catdaddyp

Appreciate the feedback. You may be right. Time will tell. A new staff usually leans towards the players they recruited themselves. However, they aren’t going to play anyone who can’t get the job done. Experience, strength, and knowledge are very important. I made a focus on pulling/running ability as Moorhead’s offense does a lot of it. Some of the players struggle in that aspect, which may give the newcomers an opportunity. Many offensive linemen are redshirted their first year as you mentioned, but this is a team that won 2 games and although the OL performed well in some areas, it was by no means a top tier MAC offensive line. I wasn’t implying the returnees can’t get the job done, but for this program to get to the next level more talent is needed across the board. I think defense is where we’re hurting the most and I’ll dive into that this coming week.

The OL was better in 2023 compared to 2022, but still not where they needed to be. 2024 should be much improved. (IOL) Colin Lyons - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Interior lineman who also played defensive end in high school. Lyons brings Center to Guard value and saw action in just 4 games in 2022 before an abrupt injury ended his season. Lyons was the backup Left Guard in 2023, before sliding over to backup Right Guard. He played in 10 games and started the last 4 games of the season at Right Guard. Lyons graded out well in pass protection. He started at LG in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Amarie Archer - [Redshirt Junior, New] - NR (JUCO) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from East Carolina. JUCO FILM Alex Fox - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - JUCO transfer. Fox was a 1st Team JUCO All-American who brings positional flexibility. Fox is at his best when pulling as he has great feet and displays an explosive burst in short space. He also runs extremely well for a guy his size. Expect to see Fox compete for significant snaps at Center and Guard. Rivals missed the mark on his rating. Fox arrived after the spring. - JUCO FILM. * Keylen Davis - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Strong and agile interior lineman that brings Center to Guard value. Davis played in 1 game in 2022 before redshirting. He became the starting Right Guard in 2023 for 6 games and played through injuries the majority of the time. Similar to Tyhler Williams, Davis struggled in pass protection as a redshirt freshman and was better at run blocking. Davis started at RG in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Delvin Morris - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Late addition to the 2023 class and brings guard to tackle value. Morris is out of Texas and has a high level of athleticism for someone his size. He is raw, but has plenty of potential. If Morris develops, he will be considered a steal in the 2023 class. Morris played in 1 game in 2023 at Left Tackle and redshirted. He was the backup Left Guard in the 2024 Spring Game - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Roosevelt Mitchell - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Mitchell played on both sides of the ball in HS. He is somewhat raw and will need to reshape his body before contributing at a high level. That said, Mitchell runs and moves extremely well for someone his size. Expect Mitchell to redshirt his freshman year. Kenneth McManus - [Freshman, New] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - HS FILM Frank McClelland - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM. * Max Mobley - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. Mobley was the backup Center in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Nathan Covert [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * (OT) Dayne Shor - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from UCONN. Shor was an Alabama signee out of HS before transferring to UCONN. He was dominant at the HS level and has everything physically any team would want from an offensive lineman. That said, he has yet to be a productive player at the collegiate level. Shor has 3 years of eligibility remaining and did not play in the 2024 Spring Game. Darrell (DJ) Johnson - [Redshirt Senior, New] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (JUCO) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from Western Kentucky. Former JUCO that may have two years of eligibility remaining. JUCO FILM Andrew “AJ” George - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - NR (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Cincinnati where he was a walk-on. George has Guard to Tackle value along with size and reach. George did not see the field in 2023 and I did not notice him in the 2024 spring game. HUDL College Practice Film * Star Rating Take: TBD Gregory Allen Jones - [Junior, New] - NR (HS) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from West Alabama (DII). Maasai King - [Redshirt Sophomore, New] - NR - JUCO FILM Jonas Mann - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Mann was a long time Zips commitment who brings a huge frame to campus. He has Guard to Tackle value, but projects as a Right Tackle. Mann already has excellent size with long arms, solid feet, and will continue to reshape his body. It will take some time to adjust to the speed of college football, but Mann should become a contributor in a few short years. Mann did not see any action and redshirted in 2023. He was the backup Right Tackle in the 2024 Spring Game. - HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Jaiden Brown-Demery - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Jon Gould - [Freshman, New] - NR - HS FILM Nick Stopiak - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - NR - Big offensive tackle that moves well. He played OT and NG in high school and dominated, although he didn’t seem to play against great competition. He reportedly had a number of Division II offers coming out of HS. Stopiak did not play in 2022 or 2023. Former walk-on. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Jacob Kumfert [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - NR - Walk-on transfer from St. Francis. HS FILM * Jeremiah Ndiaga [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * The OL was inconsistent last season due to injuries, quarterback play, lack of significant game experience at certain spots, and sometimes bewildering play-calling. Akron used the offseason to increase the overall athleticism and also bring in veteran players with proven success at various levels. A total of 8 new linemen have been added to the roster. There is no excuse for poor play from the OL this year as only one holdover remains from the previous regime. Depth and athleticism is the best it’s been since Moorhead’s arrival, although OL looked like it still needed much work during the spring game. That is not surprising as Akron’s defensive front should be one of the best in the MAC and it often takes the OL longer to gel. Since spring ended, two 1st Team All-American JUCOs and a 1st Team All-MEAC player have been added to the roster. The talent is in place to have a much improved OL. Scholarship Players: Keylen Davis Colin Lyons Jonas Mann Delvin Morris AJ George Roosevelt Mitchell Dayne Shor Alex Fox Maasai King Jaiden Brown-Demery Jon Gould Kenneth McManus Darrell Johnson Amarie Archer Gregory Allen Jones Added: Maasai King Jaiden Brown-Demery Jon Gould Kenneth McManus Darrell Johnson Amarie Archer Gregory Allen Jones Removed: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Josh Blanchard - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Da’Quan Thomas - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Eli Fields - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Jayvin James - TP = Maryland (5.6) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Laurance Seymore - TP = Western Kentucky (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - Jerrod Burrell - TP = (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Tyhler Williams - TP = Georgia State Removed Before 2024 Season: NR - Ben Frank - Graduation - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ NR - Barry Duff - Walk-on. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Ronan Chambers - TP = Auburn - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Nate Williams - TP = San Diego State - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Tony Georges - TP = Kent State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Brian Kilbane - TP = UMASS - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Alex Robarge - TP = Southern Illinois - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Keon Kindred - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Issiah Walker - TP = West Florida (DII) Star Rating Take: N/A Removed Before 2023 Season: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Jordan Daniels - TP = UNC Charlotte - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.8) 4 ⭐️ - Anthony Whigan - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Xavior Gray - TP = Liberty - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Owen Murphy - TP = East Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Caleb Herring = TP? - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Ryan Beckman - TP = East Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Max Banes - TP = Houston - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Ka’Marii Landers = JUCO - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Jourden Hale-Frater = JUCO - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ Before 2022 season: NR - Canaan Sheets - Walk-on NR - Stefan Monahan - Walk-on

