catdaddyp

New DL coach Nyeem Wartman issued an offer to JUCO DE Rodney Green.

Over the next few months I’ll update our opponents. GAME 1 (AWAY) - 9/2/2023 - 2pm (ESPN+) TEMPLE = American Athletic Conference (AAC) Head Coach = Sean Drayton (2nd year, 3-9 Overall) - 3-9 Overall and 1-7 in Conference in 2022 Scoring Offense = 21.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 29.3 PPG Offense YPG = 350.5 Defense YPG = 391.2 Rushing Offense = 82.4 YPG Rushing Defense = 192.6 YPG Passing Offense = 268.1 YPG Passing Defense = 198.6 YPG Top Returners: QB - EJ Warner - Son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. AAC Rookie of the Year. 3,028 yards passing with a 60.5% completion rate. 18 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. RB - Edward Saydee - 639 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and 6 touchdowns. 36 receptions for 262 yards. WR - Amad Anderson - 38 receptions for 479 yards and 4 touchdowns. TE - Jordan Smith - 25 receptions for 346 yards and 4 touchdowns. LB - Layton Jordan - All AAC 2nd Team. 53 total tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 interceptions. - Jordan Magee - 86 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. - Yvandy Rigbe - 82 total tackles and 2 sacks. CB - Jalen McMurray - 49 total tackles. 7 passes defended and 1 interception. S - Alex Odom - 75 total tackles. 2 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Key Additions: - RB EJ Wilson = Transfer from FIU - WR Dante Wright = Transfer from Colorado State - TE Landon Morris = Transfer from Utah - DT Allan Haye = Transfer from Miami - LB Diwun Black = Transfer from Florida - S Kamar Wilcoxson = Transfer from Florida Synopsis: Temple struggled to run the ball in 2022. Quarterback EJ Warner put up impressive numbers as a freshman, however, he was often throwing off-platform and made a suspect offensive line look much better than they actually were. Defensively, the Owls run an aggressive 3-4 and were able to create pressure on opponents (led the AAC in sacks). They were solid against the pass, but were tied for last in interceptions (despite the high amount of pressure created) and frequently had issues stopping the run. Outlook: The Owls should be improved in 2023 and have added plenty of athleticism to the roster, especially on defense. Temple’s offensive line should also be improved, although it’s questionable by how much. Prediction: Akron wins a close one. GAME 2 (HOME) - 9/9/2023 - 6pm (ESPN+) MORGAN STATE = Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Head Coach = Damon Wilson (13 Year, 93-52 Overall) (2nd Year at Morgan State, 4-7 Overall) - 4-7 Overall and 2-3 in Conference in 2022. Scoring Offense = 20.5 PPG Scoring Defense = 20.9 PPG Offense YPG = 270.2 Defense YPG = 336.3 Rushing Offense = 147.2 YPG Rushing Defense = 129.8 YPG Passing Offense = 123.0 YPG Passing Defense = 206.5 YPG GAME 3 (AWAY) - 9/16/2023 - 7pm (ESPNU) KENTUCKY = SEC GAME 4 (AWAY) - 9/23/2023 - TBA INDIANA = BIG 10 GAME 5 (HOME) - 9/30/2023 - TBA BUFFALO = MAC Head Coach = Maurice Linguist (3rd Year, 11-14 Overall) - 7-6 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 30.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 26.6 PPG Offense YPG = 370.9 Defense YPG = 383.9 Rushing Offense = 149.1 YPG Rushing Defense = 175.4 YPG Passing Offense = 221.8 YPG Passing Defense = 208.5 YPG Top Returners: QB - Cole Snyder = 3,030 yards passing with a 58% completion rate. 18 touchdowns to 8 interceptions. RB - Ron Cook = 600 yards for 4.3 YPC and 4 touchdowns. 16 receptions for 207 yards. - Mike Washington = 625 yards for 4.2 YPC and 7 touchdowns. 23 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown. OL - Gabe Wallace = All-MAC 3rd Team. Started all 13 games at left guard in 2022. DT - Daymond Williams = 43 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and an interception. LB - Shaun Dolac = All-MAC 1st Team. 147 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. CB - Caleb Offord = 30 total tackles. 8 passes defended and an interception. S - Marcus Fuqua = All-MAC 1st Team. 65 total tackles. 5 passes defended and 7 interceptions. K - Alex McNulty = MAC Special Teams POTY and All-MAC 1st Team. