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Was curious, so I went through the verbal commits portal real quick and slapped together a very non-scientific analysis of the 117 listed transfers with new landing spots as of this morning. Compared the conference prestige with old/new teams for the player. If a conference was within +/- 5 ranking spots, the move was considered lateral. 61 (52.14%) moved down in D1 or to a lower level. 29 (24.79%) moved laterally, to a conference with similar prestige or within the same conference. 27 (23.08%) moved up a competition level or to a higher prestige conference in D1. Moral of the story: Lots of movement still to happen, but if we see similar numbers to this I think a lot of kids will realize it's not worth starting over when they have a >75% chance of moving laterally or down in their final landing spot.

The OL was better in 2023 compared to 2022, but still not where they needed to be. 2024 should be much improved. (IOL) Colin Lyons - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Interior lineman who also played defensive end in high school. Lyons brings Center to Guard value and saw action in just 4 games in 2022 before an abrupt injury ended his season. Lyons was the backup Left Guard in 2023, before sliding over to backup Right Guard. He played in 10 games and started the last 4 games of the season at Right Guard. Lyons graded out well in pass protection. He started at LG in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Amarie Archer - [Redshirt Junior, New] - NR (JUCO) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from East Carolina. JUCO FILM Alex Fox - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - JUCO transfer. Fox was a 1st Team JUCO All-American who brings positional flexibility. Fox is at his best when pulling as he has great feet and displays an explosive burst in short space. He also runs extremely well for a guy his size. Expect to see Fox compete for significant snaps at Center and Guard. Rivals missed the mark on his rating. Fox arrived after the spring. - JUCO FILM. * Keylen Davis - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Strong and agile interior lineman that brings Center to Guard value. Davis played in 1 game in 2022 before redshirting. He became the starting Right Guard in 2023 for 6 games and played through injuries the majority of the time. Similar to Tyhler Williams, Davis struggled in pass protection as a redshirt freshman and was better at run blocking. Davis started at RG in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Andrew “AJ” George - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - NR (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Cincinnati where he was a walk-on. George has Guard to Tackle value along with size and reach. George did not see the field in 2023 and I did not notice him in the 2024 spring game. HUDL College Practice Film * Star Rating Take: TBD Delvin Morris - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Late addition to the 2023 class and brings guard to tackle value. Morris is out of Texas and has a high level of athleticism for someone his size. He is raw, but has plenty of potential. If Morris develops, he will be considered a steal in the 2023 class. Morris played in 1 game in 2023 at Left Tackle and redshirted. He was the backup Left Guard in the 2024 Spring Game - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Kenneth McManus - [Freshman, New] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - HS FILM Max Mobley - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. Mobley was the backup Center in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * (OT) Dayne Shor - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from UCONN. Shor was an Alabama signee out of HS before transferring to UCONN. He was dominant at the HS level and has everything physically any team would want from an offensive lineman. That said, he has yet to be a productive player at the collegiate level. Shor has 3 years of eligibility remaining and did not play in the 2024 Spring Game. Darrell (DJ) Johnson - [Redshirt Senior, New] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (JUCO) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from Western Kentucky. Former JUCO that may have two years of eligibility remaining. JUCO FILM Javirea Moore - [Redshirt Senior, New] - Transfer from East Texas A&M. Jayme Motley-Simmons - [Redshirt Senior, New] - Transfer from North Alabama. Gregory Allen Jones - [Junior, New] - NR (HS) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from West Alabama (DII). Maasai King - [Redshirt Sophomore, New] - NR - JUCO FILM Jonas Mann - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Mann was a long time Zips commitment who brings a huge frame to campus. He has Guard to Tackle value, but projects as a Right Tackle. Mann already has excellent size with long arms, solid feet, and will continue to reshape his body. It will take some time to adjust to the speed of college football, but Mann should become a contributor in a few short years. Mann did not see any action and redshirted in 2023. He was the backup Right Tackle in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Jon Gould - [Freshman, New] - NR - HS FILM Nick Stopiak - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - NR - Big offensive tackle that moves well. He played OT and NG in high school and dominated, although he didn’t seem to play against great competition. He reportedly had a number of Division II offers coming out of HS. Stopiak did not play in 2022 or 2023. Former walk-on. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Jacob Kumfert [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - NR - Walk-on transfer from St. Francis. HS FILM * Jeremiah Ndiaga [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * The OL was inconsistent last season due to injuries, quarterback play, lack of significant game experience at certain spots, and sometimes bewildering play-calling. Akron used the offseason to increase the overall athleticism and also bring in veteran players with proven success at various levels. A total of 8 new linemen have been added to the roster. There is no excuse for poor play from the OL this year as only one holdover remains from the previous regime. Depth and athleticism is the best it’s been since Moorhead’s arrival, although OL looked like it still needed much work during the spring game. That is not surprising as Akron’s defensive front should be one of the best in the MAC and it often takes the OL longer to gel. Since spring ended, two 1st Team All-American JUCOs and a 1st Team All-MEAC player have been added to the roster. The talent is in place to have a much improved OL. Scholarship Players: Keylen Davis Colin Lyons Jonas Mann Delvin Morris AJ George Dayne Shor Alex Fox Maasai King Jon Gould Kenneth McManus Darrell Johnson Amarie Archer Gregory Allen Jones Jayme Motley-Simmons Javirea Moore Added: Maasai King Jon Gould Kenneth McManus Darrell Johnson Amarie Archer Gregory Allen Jones Jayme Motley-Simmons Javirea Moore Removed: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Josh Blanchard - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Da’Quan Thomas - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Eli Fields - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Jayvin James - TP = Maryland (5.6) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Laurance Seymore - TP = Western Kentucky (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - Jerrod Burrell - TP = (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Tyhler Williams - TP = Georgia State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Roosevelt Mitchell - TP = NR - Frank McClelland - Walk-on NR - Nathan Covert - Walk-on Removed Before 2024 Season: NR - Ben Frank - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ NR - Barry Duff - Walk-on. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Ronan Chambers - TP = Auburn - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Nate Williams - TP = San Diego State - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Tony Georges - TP = Kent State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Brian Kilbane - TP = UMASS - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Alex Robarge - TP = Southern Illinois - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Keon Kindred - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Issiah Walker - TP = West Florida (DII) Star Rating Take: N/A Removed Before 2023 Season: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Jordan Daniels - TP = UNC Charlotte - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.8) 4 ⭐️ - Anthony Whigan - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Xavior Gray - TP = Liberty - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Owen Murphy - TP = East Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Caleb Herring = TP? - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Ryan Beckman - TP = East Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Max Banes - TP = Houston - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Ka’Marii Landers = JUCO - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Jourden Hale-Frater = JUCO - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ Before 2022 season: NR - Canaan Sheets - Walk-on NR - Stefan Monahan - Walk-on

