One of the top quarterbacks in the state of Ohio from one of the winningest programs committed to Kent State late Tuesday night.
Nolan Good, a 6-2, 205-pound dual threat quarterback from Avon High School in Lorain County, gives the Flashes a talented piece to their 2025 class.
“I chose Kent State for a few reasons, but as far as football goes it was very easy to tell that I was wanted here from the start and that relationship has only grown with the coaching staff as my timeline has moved along,” Good told Golden Flash Report late Tuesday night.
Good, playing at tradition rich Avon in the Southwestern Conference, passed for 2,100 yards with 21 TD’s, along with 518 rushing yards and 10 rushing TD’s. Good was named SWC Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-Conference, District and County. Good often didn’t play in full games in 2024 due to his team being up by large margins. But Avon is no stranger to playing top competition and advancing deep in the postseason.
Kent State Head Coach Kenni Burns and his strategy of targeting winners in the recruiting process continues with Good.
“I feel I have been blessed with the opportunity to play in a large atmosphere every Friday night because of the program and culture that Coach Mike Elder has built in the city of Avon. Thankfully we have been a winning program for as long as I can remember and I feel that I can bring the winning mentality along with me to Kent State through my approach at everything I do whether it may be on the field, in the classroom, the weight room or the cafeteria. Whatever it is I want to be one of the best at it,” Good said.
A broken collarbone cut Good’s season short in the Regional Semifinals last year in a win over Olmsted Falls. Good remained a great teammate, cheering on his team to the State Semifinals before losing. Good was able to recover and return to the hardwood where he is a standout basketball player for the Eagles.
“My injury lit a fire under me because I hate not being able to participate in competitive activities physically, but I was able to realize the impact that I had on some of my fellow teammates and realizing that helped me feel like I was still in the game even if I wasn’t allowed to participate on the field.”
The injury allowed Good to have a longer offseason and work on some of the mechanics of becoming a better passer. Good works with Quarterback guru Brad Maendler.
“It is safe to say that Coach Brad is the best at what he does and all you have to do is look at the guys he has produced. The way he is able to teach his methods through science and feel rather than preaching is unbelievable. I for one have experienced major change in the velocity my ball contains as well as the spin rate. I am able to throw the ball with a lot less effort but more carry meaning the ball will travel through receivers’ hands and allow for yards after the catch.”
Good, who plans to major in either Business or Sports Medicine, stays close to home to play for the Flashes.
“Originally I didn’t think I wanted to go in state for school, but I gave it some consideration and realized my family can come watch me play on a regular basis for another four years…I can’t ask for anything better.”
Having followed Lorain County football for a long time, the Flashes are getting a steal in Good. He’s a tough, hard-nosed, competitive winner, who is coming from a winning program, has been well coached and I believe his best football is still ahead of him.
As for Good’s senior season with Avon, he has some unfinished business. “My personal goals for this year is to be the Division II Ohio Offensive Player of the Year and be a two time Offensive MVP for my team as well as conference and also attain first team All-State, Region, District and Conference.”
Avon opens up the 2024 season on August 23 against St. Ignatius at Cleveland Browns Stadium and then play Canton McKinley and then Glenville, so Flash fans will have several opportunities to track Good’s progress this year.