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Buffalo finished 7-6 overall, including a bowl victory. Still, an argument could be made they underperformed in relation to the talent on the roster. Outlook: The Bulls could finish with a similar record to 2022. They lost their two best wide receivers who may have made Snyder look like a better quarterback than he actually is. The defense lost some key players as well. That being said, Buffalo returns a solid core on both sides of the ball and brought in a strong recruiting class that could quickly fill some holes. The Bulls also have the luxury of collecting points anytime they are in the red zone due to kicker Alex McNulty. Prediction: Akron win. The Zips probably should have walked out of Buffalo with a win in 2022. Akron will field a stronger team in 2023 and be at home for this matchup. GAME 6 (HOME) - 10/7/2023 - 3:30pm (TBA) NORTHERN ILLINOIS = MAC Head Coach = Thomas Hammock (5th Year, 17-27 Overall) - 3-9 Overall and 2-6 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 25.9 PPG Scoring Defense = 32.4 PPG Offense YPG = 379 Defense YPG = 380.5 Rushing Offense = 211.6 YPG Rushing Defense = 145.8 YPG Passing Offense = 167.4 YPG Passing Defense = 234.8 YPG Top Returners: QB - Rocky Lombardi = Lombardi’s season was cut short due to injury. He was All-MAC 4th Team in 2021. RB - Antario Brown = 689 rushing yards for 6.3 YPC and 7 touchdowns. WR - Trayvon Rudolph = Rudolph missed all of w022, but was an All-MAC selection in 2021. OL - Nolan Potter = All-MAC 1st Team. Started 10 out of 11 games in 2022. - Logan Zschernitz = All-MAC 3rd Team. Started 10 games in 2022. - John Champe = Started 11 out of 12 games in 2022. DT - Devonte O’Malley = All-MAC 2nd Team. 35 total tackles and 5 sacks. - James Ester = All-MAC 3rd Team. 27 total tackles, 2 sacks, and an interception. S - CJ Brown = All-MAC 2nd Team. 78 total tackles. 5 passes defended and an interception. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Northern Illinois finished 3-9, but were competitive in most of their games. Losing Lombardi early was a blow to their season and hampered what the Huskies could do offensively. NIU struggled to push the ball vertically without Lombardi and relied heavily on the run game. Defensively, they struggled to create pressure, but did force some turnovers. Outlook: Unfortunately for NIU, their leading rusher transferred out. On the flip side, it may not matter much who is in the backfield as offensive line coach Daryl Agpalsa has done a fantastic job developing offensive linemen and coaching the run game. Also, running back Antario Brown is dynamic when healthy. Wide receiver and the secondary were glaring needs going into the offseason and it remains to be seen if those positions have been addressed adequately. NIU should have an improved record in 2023 if the injury bug doesn’t bite. However, talented depth is an issue every where except running back and the offensive line. Prediction: Akron win. NIU will be looking for revenge, but their lack of overall team speed (especially in the secondary) will still be a sore spot. GAME 7 (AWAY) - 10/14/2023 (TBA) CENTRAL MICHIGAN = MAC Head Coach = Jim McElwain (11th Year, 68-48 Overall) (5th Year at CMU, 24-21 Overall) - 4-8 Overall and 3-5 in Conference in 2022 (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 21.8 PPG Scoring Defense = 26.1 PPG Offense YPG = 327.6 Defense YPG = 360.5 Rushing Offense = 166.5 YPG Rushing Defense = 169.3 YPG Passing Offense = 161.1 YPG Passing Defense = 191.3 YPG Top Returners: OL - Deiyantei Powell-Woods = All-MAC 3rd Team. DT - Jacques Bristol = 34 total tackles and a sack. - Robi Stuart = 31 total tackles and 2 sacks. - John Wesley Whiteside = 36 total tackles and half a sack. LB - Kyle Moretti = 92 total tackles and 3 sacks. - Justin Whiteside = 65 total tackles. Half a sack and an interception. CB - Donte Kent = All-MAC 1st Team. 51 total tackles and a sack. 15 passes defended. S - Trey Jones = 85 total tackles. 3 passes defended and 2 interceptions. - De’Javion Stepney = 40 total tackles and a sack. 8 passes defended. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Central Michigan’s offense was underwhelming and downright anemic when it came to passing the ball. Defensively, the Chippewas were excellent at rushing the passer, while the run defense was average. Outlook: The defense should be stout again with a number of impact players returning. However, the offense will be inexperienced and any number of new comers could see significant playing time. Central Michigan’s defense will keep them in most games. Even so, expecting many wins with a questionable offense is a tough ask. McElwain received a multi-year contract extension so he likely isn’t going anywhere regardless of how Central Michigan performs in 2023. Prediction: CMU win. Akron will probably be the more talented team, but playing away and with a roster full of players not used to consistently winning may sneak up and bite the Zips. GAME 8 (AWAY) - 10/21/2023 - (TBA) BOWLING GREEN Head Coach = Scott Loeffler (5th Year, 13-29 Overall) - 6-7 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 20.5 PPG Scoring Defense = 27.4 PPG Offense YPG = 354.6 Defense YPG = 371 Rushing Offense = 111.4 YPG Rushing Defense = 166.6 YPG Passing Offense = 243.3 YPG Passing Defense = 204.4 YPG Top Returners: RB - Jaison Patterson = 535 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and a touchdown. - Ta’Ron Keith = 195 rushing yards for 4.1 YPC and a touchdown. 