We have a (HS) State POY. D2, Faith Stinson.

The staff did a nice job landing immediate help from the transfer portal and JUCO ranks during the 2023 offseason. Run defense and pass rush improved over the previous year. Depth additions and development of the previous recruiting classes could make the 2024 DL the best in Moorhead’s tenure. (DE) Cyrus Durham - [Redshirt Junior, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ JUCO / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ Portal - Transfer from Arizona. JUCO FILM Known Portal Offers: Campbell and UMASS. Kam Cheatom - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Cheatom is the second highest rated player in Akron’s 2023 class according to Rivals. He missed his senior year due to injury, but was used as a standup DE/OLB as a junior. Cheatom’s strength is rushing the passer and he has a frame to add on more mass without losing any explosiveness. Cheatom saw action in 2 games on defense and 3 on special teams before redshirting in 2023. Joe Moorhead said “Cheatom will be a star in this league.” Cheatom was very active in the 2024 spring game and will contribute this season. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD. Bruno Dall - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - The best way to describe Dall is untapped potential. Dall is uniquely agile and smooth in his movements for someone his size. He has a massive frame at 6’7”, with long arms, and is just scratching the surface of his development. Dall did not see the field in 2023 and redshirted. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD. Tristen Graham - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Former Syracuse commitment and the highest rated HS prospect in Akron’s 2024 class. Graham plays in the same vein as CJ Nunnally. He’s very active and does not give up on a play. Graham dominated at a lower level of football in Delaware and in time could become an All-conference player. Graham already has the size to play as a freshman, but a year in the S&C program will help refine his body and make him even more explosive. Graham was a post spring arrival. HS FILM. * Dahvon Frazier - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Frazier played RB, TE, and LB in HS. He is explosive in short space and runs well. Frazier also has an impressive vertical leap and has a knack for knocking the ball loose from the ball carrier. Frazier enrolled post spring and is listed as a DE on the official roster. HUDL FILM * Jahvon Frazier - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Defensive end with some length. Frazier is able to bend and turn the edge quickly on pass rush. He was also stout against the run at the HS level. Frazier will likely redshirt and add mass his freshman year. Frazier was a post spring arrival. HS FILM * Vann Kavals - [Freshman, New] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Ty Watkins - [Freshman, New] - NR - HS FILM Jon’Trell Mixon [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. Langston Ragland [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. (DT) Zy Brockington - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Memphis. - Portal Offers: Georgia Southern. * Dimitri Madden - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Former JUCO that transferred in from UTEP. Madden played less than 50 snaps at UTEP, though he did play well in his limited time. He is agile for a big man - easily changing directions and already has a handful of moves. Madden will likely step in as a backup DT on the depth chart. Madden was a post spring addition. JUCO FILM * Kiawan Murphy - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Strong and heavy nose tackle. Murphy fires out quickly and moves unusually well for a guy his size. Murphy played in 1 game on special teams in 2022 and was singled out by Moorhead as a young guy to watch. He did not breakthrough in 2023 despite playing in 5 games. Murphy participated in the 2024 spring game. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD. Ronald Hull - [Sophomore, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Lazy rating by Rivals. Similar to Elijah Davis, Hull moves extremely well and is a violent player. He is physically built more in the vein of Kiawan Murphy and has all-conference potential. Hull will likely redshirt, but also would not be a surprise to receive significant snaps as a freshman. Hull was a post spring arrival. HS FILM * Elijah Davis - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Extremely agile and violent DT. Davis moves unusually well for an interior lineman and has all-conference potential. Davis will likely redshirt due to the depth at this position, but it would also not be a surprise to see him collect meaningful snaps similar to Marcus Moore’s freshman year. Davis was a post