Looks like he’ll be a solid addition as he has a nice blend of speed and power. The OL he was running behind in high school opened up some massive holes and Price took care of the rest. Hudl film linked below: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/5663272/5ba28f2dbd6a6f0ef4b5b39b

Agreed Brank will certainly start out as the top guy. His blocking - especially as a puller on run plays - coupled with his receiving ability, will allow him to be used as a utility type player. I suspect the idea with Banks is to use him more split out or potentially off the LOS, in the slot, when attempting to take advantage of a mismatch. He’ll still need to improve his blocking as an in-line TE to avoid being a one trick pony. I think 4 of the tight ends are walk-ons (unless they were placed on scholarship without our knowledge), so there wouldn’t be any need to shed them. They should provide quality looks in practice and potentially contribute on special teams.

Thank you and well done! I’m sure that took some time and effort to track down that information. Have you considered posting it as a thread and then bumping it as updates are made?

Looking forward to seeing your scholarship breakdown. It’s a shame they don’t make a bigger deal of it and post on social media when walk-ons gain scholarships. Is this what you have so far? QB = 4 RB = 5 WR = 8 TE = 6

Zips used far more 12 personnel in 2023 than in 2022. Expect the offense to revert back to more single right end sets in 2024. Jacob Newell - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ HS / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Arizona State where he had a few P5 offers. Newell provides a big target in the passing game with a large frame and excellent hand/eye coordination. He has tremendous upside and will be the top tight end heading into 2024. Newell finished 2023 with 13 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown. He was the starting tight end in the spring game as expected. HS FILM * Max Whisner - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ HS / (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Missouri. Whisner is more suited as an in-line blocking TE, but does have a decent catch radius. While he may not be as adept at gaining yards after the catch as some of the other TEs, he is a reliable target in the passing game. Expect Whisner to see significant playing time as he is more physically advanced than the other tight ends on the roster not named Newell. The (5.2) 2 ⭐️ rating is about as lazy as I’ve seen by a recruiting service. Whisner was in the competition to be a starter at Mizzou this time last year. HS FILM * Conner Cravaack - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Cravaack played TE and DE in high school. He will provide a big target in the passing game and flashes surprisingly nimble feet for someone his size. As expected, Cravaack redshirted his freshman year. He played in the 2024 spring game and looks ready to contribute this season. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Khalil Witherspoon - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Witherspoon played on both sides of the ball in HS as a WR, TE, and DE. He runs well and has excellent hand/eye coordination. He already understands how to use his body to position himself to win contested balls. Witherspoon has the potential to eventually develop into an All-MAC player, but will likely redshirt his freshman year. HS FILM * Aiden Diaz - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Former walk-on that redshirted in 2023. Banks and Newell received nearly 100% of the snaps in 2023. Banks is now gone leaving Newell as the top option. Whisner will be the top backup and Cravaack should also work his way into some snaps. This is a talented and versatile group that will support in the run game and give the offense reliable options in the passing game. Scholarship Players: Conner Cravaack Jacob Newell Max Whisner Khalil Witherspoon Added: Removed: NR - Grant Gainer - Walk-on Removed: (5.8) 4 ⭐️ (HS) - TJ Banks - Graduated. (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Brycen Yarmo - TP (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Nik Ognenovic - TP Removed Before 2023 Season: NR - Jacob Shaffer - Grad. - Walk-on (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Tristian Brank - Retired. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Marquell Darnell - TP? - Star Rating Take: TBD. (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - Caden Clark - Retired. Before 2022 season: NR - Matthew Monaghan - Walk-on NR - Nick Dottore - (Morehead State) - Walk-on NR - Nate Amato - Walk-on

His technique isn’t too hot as an OL, but what he does display is transitional power needed to be successful in college. Meaning does he fall over, stumble, trip over himself? Or does he keep his balance and continue driving his man downfield while staying engaged? I hope we are recruiting him as a DL. With the way he moves and runs, I wouldn’t be surprised if he is being recruited to split time between DE and NG within the 3-4 scheme. The more I watch his film, the more excited I am about this pickup. He has natural gifts that can’t be taught. Getting stronger, refining technique, etc. is what our coaches will give him.

My guess is the kid hasn’t done any of the summer camps. That’s where many kids get noticed and receive star bumps. His head coach needs to submit information to the recruiting services so a profile can be made. The thing that immediately jumps out is how well he moves for a guy his size. That first highlight of him running is impressive! He may not be a four star player, but he has the makings of a kid with a high ceiling. There’s a lot of raw talent and athleticism there. Hard to believe he’s as coordinated as he is being that big and young.

Irons would be able to transfer out and play immediately, if he chose to do so. Since he came from a JUCO, that didn’t count as his free transfer. In Adams’ case, he would have to sit a year if he transferred to another FBS school since he already used his free transfer. The NCAA will continue to allow the one free transfer rule for the foreseeable future. Fall athletes have until May 1st to enter the portal, unless there is a head coach change - then they would have until July 1st.

Great pickup! Definitely a sleeper. Nice job by the staff getting in early on him. Hudl film linked below: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16848795/617966bcbee0f606c4773b0c

Thank you and I appreciate the feedback! My best guess as to who our scholarship WRs are: SJL Adams Golden Grimes Singleton Walker Gathings Scippio I suspect we’ll see some roster turnover after spring ball. Moorhead has alluded to it already. We might even lose a handful of talented guys, but it’ll be for better in the end.

I don’t know the numbers for each team in college football. Nor do I know where I can find an accurate scholarship count for Akron - 247’s list is not correct. I know most Power 5 teams were/are over the limit due to last year’s senior class - and any players who were currently enrolled - getting an extra year of eligibility if they wanted it. The NCAA permits up to 25 scholarships to be given each year. For this year, each school received an extra scholarship to give for each player that transferred out up to 7 max. So if 7 or more players transferred out, a school would have up to 32 scholarships to give for this years class. However, not all schools give the full allotted amount every year as it is. As a way of getting around the numbers, blueshirting has gained popularity. It’s a way to add more players to the current year’s class, but the scholarship actually counts towards the following year.