35 receptions for 348 yards and 4 touchdowns. WR - Odieu Hiliare = All-MAC 2nd Team. 58 receptions for 747 yards and 6 touchdowns. TE - Harold Fannin = 19 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown. DT - Anthony Hawkins = 35 total tackles and a sack. LB - Darren Anders = 77 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 4 passes defended. - Demetrius Hardamon - 25 total tackles and 6 sacks. CB - Deshawn Jones = 42 total tackles. 4 passes defended and an interception. S - Trent Sims = 61 total tackles. 2 passes defended and 2 interceptions. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Bowling Green probably outplayed their talent level in 2022 and managed to land in a bowl game. The defense was unusually opportunistic in creating turnovers and were near the top of the league in sacks. Outlook: The Falcons had a high turnover rate this offseason through graduation and the transfer portal. They will be fine at the skill positions, but are hurting on the offensive and defensive lines. Replacing lost production along the line of scrimmage is a challenge that the 2023 Falcons will struggle to overcome. Prediction: Akron win. The Zips will field a better team while the Falcons are seemingly headed in the opposite direction. GAME 9 (HOME) - 11/1/2023 - 7pm or 7:30pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU) KENT STATE Head Coach = Kenni Burns (1st Year, 0-0 Overall) - 5-7 Overall and 4-4 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 29.1 PPG Scoring Defense = 27.6 PPG Offense YPG = 442.9 Defense YPG = 425.9 Rushing Offense = 209.5 YPG Rushing Defense = 160.8 YPG Passing Offense = 233.4 YPG Passing Defense = 265.1 YPG Top Returners: RB - Bryan Bradford = 302 rushing yards for 4.7 YPC and 2 touchdowns. OL - Jack Bailey = Started all 12 games in 2022. DT - CJ West = 26 total tackles and a sack. LB - Khali Saunders = 55 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 2 passes defended and an interception. - CJ Harris = 35 total tackles. 5 passes defended and 2 interceptions. CB - DJ Miller = 63 total tackles and 4 passes defended. S - Alex Branch = 34 total tackles and 3 passes defended. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Kent State should have been much better than their 4-4 conference record. Instead, they fielded one of the top offenses and one of the worst defenses in MAC play. Outlook: The Golden Flashes roster was ravaged by graduation and transfers. The 2023 offense will look nothing like last season and Kent State will be hard pressed in producing similar offensive numbers. While it’s hard to fathom the defense being any worse, that is a distinct possibility. Kent State will probably field one of the worst (if not the worst) teams in the MAC this year. Prediction: Akron win. Zips fans could choose to empathize with Kent State, but nah. GAME 10 (AWAY) - 11/8/2023 - 7pm or 7:30pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU or CBSSN) MIAMI (OH) Head Coach = Chuck Martin (16th Year, 119-66 Overall) (10th Year at Miami, 45-59 Overall) - 6-7 Overall and 4-4 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 20.6 PPG Scoring Defense = 20.9 PPG Offense YPG = 317.8 Defense YPG = 380.8 Rushing Offense = 137.6 YPG Rushing Defense = 161.9 YPG Passing Offense = 180.1 YPG Passing Defense = 218.9 YPG Top Returners: QB - Aveon Smith = 1299 yards with a 49% completion rate. 11 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. 533 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns. - Brett Gabbert = Only played in 4 games due to injury, but was All-MAC 3rd team in 2021. RB - Keyon Mozee = 471 rushing yards for 4.3 YPC and 2 touchdowns. OL - Reid Holskey = Started all 13 games in 2022. DE - Brian Ugwu = 43 total tackles and 5 sacks. 1 interception. - Corey Suttle = 31 total tackles and 6 sacks. 1 interception. - Caiden Woullard = 29 total tackles and 4 sacks. DT - Austin Ertl = 35 total tackles and a sack. LB - Matthew Salopek = All-MAC 3rd Team. 124 total tackles and 3.5 sacks. NB - Michael Dowell = 97 total tackles and 2 sacks. 6 passes defended. CB - Yahsyn McKee = 35 total tackles. 6 passes defended and 2 interceptions. S - Jacquez Warren = 63 total tackles and 2 interceptions. P - Dom Dzioban = All-MAC 2nd Team. 42.38 yards per punt. 27 downed inside the 20. Additions and Departures can be viewed here. Synopsis: Miami had the top scoring defense in the MAC, but still allowed their fair share of yards and failed to create many turnovers. The offense struggled to find their footing after Brett Gabbert went down. Aveon Smith was an adequate replacement as a dual-threat quarterback and provided another dimension in the run game. However, Smith struggled with accuracy when throwing the ball. Outlook: Coach Chuck Martin claims the Red Hawks have only lost one or two players to the portal they actually wanted to keep over the years. A load of defenders