catdaddyp

This guy gets it. However, he’s not totally on point about the transfers. Gives a little too much credit to the guys who transferred out and seems to think only a handful of transfers were brought in this year, but that’s ok. It’s hard to efficiently cover all FBS teams. Overall his assessment is correct. Akron is just as talented as anyone else in the MAC this year.

i expect his choice to be UMASS. I don’t believe we ever got him on campus and it’s hard to land a commitment that way.

Maybe I’m mistaken, but didn’t he do the same cryptic post last year about this time?

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.

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.

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.

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

Not sure where to put this but Sam Popper is moving up the ranks pretty quickly. Now assistant director of recruiting at Michigan. Why does it matter? Popper was integral in Akron’s 2022 class (Joe Moorhead’s first) in identifying and getting recruits on campus, even without a full coaching staff in place. He was at Memphis this past season.

App State it is for Sanders.

I’m not familiar with this site, but it came up on my feed. When was the last time anyone listed Akron as a recruiting victory? Georgia Southern and UCONN both made bowl games last year. Times are changing…

Just for comparison to HS commitments at this time last year. Had 10 and then 2 more committed in July. QB - Steele Wasel WR - Adrian Norton TE - Conner Cravaack OL - Maurice Long (did not sign) OL - Jonas Mann DT - Marcus Moore LB - Joshua Bowen (did not sign) CB - Jean Louis CB - Catrell White CB - Zayden Laing-Taylor

I’d have to think they played a part in it. Getting guys on campus is always a big deal. There were 4 camps this month and the staff issued out a ton of offers, some to 2024s but especially to 2025 and 2026 prospects. We’re about to go into a recruiting dead period, but hopefully we get some news about how the team and incoming players look.

Big day for the 2024 class. Here’s DT Elijah Davis profile. Watch how he moves in the 2nd and 3rd highlights. (Hudl film should be linked at bottom of profile).

Anyone worried about our relatively slow start in 2024 compared to some of the other MAC schools, worry no more. This class is ramping up. Commitments from (5.5) 3 star WR Kyan Mason (OH) and (5.5) 3 star RB Sean Patrick (OH).

I really hope he finds a way back on the active roster.

Here are their profiles: Rodrick Hunter and Keyveon Johnson. I also try to keep everything updated on a daily basis in the 2024 MAC Recruiting thread if curious about any other commitments. I don’t expect either of these guys to start as freshmen, but they fit the developmental box that coach Moorhead is trying to create. The only film I could find of Johnson playing CB was during his HS spring game, which I attached to his Rivals profile (as well as last year’s HS film playing WR). He’s a solid athlete, with plenty of length, and knows how to play the ball in the air. He flips his hips well and plays as physically as he can. I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he collects a P5 offer or two if he has a big senior year. I wasn’t expecting his commitment. Then again, that’s been par for the course with all these stealth commitments this staff tends to land. I knew Hunter was visiting, along with another more highly rated safety, so I went ahead and got Hunter’s profile ready and watched his film yesterday morning. He was the one I wanted us to land vs the other safety. Although, I’d be happy with both. I have no idea what Hunter’s physical measurements are outside of height and weight, but he seems to have a great sense at fielding that spot and is a physical player - which is in line with all the safeties coach Renna has brought in. Can’t wait to see Hunter with another 15lbs on him. I’m really excited about this class.

Good catch. JMU mascot isn’t included, but they are listed on the graphic. We probably shouldn’t be too hard on him as I’m sure he had someone else do the graphic.

It sounds like App State and JMU are the leaders here, but I thought I’d share anyway.

Really excited about this one. Has the feel of one of those situations where his offer list could take off and we may be fighting to keep him in the fold. Former WR that is switching to CB for his senior year. A bit raw as a CB right now, but very long, good athlete, and a ton of upside.

On my phone, so not sure if this will post. But got another one! CB Keyveon Johnson.

💥 Was just watching this kid’s film today. Great pickup! Rodrick Hunter

I don’t remember which thread(s) this topic was brought up in, but here are the Arth recruits still on the roster. A few more of these players may have initially been walk-ons than I have listed. Let me know if I missed anyone. 2021 QB DJ Irons RB Blake Hester (Walk-on) WR Jasaiah Gathings WR Myles Walker TE Nik Ogneovic IOL Colin Lyons IOL Brian Kilbane (Walk-on) DE Ryan Johnson DE Bennett Adler DT Andre Proffitt ILB Camari Harris (Walk-on) ILB Andrew Behm CB Rishad Hence S Darrian Lewis S Noel Roach S DiMarco Johnson S MyJaden Horton LS Tyler Reiger (Walk-on) 2020 QB Ryan Jankowski TE Brycen Yarmo TE Grant Gainer (Walk-on) IOL Tony Georges (Walk-on) OT Nate Williams OT Ronan Chambers CB Tyson Durant (Walk-on) S Sean Conroy (Walk-on) 2019 IOL Alex Robarge (Walk-on) DE Julian Richardson S Corey Thomas

DB Marshall Washington committed to Monmouth. Disappointing as I thought he would be a nice addition. ILB Nylan Brown committed to Kent State. We were his first offer, but I’m not sure if we pushed after landing Jason Hocker.

I believe it’s 29.