Agreed. That was an excellent class that Arth brought in. As far as Singleton and Walker go, they really need to be pushing towards 185 lbs to give themselves their best chance to make it through an entire season. Golden is already in that range and could be an X-factor this year, depending on how the dominos fall. Im really excited about Adams as well. We may land a few more like him as all teams have to get down to the 85 scholarship limit before the 2022 season starts. So that means more talented players, that haven’t quite lived up to their potential, will be entering the portal after spring ball.

Thank you! I enjoy doing it and it helps me to get to know the roster more thoroughly. On a side note, I tried to like your post, but it looks like a technical glitch won’t let me. 😕

Receiver was again the deepest position on offense, but the struggles at QB prevented a higher level of production in 2023. Alex Adams - [Grad., Returning] - (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - Former transfer from LSU. Adams was an explosive player in high school that hadn’t lived up to his potential at LSU. In his first year at Akron, that explosiveness returned and he was voted 1st Team All-MAC. Adams played in 11 games in 2022 and collected 63 receptions for 855 yards and 9 touchdowns. Adams spent the majority of 2023 injuried and only caught 22 passes for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns. Adams was held out during the 2024 spring game. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: It’s still early for Adams, but he’s definitely trending towards his original (5.7) 3 ⭐️ status. Justin Campbell - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - JUCO transfer who signed out of HS with Ball State. Campbell was second team all-conference at JUCO this past season and collected 23 receptions for 403 yards and 3 TDs. He knows how to use his tall frame and can make difficult catches. Runs well and is a willing blocker. Campbell was noticeable in the 2024 spring game and will help the team this year. JUCO FILM * Tim Grear - [Redshirt Senior, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) / (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Fresno State. Former JUCO that may have two years of eligibility left. Myles Walker - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Walker exhibits a fluid stride and gets up to his top end speed quickly. He did not see playing time in 2022, but was the surprise of the receiving corps during the spring game in 2023. Walker finished the season with 8 receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Walker was a starter in the 2024 spring game and flashes the ability to runs solid routes and catch the ball when it comes his way. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Ahmarian Granger - [Senior, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (HS) / NR (Portal) - Transfer most recently from JMU (spring). Last played at Old Dominion. Granger brings speed to the wide receiving corps. He started a handful of games at ODU and provided the ability to stretch the field and was utilized on some wide receiver sweeps. Granger should immediately land on the two deep. Late post spring addition. Brandon “Bebe” Hills - [Redshirt Sophomore, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ Portal - Transfer from Washington State. Israel Polk - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (HS) / ((5.5) 3 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Pittsburgh. Polk is a smooth strider with deceptive speed and excellent body control. He did not play much during his freshman year at PITT, but has the potential to develop into an All-MAC caliber player. There is a ton of talent at wide receiver, so it remains to be seen how quickly Polk pushes for significant snaps. Polk was a post spring roster addition. HS FILM * Jean Louis - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Louis has great hands and excellent balance. He tends to make over-the-shoulder catches look easy when they can often be tricky. As expected, Louis redshirted in 2023. He looked like a receiver who is on the verge of being ready to contribute in the 2024 spring game. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Paul Davis - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Davis is a former Duke commitment out of Georgia. He has a college ready frame at 6’0” 195lbs and is a strong athlete. Davis’ best traits are probably his body control and excellent hands. He flashes a large catch radius and attacks the ball in the air. Davis does not seem that fast on film, yet defenders have a difficult time both chasing him down and tackling him. Davis redshirted in 2023. Like Louis, Davis looked like he is in the verge of being ready to contribute during the spring. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD Kyan Mason - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Mason is a long strider who has a lot of similarities to Shocky Jacques-Louis coming out of HS. He has sure hands, understands angles, and finds a way to get open. Mason also returned punts and kickoffs. He enrolled post spring. HS FILM * Luke Sivon - [Freshman, New] - NR - Late addition to the early signing period and first prep signee by coach Brookhart. Sivon has excellent body control and great feet. He also has a smooth stride with seeming plenty of speed. It’ll be difficult for Sivon to crack the rotation as a freshman, but he may turn out to be a sneaky good pickup down the road. HS FILM Isaiah Jones - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Preferred Walk-on. Jones has a nice sized frame at 6’3” 200lbs and will likely not see action outside of special teams for the first few years. Jones redshirted in 2023. Dominic Monds - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. New wide receivers coach JD Brookhart has already made his mark on this group with the post spring portal additions of Granger and Polk. Wide receiver will likely prove to be the most talented position on offense again, but consistent QB play is needed to throw them the ball. - JUCO Jacobi Moore did not make it to campus. Scholarship Players: Alex Adams Tim Grear Myles Walker Brandon Hills Jean Louis Paul Davis Justin Campbell Ahmarian Granger Israel Polk Kyan Mason Luke Sivon Added: Tim Grear Brandon Hills Luke Sivon Removed: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Bobby Golden - TP = Louisville (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Adrian Norton - TP = (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - Jarvis Rush - TP = (5.6) 3 ⭐️ (HS) - Phaizon Wilson - TP = Removed Before 2024 Season: (5.8) 4 ⭐️ (HS) - Daniel George - Graduation. - Star Rating Take: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Jasaiah Gathings - TP = UCONN - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ ️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Caleb Anderson - TP = Alcorn State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) (Walk-on) - Jax Smith - TP = Southwestern Oklahoma State Removed Before 2023 Season: (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - Shocky Jacques-Louis - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ NR - Jalen Knight - Grad. - Walk-on NR - Shawn Naim - TP (12/31/2022) = Vanderbilt- Walk-on NR - Tony Grimes - TP (1/11/2023) = Slippery Rock - Walk-on NR - Jameel Williamson - TP? - Walk-on NR - Clayton Bone - TP? - Walk-on (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Dakota Thomas - TP (5/23/2023) = Southern Miss - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - Anthony Williams - TP (6/16/2023) = Alcorn State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ Before 2022 season: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Oran Singleton Jr = Hutchinson CC - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Timothy Scippio - Walk-on NR - Alec LeSpina - Walk-on NR - Bryce Profitt - Walk-on