return, albeit minus All-MAC cornerback John Saunders. On offense, the wide receiver corps will basically need to be rebuilt. Same for the offensive line. There is no reason to think Miami will not be competing for bowl eligibility again. Coach Martin almost always fields competitive teams. Prediction: Akron win. The last three games will be tough and could go either way. GAME 11 (AWAY) - 11/14/2023 - 7pm (ESPN2 or ESPNU or CBSSN) EASTERN MICHIGAN Head Coach = Chris Creighton (27th Year, 185-107 Overall) (10th Year at EMU, 46-61 Overall) - 9-4 Overall and 5-3 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 29.1 PPG Scoring Defense = 28.3 PPG Offense YPG = 346.5 Defense YPG = 355.6 Rushing Offense = 128.1 YPG Rushing Defense = 158.6 YPG Passing Offense = 218.4 YPG Passing Defense = 197 YPG Top Returners: QB - Austin Smith = 774 yards with a 57% completion rate. 6 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. 255 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. RB - Samson Evans = All-MAC 2nd Team. 1,166 yards for 4.7 YPC and 15 touchdowns. - Jaylon Jackson = All-MAC 1st Team Returner. 398 yards for 4.4 YPC and 2 touchdowns. WR - Tanner Knue = All-MAC 3rd Team. 45 receptions for 632 yards and 9 touchdowns. OL - Brian Dooley = Started all 13 games in 2022. DT - Peyton Price = 33 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB - Chase Klein = 91 total tackles and a sack. 3 passes defended. - Joe Sparacio = 89 total tackles and a sack. 1 interception. S - Quentavious Scandrett = 44 total tackles. 2 passes defended and an interception. - TJ Peavy = 46 total tackles and a sack. 3 passes defended. Synopsis: The Eastern Michigan defense was stingy when it came to yards in conference play, yet they were near last in giving up points. The offense on the other hand would not have been considered a force when moving the ball, although they were near the top of the conference in scoring. Outlook: The Eagles had their best record during coach Creighton’s tenure and will be hard pressed to replicate that success. EMU has some talented skill players returning, but will have to rebuild their offensive line. MAC Defensive Player of the Year Jose Ramirez is gone and his production will be difficult to replace. The eagles do have the middle of their defense returning in tack, which will help when integrating new faces. Prediction: EMU win. This should be a fairly even matchup, but it’s the second of back to back road game for the Zips and that situation traditionally does not end well for the traveling team. GAME 12 (HOME) - 11/24/2023 - 12pm (ESPNU or CBSSN) OHIO Head Coach = Chris Creighton (6th Year, 38-21 Overall) (3rd Year at Ohio, 13-13 Overall) - 10-4 Overall and 7-1 in Conference in 2022. (Conference Only) Scoring Offense = 32.8 PPG Scoring Defense = 21.1 PPG Offense YPG = 427.9 Defense YPG = 392.6 Rushing Offense = 155.2 YPG Rushing Defense = 135.6 YPG Passing Offense = 272.7 YPG Passing Defense = 257 YPG Top Returners: QB - Kurtis Rourke = MAC Offensive Player of the Year and All-MAC 1st Team. 3,256 with a 69% completion rate. 25 touchdowns to 4 interceptions. 249 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns. RB - Sieh Bangura = MAC Freshman of the Year and All-MAC 3rd Team. 1,078 yards for 4.9 YPC and 13 touchdowns. WR - Sam Wiglusz = All-MAC 1st Team. 73 receptions for 877 yards and 11 touchdowns. - Keegan Wilburn = All-MAC 1st Team Returner. 734 return yards for 23.6 yards per return. - Jacoby Jones = 45 receptions for 776 yards and 6 touchdowns. - Miles Cross = 47 receptions for 560 yards and 3 touchdowns. TE - Tyler Foster = 13 receptions for 185 yards and 4 touchdowns. OL - Jay Amburgey = Started 10 games in 2022. DE - Vonnie Watkins = 46 total tackles and 4.5 sacks. DT - Rodney Matthews = 26 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. LB - Keye Thompson = All-MAC 3rd Team. 96 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. 3 passes defended and an interception. - Bryce Houston = 76 total tackles and 5.5 sacks. CB - Torrie Cox = 52 total tackles. 6 passes defended and 3 interceptions. - Justin Birchette = 36 total tackles and 8 passes defended. - Roman Parodie = 29 total tackles and 8 passes defended. Synopsis: The Bobcats were strong on both sides of the ball in 2022. They led the conference in scoring on offense and were second in giving up points on defense. The Bobcats’ biggest weakness was giving up yards through the air. Outlook: Ohio returns the majority of their playmakers and have what’s seems to be the easiest path to winning the East. Ohio’s biggest task will be replacing the interior of their offensive line. That being said, Ohio again looks to be one of the premier team in the MAC. Prediction: Akron win. This game should be a good measuring stick for the program and might be the big win that pushes this program into elite MAC status.