spring arrival. HS FILM * Jamie Riedel - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * Jaiden Brown-Demery - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Going into the 2023 season no one knew what to expect from this group. We knew the talent level and athleticism would be increased, but that was about it. JUCO CJ Nunnally became the carbon copy of what is desired along the defensive line and was voted 1st Team All-MAC . The other JUCOs provided depth, but not much more in their first year in the system. Transfer DT Terray Jones was the only legitimate interior pass rusher and was flanked by another transfer in Lama Lavea. Devon Robinson never lived up to his 3 star rating coming out of high school, but did become a solid backup. Freshman Marcus Moore came on strong as the year progressed and will be a terror if he can continue to develop. The DL did struggle at times putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks without the assistance of blitzes. If coach Wart has another strong offseason of recruiting and development, the DL could be impressive in 2024. Fast forward to the 2024 offseason and the defensive line is in excellent shape. Starter Terray Jones and backups Devon Robinson and Kyle Thomas are gone from the middle. Jones had a season that was certainly worthy of an all-conference selection. In his stead will be a rotation between Moore and transfer Kapongo. Lavea returns in his starting spot at the other DT position. Transfers Brockington and Madden will have the opportunity to work their way into the rotation, while Murphy may be ready to contribute as well. Keep an eye on the two freshmen defensive tackles later in the season. Both have the potential to contribute in their first year, but need time to get acclimated. At defensive end both starters return in Nunnally and Adler. Former JUCOs Antonio Smith and LaJoshua Jackson were backups that decided to move on. Richards and Cheatom will have a chance to fill the backup roles and potentially give a higher level of production than the departed backups. Freshmen Graham and Frazier will also have a chance to contribute if they are ready. Scholarship Players: Kiawan Murphy Kam Cheatom Bruno Dall Dahvon Frazier Jahvon Frazier Elijah Davis Ronald Hull Dimitri Madden Vann Kavals Ty Watkins Cyrus Durham Added: Cyrus Durham Vann Kavals Ty Watkins Removed: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DE Bennett Adler - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - DE CJ Nunnally - TP = Purdue NR - DE Kabbash Richards - Graduation. (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Nathan Kapongo - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Lama Lavea - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Zy Brockington - Graduation (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Marcus Moore - TP = Purdue (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Andre Proffitt - TP = (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (HS) -DE Tristen Graham - JUCO Removed During/After 2023 season: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DE Ryan Johnson - TP = Southern Miss - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DE Antonio Smith - TP = Valdosta State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Kyle Thomas - TP = Valdosta State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DE Julian Richardson - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Terray Jones - Graduation. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Devon Robinson - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - DT Tyler Carter - Graduation. - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - DE LaJoshua Jackson - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ Removed Before 2023 season: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Victor Jones - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Curtis Harper - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Zach Morton - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Logan Hawkins- Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Ravontae Holt - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ NR - Angelo Howze - Grad. - Walk-on (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Nazir Sy = TP Northwestern State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - Curtis Fann = TP Western Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Bryce Wilson = TP Western Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Quevan Lawson - Retired. - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Ahmad Rabah - Retired. Before 2022 season: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Janirr Wade - JUCO - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - David Hooks - Retired. - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️

