Leaderboard

Offers to Ball St, BG, Duke, EMU, UMASS, Miami (OH), Ohio, and Toledo. We are consistently bringing in players right now who seem to be a step up from what the program has in the 14+ years I've been following. In the past, we may have gotten a few of these guys at signing day after offers have seemingly fallen through, but we're legitimately beating out other programs for these guys. Great time to be a Zip!

This class is turning into something serious. A number of these guys have camped at P5 schools and have drawn serious consideration for offers even if they did not come away with one. They are known and the ones with 3 star ratings were clearly expected to go P5 by at least one recruiting service. Outside of not winning as many games as I expected last year, recruiting has been excellent. The first class (2022) was a good one and underrated. The second (2023) was very good (outstanding in the portal). The third (2024) may very well finish as the best in the MAC. Can’t wait to see what portal additions will eventually be added to this class, but I’m getting way ahead of myself now.

EMU probably has the best class at the moment (16 commitments). Miami (15) and Toledo (13) got off to the quickest start, but both have already lost a commitment or two. Akron is definitely in the top tier as far as quality, just don’t have as many commitments at the moment. WMU (11) is doing a surprisingly good job this year as well. Kent State (13), Ball State (16), and NIU (18) have taken a major leap forward compared to their 2023 classes. CMU (13) has been hit or miss. Bowling Green (5), Ohio (3), and Buffalo (0) bring up the rear. Compared to last year, I thought EMU was the leader but Akron finished with a flurry. If the 2023 ratings would be completed, they would reflect Akron as being top 3 for HS/JUCO. Although, our portal class was hands down the best in the MAC. I suspect by the time it’s all said and done the top 2024 classes will be between EMU, Akron, and Toledo. Not including the portal in that statement as this staff has cleaned up like no other MAC school in that area.

This. Furthermore, this rush of commits is happening right after camp season, meaning these guys are traveling around and after they get to Akron, they're sold on us. Not Toledo (Smith attended their 7on7), not P5 schools - Akron is where they want to be. AND these are OHIO kids. Amazing what JoeMo & staff are building.

I like that his Twitter page shows a photo of his certificate of achievement for gaining Summa cum Laude honors. A very solid pickup. Congratulations to the staff and all long suffering Zip fans. This is going to be a great next few years with JoMo. In Joe We Trust.

BOOM! (5.5) 3 star CB Mike Smith is on board.

If Bell & Joel each have residences/places to stay down there, that makes a lot of sense. I'd definitely believe if Kaulig is chipping in, too. Side note: not sure I realized how good Joel's background is.

I think the plan is about 15 per year. And I think we have 16 seniors (17 if Bubba is included). Who knows how many guys will transfer or forgo their “COVID” year (at least the ones who have that option). The roster was so wonky when the new staff took over, they finally seem to be in a normal spot with the numbers.

... And stadium...? LeafFilter Press Box at Kaulig Companies Stadium? Nice ring to it... Just saying...