Sounds like the Bowling Green crowd has heard enough and the season hasn’t even started.

Top 5 HS/JUCO Cornerbacks (in my opinion): OHIO - Byron Pearson HUDL FILM BUFFALO - Charles McCartherens HUDL FILM EASTERN MICHIGAN - Jaheim Jenkins HUDL FILM CENTRAL MICHIGAN - Jamari Allen HUDL FILM BUFFALO - Jayden Lewis HUDL FILM Cornerback was the position group I struggled with the most. Some of the players listed as Cornerbacks by the recruiting services look like safeties to me or mostly played in the box in HS, so I did not include them as CB. I was hesitant to list Jayden Lewis here as he mostly played Nickel and on offense, but did play some on the outside as a CB. I decided to include him since he’s an impressive athlete and Buffalo listed him as CB. If there was a 6th and 7th slot I would include our two CBs. I feel similar about the other position groups in where our guys weren’t far off from the top 5 and in the end may prove they deserved to be there. Take it for what’s it’s worth as all I have to judge on is highlight film and have not seen any of these players in person (except DT Sid Kaba who is absolutely as good as his billing).

I suspect JoeMo will receive more and more interest as the years go on, especially as this program starts winning games consistently. Akron really is a sleeping giant with the staff and facilities in place. The team’s success this year will catch almost everyone by surprise outside of the fanbase and coaching circles. Or maybe some in the fanbase will still be surprised?

