When Evan Shimensky committed to Kent State shortly after an April
visit to campus the 5-foot-11, 182-pound quarterback from Roosevelt High School
in Kent, Ohio likened his game to that of former Golden Flashes' quarterback
and now New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman.

After a review of Shimensky's 10-minute highlight film, the first member of
Kent State's recruiting class of 2011 wasn't off the mark. Both are similar
in stature and have incredible instincts with the ball in their hands. Shimensky
displays a much more capable arm, but lacks Edelman's mastery of the spin move
and ability to change to direction without losing accelaration, although he
has plenty of quickness.

Where Shimensky shines most is in his ability to throw on the run, something
he does often at Roosevelt and that should serve him well in the future as
he compensates for a lack of ideal height, as far as quarterbacks are concerned, by rolling the pocket to his left and right.
He's especially effective throwing the football when rolling to his left.
Most right-handed quarterbacks lose much of their accuracy, and greater than
half the field, when rolling to their left. Shimensky, because of his natural
instincts, is able to focus on his downfield receivers on the move and doesn't
show signs of giving up on a play before his final option is to run the football.

Ranked by OhioVarsity.com as the No.
6 quarterback in Ohio's recruiting class of 2011, Shimensky likely will be listed by Rivals.com as a dual-threat quarterback.
That will be an accurate assessment of his skills, but unlike most dual-threat
signal callers he's just as effective throwing the football as he is running
it.

Strengths: Terrific vision running the football...doesn't
give up on the pass too soon...arm strength rolling to his right and his left...quick
drops and release...excellent touch on the short balls and deep passes...spreads
the football out, doesn't focus on one receiver...uses the entire width of
the football field...speed...powerful runner...enough athletic ability to line
up as a receiver in some sets...not afraid to split defenders downfield (see
weaknesses)...hard-nosed player...overachiever despite his lack of protoypical
size.

Weaknesses: Doesn't possess prototypical quarterback size,
but that shouldn't effect him in college as it would any future pro potential...any
offense he leads will be forced to use a rolling pocket on most occassions--which
fits into his strengths...often challenges defenders, especially in double
coverage; the margin for error will be much smaller in college...running the
football he turns into a running back, dropping his head on contact; he'll
need to learn to slide in college.

Instant Impact: With the emergence of rising sophomore Spencer Keith in 2009 the Golden Flashes seem to be set at quarterback for the
next three seasons. When Shimensky arrives on campus Keith will have two years
of eligibility remaining, allowing the young quarterback to redshirt as a freshman
then gain valuable back-up experience as a sophomore in 2012 before competing
for the starting roll in 2013. Shimensky possesses the skills head coach Doug Martin seeks in a quarterback: a gritty, hard-nosed player; he has the
ability to hit the short and intermediate routes, but also is dangerous stretching
the field, and when the passing game isn't open he's a dangerous runner. He
also possesses the leadership skills necessary at the position. Shimensky could
develop into a multi-year contributor and/or starter at Kent State.

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