catdaddyp

Bump for addition of Paul Davis.

Bump for addition of Frank and Morris.

The rankings listed are based solely on the HS/JUCO signings. Rivals is still working on incorporating the portal rankings. Buffalo signed six (HS/JUCO) 3 stars and we signed four (HS/JUCO) 3 stars, but our 16 players combined actually averaged the same as Buffalo’s 24. If we went by the average class rating we’d actually be tied for 1st in the MAC. Instead, the rankings go by total points of each player. Rivals Rating = Points 6.1 = 150 points 6.0 = 135 points 5.9 = 120 points 5.8 = 105 points 5.7 = 90 points 5.6 = 75 points 5.5 = 60 points 5.4 = 45 points 5.3 = 30 points 5.2 = 15 points The thing is, unless we are landing about half the class as 3 stars it will be difficult to finish 1st in the conference because JoeMo only wants to take around 15 players from HS/JUCO in each class. Of course, that may change once portal rankings are included. I think this is a great class and complements last year’s class well. I also do not believe we are finished with the portal. I think there is a good chance we bring in another DE (or two) and potentially have another DB (or two) hit the portal in the next window. I try to say something about each player as I go through and update the position previews. If I have some extra time I’ll go through and break down some highlights on some of our guys here.

Thread has been updated. I no longer think there is a clear cut leader amongst the MAC teams in recruiting this year. We finished strongly just like a few other teams. I think our only downfall was a failure to land another veteran offensive lineman (on the level of Whigan) and another veteran defensive end out of the portal. Although, I think the players we picked up have some nice upside. There is no doubt we hit home-runs in other areas of this class. As for worst classes, I think it hands down goes to Northern Illinois with Kent State (solely prep) not far behind. Kent State will probably offset that with what seems to be a strong portal class. Northern Illinois is just flat out rough. They are tied for 5th place in the MAC, but that’s mostly due to sheer numbers. I was trying to figure out who of their 30 recruits might be walk-ons and outside of a few guys I was legitimately stumped….and not in a good way.

Might be holding out for a basketball offer? I think DE is the only position left that still needs some addressing.

Forgot to add this. I don’t if the rules have changed, but I believe players have until April 1st to sign their NLI. It just sounds like we are finished with this class according to the tweets.

Looks like we are done with the prep class. Guessing those guys will go JUCO.

That was my thought too. I’m excited about the potential in the secondary. Now curious to see who signs as DE.

True. I would hope if a new coach were to take place he wouldn’t lose the amount of talent level back to the end of 2021. Anything can happen though. I doubt JoeMo leaves, but then again I don’t know his aspirations as a coach.

It’s not really an apples to apples comparison. Baltimore OC was not an option when he took the HC job at Akron. It doesn’t sound like he’s showing any interest in another college job. If he hasn’t interviewed for an NFL position before, this could be beneficial for him if he has a desire to coach at the pro level at some point in his career. Maybe he turns down the interview, maybe not. Either way, all he has done so far is improve this football program. If he were to leave he would be leaving a roster in much better shape than he found it.

Agree about JoeMo. I honestly can’t see him leaving for another OC job unless it was an NFL gig he really desired. I expect when this year’s team surprises all the college football “experts” his name will be tossed out there again for P5 HC opportunities. Miami is intriguing. They are actually one I’m watching. I don’t feel any particular way about Cristobal, but he has made some interesting moves. It seems to me that regardless of who the players or coaches are, if they aren’t a good fit he is sending them packing. He has a top 10 recruiting class coming in and is in a division that is up for grabs each year.

Agreed. Figured it was only a matter of time for him. JoeMo gave him a lot of credit for identifying players in the 2022 class before the staff was filled out.

Looks like BG is starting spring practice early.

The offers going out that early are basically so coaches have the chance to build a relationship and not miss out on a big time prospect. Players usually aren’t really “on the board” until their junior year. Some of the kids offered will not develop as expected, so the staff will no longer recruit them. A new staff is also a reason. Usually kids will need to be re-offered by a new staff as most of the former offers will not be honored.

Great quote. Tracking which offers still stand is near impossible without speaking to the players themselves. To take it even further, the majority of kids getting offers in the 2025 and 2026 classes will need to be re-offered by the time they are seniors.

Yep, I’m sure he was a PWO. Only official offers were St. Francis and Dayton. Don’t know if we gave him the same opportunity, but I doubt it. I more so posted this because I got a kick out of his film.

I don’t know if we recruited this kid, but he just committed to Toledo. I imagine some here have watched him play. Drew Holt from Hoban. If you want a chuckle watch the film starting at 0:18. I laughed, but also felt bad for the poor kid (and his parents) that Holt was mauling. Hudl film here.

I’m guessing DE. They played him all over the place in high school. Did not look like he was always facing the stiffest competition, but the kid is clearly an athlete. Raw with a load of upside. Hudl film here.

Understandably so. Not easy to get excited about a D3 prospect and no staff will have a 100% hit rate. However, if the player has the ability to succeed here, I’m all for it. OL is one of the hardest positions to recruit (especially in the portal). I’d be concerned if we were taking a bunch of D2 and D3 guys, but that isn’t the case.

I’ll give it to this coaching staff, they are scouring every level of football to find some linemen. Hobart is D3 in football.

Amin Mimouni to Delaware.

Unfortunately, the follow through on that has not been up to par in recent years. I’ve been pushing for every committed FBS player to have a rating regardless of school (probably to the point of annoyance). To be honest, many high schools don’t have a single player committing to an FBS school. I do think Rivals is right in giving out a load of 2 stars, especially when you read what their definition of a 2 star should be. On a business level that has since become a detriment since 247 and ON3 give out 3 stars like candy, which boosts their views and mentions. I’ve made it known when I disagree with a rating, but I’m not always right. It’s hard to judge work ethic and how much adversity a player can handle at the college level.

Here’s a link to the Rivals rating formula in case any one is interested.

Really strange. Any chance some type of resentment has built up with those schools and the Akron football program over the years? Not saying it’s happening here, but I have seen high schools blackball coaching staffs before about certain events they felt slighted over. It’s a new staff so I wouldn’t think that would be the case, but IDK.

And with no fanfare it seems Nyeem Wartman is officially the DL coach.