The further away from the football, the higher the chances of a freshman starting. Meaning it’s more likely for a freshman to make a bigger impact at safety or cornerback than it is at defensive end or defensive tackle. However, there are plenty of examples of it happening, but it’s usually due to a high need at that position or the player just being that much more gifted than the current players on the roster. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Murphy get some playing time in the back half of the season, but it’ll be tough in the front half - especially with this year’s depth. As far as the 3-4 goes, the best way to think of the 3 down linemen is as space eaters. In a perfect world, they would hold their ground, swallow up the double teams, and allow the linebackers to run free. In today’s game, the schemes have gotten more complicated and offenses have become so good at getting to the second level (think about all the inside and outside zones you see now vs 20 years ago). So when a defensive lineman has the chance to make the play, he’d better do it, otherwise the chances are high that an offensive lineman has already moved up to the linebacker. The DEs are usually in the 6’3-6’6 250-300lbs range. The DTs are usually in the 6’0 - 6’3 265-315lbs range. Those are just general numbers as some players are more productive at different weights due to their body types. Our roster may not exactly fit those ranges right now as the staff will continue to recruit more to the scheme we are playing. Depending on down and distance we could see a combination of any of the linemen. Could be up to 3 DTs on the field in short yardage, 3 DEs for pass rush, or 1 DT and 1 DE when we go nickel. The 3-4 is popular due to all the combinations and pass rushing angles that can be created.

Hopefully we'll see some movement in the transfer portal soon, I'd anticipate hearing something this week.

Our old friend Bob Huggins is reportedly going to be one of this year's inductees into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Congrats Bob. Well deserved.

For what its worth, I have a great example of an exception to the rule. You may have heard of Dave Rimington. He was a pretty good center back in the 80s. He was listed at 6'3" while a Cornhusker and as a Bengal. I'm 6'1" and had occasion to stand next to Dave on numerous occasions. He was at least twice as wide as me, but an inch shorter. Maybe in cleats and helmet he was 6'3", but when the Bengals broke their huddle and the offensive linemen trotted up to the line of scrimmage together, he looked like a midget.

1) My first thought was the +/- 5 spots was a bit misleading. When I looked at the conference standings, that thought was instantly corrected. There are some very clear conference tiers in college basketball. 2) The Transfer Portal is a mess right now for 2 reasons. - It's the new shiny toy that kids have to have/try. - The extra year of eligibility due to COVID really created a log jam in college athletics. These things will iron themselves out. Those stats are pretty telling of likely outcome for most players. Very curious to see what patterns continue to be created.

That’s a tough one. I think we’ll see a different starting 5 by the end of the season than the 5 we see at the beginning. To start the season, Im guessing we see something like this: LT - Chambers LG - Beckman C - Georges RG - Banes RT - Murphy The line (I think) I’d like to see by end of season: LT - Chambers LG - Kilbane C - Lyons RG - Banes RT - Landers It’s too bad we don’t have access to any spring film. We’d have a better idea of where things stood and there are certainly a number of different combinations that could be made. I suspect one or two of last years main contributors may find themselves on the outside looking in by the time 2022 concludes.

Kiwan Murphy looks awesome. Is there any way a true freshman could start on the DL? That'd be pretty remarkable. What are the physical prototypes looked for in D-linemen when running a 3-4 scheme? I'm more used to the 4-3, where you typically have 2 beefy DT's and 2 leaner, more athletic DE's. With 3 DL's, are there two typical DT's and 1 typical DE who switches sides depending on the offensive alignment? (I'm going to ask a similar question when we get to the 4 linebackers.)

https://247sports.com/Season/2022-Basketball/TransferPortal/

I predict we'll probably redshirt Kellom, leaving us with four young, legit D-1 caliber backs in Norrils, Williams, Wiley, and Price. I'll take a stab at the depth chart: 1. Norrils (So.) 2. Price (R-So.?) 3. Williams (R-So.) 4. Wiley (R-So.) Caveat: Blake Hester was a very serviceable replacement after our RB crew was decimated last season. It'll be interesting to see if he's put on some weight during the offseason. I can't see him being our #1, but with his hard, one-cut-and-go, north-south running I could see him taking the place of Williams (whom I thought was pretty underwhelming) and/or Wiley (who's awfully light for a 6-2 back). And I know zilch about Dae'Vontay Latimer.