Top 5 HS/JUCO Safeties (in my opinion): MIAMI - Mychal Yharbrough HUDL FILM AKRON - David Jester HUDL FILM CENTRAL MICHIGAN - Mark-Allen Gay HUDL FILM BOWLING GREEN - Tracy Revels HUDL FILM BUFFALO - Devon Rainey HUDL FILM

Top 5 HS/JUCO Linebackers (in my opinion): 1) MIAMI - Malcolm McCain HUDL FILM 2) EASTERN MICHIGAN - Jaivian Norman HUDL FILM 3) BOWLING GREEN - David Afogho HUDL FILM 4) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Marcus Woodley HUDL FILM 5) BOWLING GREEN - Jabari Mitchell HUDL FILM

Top 5 HS/JUCO Defensive Tackles (in my opinion): 1) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Sid Kaba HUDL FILM 2) TOLEDO - Wayne Peart HUDL FILM 3) OHIO - Kobi Gorman HUDL FILM 4) BOWLING GREEN - James Thomas HUDL FILM 5) AKRON - Marcus Moore HUDL FILM

Top 5 HS/JUCO Defensive Ends/Edge (in my opinion): 1) EASTERN MICHIGAN - Messiah Blair HUDL FILM 2) BUFFALO - Dion Crawford HUDL FILM 3) BOWLING GREEN - Alijah Williams HUDL FILM 4) AKRON - Kameron Cheatom HUDL FILM 5) BUFFALO - Devonyal Lofton HUDL FILM

We have 3 scholarship DEs on the roster for spring ball. Guessing Richardson will be used as a 4th. On the bright side, Dall will have every opportunity to claim a spot in the rotation.

Daranijo and K.Adams are no longer listed on the roster. I believe Conroy walked at senior day, but seems to be back for another season.

Junior OT Caleb Herring is no longer listed on the roster. Frank, Mann, and Morris are not yet on campus, but looks like James is.

Dall and Jones are on campus. Looks like Rabah, Cheatom, and Moore have yet to arrive.

Senior “OLB” Ryan McClain is no longer listed on the roster. He did not see the field in 2022. Corey Thomas is still listed as “OLB” but I don’t know if that’s accurate.

