fifth set, they demonstrated exactly the kind of resilience and versatility we look for in our football recruits. That match wasn't just about volleyball - it was a masterclass in athletic excellence that translates directly to how we build our football program here at KSU.
Let me be honest about something - I've been following college athletics for over fifteen years, and what we're building here at Kennesaw State is genuinely exciting. Our football program, established in 2015, has achieved what many thought impossible for such a young team. We've already recorded three winning seasons in our first seven years, including that incredible 11-3 record in 2018 that took us to the FCS playoff quarterfinals. But numbers only tell part of the story. What really makes our program unique is the culture we've built - one that emphasizes both individual excellence and team cohesion, much like what we saw in that remarkable volleyball match where two players achieved triple-doubles while working seamlessly within their team structure.
For aspiring players considering KSU, let me give you the real inside scoop. Our coaching staff, led by head coach Brian Bohannon, runs an option offense that's both challenging and incredibly rewarding to master. I've spoken with numerous players who've told me that learning this system not only made them better football players but better athletes overall. The discipline required mirrors what we saw in that volleyball match - every player knowing their role, executing with precision, but also having the flexibility to make game-changing plays when opportunities arise. Our training facilities at Fifth Third Bank Stadium are among the best in the ASUN Conference, featuring a 8,300-seat stadium that regularly sells out for big games, creating an electric atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere.
Now, let's talk about what it really takes to succeed here. From my conversations with current players, I can tell you that our program demands both physical toughness and mental agility. We're looking for players who can adapt quickly - much like how those volleyball players adjusted their strategies throughout that five-set match. The average KSU football player spends approximately 25 hours per week on football activities during the season, balancing academic commitments with athletic excellence. What impresses me most is how our academic support system ensures players maintain an average GPA of 3.2 while competing at the highest level of FCS football.
For our incredible fans - and I count myself among the most passionate - there's nothing quite like game day at Fifth Third Bank Stadium. The energy starts building hours before kickoff, with tailgating that's become legendary throughout Georgia. I've been to every home game for the past six seasons, and I can honestly say the community we've built here is special. Our average attendance has grown from 4,800 in our inaugural season to over 7,200 last year, and I predict we'll hit capacity regularly this coming season. The way our fans support the team reminds me of that volleyball crowd - knowledgeable, passionate, and understanding that every point matters in the larger context of the game.
What many people don't realize is how quickly our football program has become a pipeline to professional opportunities. We've already had 12 players sign professional contracts, including two with NFL teams. The development program here focuses on building complete athletes - not just football players. This holistic approach reminds me of how those volleyball players developed the diverse skill set needed to achieve triple-doubles, excelling in multiple aspects of the game rather than specializing in just one area.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, I'm particularly excited about our recruiting class. We've brought in what I believe is our most talented group yet, including several players who had offers from Power Five programs but chose KSU because of our unique culture and development track record. The schedule features six home games, including what should be an electric matchup against regional rival Jacksonville State. Based on what I've seen in spring practices, our offense has evolved while maintaining the core principles that have made us successful.
As someone who's watched this program grow from its very first practice, I can say with confidence that Kennesaw State football represents something special in college athletics. We're building something sustainable here - a program that wins games while developing young men into leaders both on and off the field. The same competitive spirit that drove those volleyball players to excel in every aspect of their game lives in our football program. Whether you're a prospective player dreaming of wearing the black and gold or a fan looking for your new football home, what we're building here at Kennesaw State is worth being part of. Come see for yourself what makes Saturday afternoons in Kennesaw so memorable - I'll be there in my usual spot, cheering louder than anyone.