Prior to this recruiting cycle, all offensive linemen on the Gozips roster were listed as a So or R-So. So, with the covid year, this means that this year would be their 3rd or 4th season as a college football player. So, we cannot use youth as an excuse any more. Also, signing Banes should be a huge improvement in the line as he will be a plug in starter. As I stated other times, we need one more experienced lineman from the transfer portal for 22. This would solidify the line for this year and allow the youth to continue to develop. It looks like we signed several top notch OL as freshmen, but they would probably need to redshirt a year. This group should start to become a position of strength, especially with one more transfer. The one guy that I do not like is Gray. Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane. I cannot wait until we have the best OL in the MAC for year after year. In Joe We Trust!!!!!

Hmmm. We will see. I feel you have underestimated several players and overestimated a couple as well. For instance, I would bet all of the incoming freshman will be redshirted and will be minimal impact players this year and maybe even next year. I also think Beckman or Georges are very serviceable players at center with good intelligence for the game. The other player I think you missed on is Robarge. Did you see the picture of that dude recently? He is a beast and probably the strongest guy on the team. He also started from game 4 last year, played the entire year in a club because of some injury and did pretty darn well. It is not easy to play OL without being able to grab with both hands. I have to think he is on scholarship and is a lead contender to start at guard.

I was thinking closer to 70. That man needs a makeover or less whisky and cigs.

How is Thad Matta only 54 years old? I'd have bet he was 60 plus. I was thinking the Butler made a mistake by hiring an old fogy.

Glad to see it. She got co-player of the year in D2 by the Associated Press but having it by yourself by the Basketball Coaches Association holds more weight in my opinion. If anyone has watched the women's NCAA tournament, Stinson has a similar playing style to Stanford's Cameron Brink in my opinion. Obviously not as talented or tall as Brink though. I'm excited to see how the incoming class does next season.

His yards after contact had to be huge.

Hope he doesn’t keep shrinking 🙏

Google NCAA transfer rule

Thanks @fknbuflobo. Fun afternoon/evening in Pittsburgh supporting the Zips in their 3-2 exhibition win over RMU and then attending a 2-0 Riverhounds win over Loudoun. Great catching up with Robby Dambrot and Shane Wiedt and their families. Especially enjoyed talking with Keith, Donna, and Alysse Dambot whom I miss around Akron.

RMU 2-3 AKR FT Presumably due to sloppy conditions, match moved to Joe Walton Field where Robert Morris plays FB, LAX, FH, but not Soccer. There are lines all over the place, none applicable to soccer. And the width is less than 60 yards. It was weird playing with what I think is a LAX Penalty Area. Is the GK out? Who knows!? Like everything else in Pittsburgh, the field is built into the side of a mountain. Easily a dozen balls were sent over the fence during play, possibly gone forever. Malik Henry continues to shine along the right flank with speedy overlapping runs out of defense. What is improving rapidly is his service into the box. The first score of the match was just such a run capped by a (no exaggeration) world class cross onto the head of Jason Shokalook for the score. Sublime! Ryan Kingsford is the Zips' best option at several positions, but his most natural place is in the middle of the 3 in a 4-2-3-1, or in "the hole" as some say. His work rate is off the charts and he sprays the ball all over the pitch with a variety of passing techniques. Kingsford probably passed the ball to every single Zip who saw time. Freshman Stefan Dobrijevic again impressed off the bench, slotting in the winning goal with a right footer to the far post from the left side of goal. Extra drama mid way through the second half when Head Coach Jared Embick was tossed from the match for (justifiably) berating the near side linesman. Not sure, but I think Will Jackson may have been tossed as well. At any rate, WilJax did not return after exiting. It was fairly intense for spring soccer.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb3eav3p2Ue/ I know that a few great super zips soccer fans made the trip to Pittsburgh today to support the mighty soccer zips. instagram shows that the zips beat Robert Morris 3-2 goals by Jason Shokalook, Malik Henry and Stefan Dobrijevic

I believe Alex Abreu was inducted into the DEA and United States Postal Service Halls of Fame.

Baseball update as the Zips near the halfway point of this season. For reference, there are 299 D1 baseball teams. The Good: While the MAC average non-conference strength of schedule (NCSOS) is currently ranked an unimpressive 154th, the Zips’ NCSOS is currently ranked an incredible 6th. The Bad: The MAC average RPI is currently an awful 210th. The Ugly: The Zips’ RPI is currently a dismal 274th.