Redshirt freshman Anthony Stallworth is no longer listed on the roster. He came in with the 2022 class, but did not see any action.

Brycen Yarmo is no longer listed on the roster. That should put us at 5 scholarship tight ends with 1 former walk-on.

Looks like the roster is still being updated, but former Walk-on WR Jameel Williamson is no longer listed. I’m guessing the freshmen trio of Norton, Louis, and Davis will not be early enrollees. Also, Anthony Williams is still listed as a RB. We’ll see if that changes.

Top 5 HS/JUCO Offensive Line (in my opinion): 1) NORTHERN ILLINOIS - Michael Jimmar HUDL FILM 2) CENTRAL MICHIGAN - Jacob Booth HUDL FILM 3) NORTHERN ILLINOIS - Thomas Paasch HUDL FILM 4) TOLEDO - Cole Rhett HUDL FILM 5) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Luke Zanotti HUDL FILM

Top 5 HS/JUCO Tight Ends (in my opinion): 1) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Brennan Wooten HUDL FILM 2) AKRON - Conner Cravaack HUDL FILM 3) CENTRAL MICHIGAN - Jesiah Stevens-Silva HUDL FILM 4) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Jack Parker HUDL FILM 5) BOWLING GREEN - Jacob Harris HUDL FILM

Top 5 HS/JUCO Wide Receivers (in my opinion): 1) OHIO - Chase Hendricks HUDL FILM 2) EASTERN MICHIGAN - Joe Walker HUDL FILM 3) BUFFALO - Jevell Fugerson HUDL FILM 4) AKRON - Paul Davis HUDL FILM 5) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Logan Lester HUDL FILM

Yep, EMU certainly seems to be recruiting at a high level. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought I heard they have been heavily investing in their football program. If Buffalo can get an offense to match their defense, they will be cooking. They need better QB play. Jamari Ford is more of a utility back and not an every down back due to his size. He is explosive though and will probably see time in the slot and especially as a returner on special teams. I think Western Michigan had an off-balanced class. Very top heavy and Hartwell definitely lands with some of their guys at the top.

Top 5 HS/JUCO Running Backs (in my opinion): 1) EASTERN MICHIGAN- Deion Brown HUDL FILM 2) OHIO - Rickey Hunt HUDL FILM 3) BUFFALO - Jamari Ford HUDL FILM 4) BUFFALO - Lamar Sperling HUDL FILM 5) WESTERN MICHIGAN - Tre Hartwell HUDL FILM

Agree, CMU really lucked out as Jefferson is probably the most physically gifted out of the bunch. I’d be happy with commitments from any of the top 4. I think Steele and Jefferson have the most potential. In his film, Steele was often creating plays due to the pocket breaking down. Seems to me he could thrive in the right system and do plenty of damage with his legs and arm. Winters is the most polished and throws a beautiful ball. He is also a surprisingly good runner. JUCO QBs usually aren’t as highly recruited as HS QBs, but Udengwu definitely seems to be a good one from his film. He has 3 years to play 2 so he doesn’t have quite as long to contribute as the HS prospects. An argument could be made for any type of reordering amongst the top 4. Maybe I’m a little biased, but I think Steele has the best chance at being the most successful due to the scheme he’ll be playing in and who will be coaching him.

Top 5 HS/JUCO Quarterbacks (in my opinion): 1) AKRON - Steele Wasel HUDL FILM 2) CENTRAL MICHIGAN - Tyler Jefferson HUDL FILM 3) OHIO - Jacob Winters HUDL FILM 4) EASTERN MICHIGAN - Ike Udengwu HUDL FILM 5) TOLEDO - RJ Johnson HUDL FILM

I should have also added how impressive it is to even be in the conversation with the upper level of the MAC at this stage. It’s hard to recruit to a program that hasn’t won much recently and it takes a special type of competitor willing to make that leap. If the wins roll in like I expect, I bet the 2024 class will be dynamite.