catdaddyp

If you’re looking for a laugh, somewhere in the second quarter Kilbane turns to block a DT and instead sets a nice block on a pulling Brank. Kilbane actually had strong game….even blocking his own teammates.

I agree, I really don’t think we are far away. The team is what it is this year and the staff has done a great job getting the most out of the current players. I suspect next year the defense will look similar to what we saw yesterday. I think the staff wants to play a lot of man in the secondary and stack the box to stop the run. We just weren’t able to do enough of that this year without getting burned for big plays on the back end. It’s clear the biggest needs and targets are at CB and OL. Once those positions are addressed, this program should take a massive leap. Barring massive injuries, I expect us to be one of the best teams in the MAC next year. One thing I didn’t mention in the original post is how much more physical we were than NIU. Imagine what the defense will look like in a year or two when every position is playing at that level. Beating Buffalo won’t be easy, but it would be huge for recruiting and perception of the program.

DB Arsheen Jiles of Sacred Heart has been offered.

It’ll be on ESPN+ for the rest of the week. Type Akron in the search bar and scroll down. I’m not sure if it’s available on any other service.

Offense: - JU was solid, but not great. There are certain throws he makes well and others where he is inconsistent. The biggest positive was he looked confident and in charge of the offense. - Our OL had their way from the 2nd quarter on. Not counting garbage time, there was a rotation of Landers and Chambers at LT. Robarge and Kilbane at LG. Georges, Whigan, Williams played nearly every snap at C, RG, and RT respectively. - What a game by Alex Adams. He is looking explosive. - Wiley and Price made some nice runs. - Excited about Kellom’s potential. He has some shiftiness to him with a nice burst. Defense: - We went with a heavier set the majority of the game and Lewis did not play as much because of it. - Same issues are still there in pass defense, but NIU had some of the worst QB play I’ve seen all year. With that being said, our secondary played physically. - Terry had a whale of a game. NIU had a hard time blocking him. - Thompson also had a strong game. - Defensive line won their fair share of matchups, but pass rush is still inconsistent. We were hands down the better team and in every phase. I expect this team will be ready for Buffalo and put it all on the line to close out the year. Good to see everyone having fun today.

I thought I saw one of the thanksgiving pictures with Irons in an arm sling. Figured that means he’s done for the year.

We are actively recruiting all the JUCOs and recent HS offers. Sid Kaba visited, but was not interested in us. He was excited to recently receive an offer from Michigan State and then somewhat surprisingly committed to Western Michigan. We wanted Barrett Maddox and I thought he might commit on his visit, but he then went on to receive several P5 offers. We even offered his younger brother. I don’t know much about Luby Maurice.

DT Sid Kaba committed to Western Michigan. WR Luby Maurice committed to FIU. OT Barrett Maddox committed to Vanderbilt.

Utah grad transfer DB Malone Mataele has been offered. VMI DT Eric Weaver has also been offered.

Offer extended to JUCO DE Charles Perkins.

Agreed. I actually think it’ll be harder for NIU and Buffalo to get up for these games. Akron has been trying to get over the hump all season long and a win or two would be a confidence booster going into the offseason. These games will give opportunities for younger players like Landers and McCoy to gain more experience, which is invaluable. Strong showings could also give any recruits who are on the fence about committing a reminder what this program could be.

DB from Bucknell.

Recent offer to JUCO CB Gabriel Bryan. This staff is determined to improve the CB position. That’s now the 7th JUCO CB offered.

Yep, signing day is right around the corner. It seems like all of our HS verbals are solidly committed so I don’t expect many (if any) surprises. It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out. There are no limits in how many players can be taken in the 2023 and 2024 classes as long as we are at the 85 scholarship limit. So if there ever was a time to nudge some players out the door, this is it.

DE Taylor Wein has committed to Oklahoma.

Recent offer JUCO RB Jeffery Pittman committed to Mississippi State. CB D’Angelo Ponds committed to James Madison. OT target Barrett Maddox is announcing on Friday. He has collected a few P5 offers since his Akron visit.

Offered another JUCO CB. Michael Coats Jr. Signed with Louisiana Tech out of HS. Now at JUCO.

Some more mass would help. Would like to see him get up to 185ish. Besides that, he has everything needed physically to be a really good corner. I suspect we’ll see a different version of him next year after an offseason with the staff and S&C program. I can’t speak to his mental state. His technique should improve as he gets stronger and gains more experience. I don’t think we’ve seen Threatt since he missed an open field tackle that led to a touchdown, but I can’t remember who against.

QB Taron Dickens committed to Western Carolina and DT James Thomas committed to Bowling Green.

Following up on Wein, he has gone from not ranked to a 3 star and collected offers from Virginia Tech and Ole Miss since this post.

Yep, you are correct. They probably present it as an athletic scholarship when in fact it’s just financial aid and assuring him a spot on the football team.

I’m not sure why he doesn't have more offers. He looks explosive from both DE and LB. Regardless of where he plays, we need more players with his ability on the roster. Assuming no one transfers we’re looking at a returning core of Johnson, Richardson, Thomas, Fann, and Lawson at the edge next year. That’s a solid group talent wise, but will they play up to it?

I missed this one over the weekend. Former Georgia Tech commit and current 3 star S Javion Clark committed to Toledo. And 3 star CB Antonio Smith committed to FAU.

Spriggs hudl film is linked to his profile. He fits the mold of the LBs this staff has been recruiting - physical and explosive when coming down hill. Spriggs currently only has one other offer and I hope it stays that way to increase our chances of landing him. I’m afraid we’ll be off Wein’s radar by the time it’s all said and done. A lot of times it’s like breaking a dam to a waterfall. Get a P5 offer from a well respected position coach and the offers start flowing in.

Our DC offered LB Melvin Spriggs on his visit last night. In other news, recently offered DE Taylor Wein has since picked up his first P5 offers from Oklahoma and Southern Cal.