I rewatched Kellom’s film. I’m higher on him the second go round. I don’t think he’s at the same level as Norrils coming out of high school, but I think the staff landed a good one. I don’t know anything about Bone or Paxos, but I’m anxious to find out.

The running game has been mostly an afterthought during Moorhead’s tenure, but finally eclipsed the 100 yard per game mark in 2024. Jordan Gant - [Redshirt Junior, New] - NR (HS) / (5.5) 3 ⭐️ Portal - Transfer from Tennessee State. Gant was named a freshman All-American in 2023 before taking a reduced role in 2024. Gant does not have elite speed, but he is shifty and has excellent balance. He also sees the field well and is a solid receiver out of the backfield. Gant should be the starting running back this coming season. - Other Portal Offers: Bethune-Cookman Chris Gee - [Junior, New] - NR (HS) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from Colgate. Gee amassed 833 yards and 4 touchdowns over the past two seasons with Colgate. Gee is built in a similar vein to former RB CJ Price. He has a solid burst, quick feet, and can make the first defender miss. Gee will push for immediate playing time. Marquese Williams - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.7) 3 ⭐️ HS / (5.6) 3 ⭐️ Portal - Former transfer from Minnesota. Williams was a high producer in HS and had multiple P5 offers. Williams did not see the field at Minnesota and played less than 15 snaps this past season. Williams was not overly impressive during the 2024 spring game and will more developing before he claims a bigger role in the offense. HS FILM. * Sean Patrick - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Patrick is extremely shifty in the open field and understands how to press angles. He has a knack for making defenders miss with subtle movements. Patrick may not have elite speed, but his excellent feet and elusiveness in the open field makes up for it. Patrick redshirted in 2024 and will have a chance to secure a role this coming season. HS FILM * Fahrell Freeman - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * Luke Reed - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * Simmons and Kellom did a fine job replacing Lingard. Simmons parlayed his success into an opportunity with Ole Miss, while Kellom is still searching for a new home. The current running back corps has the ability to produce the same type of numbers if given the chance. That said, despite the best rushing season we’ve had under Moorhead, it was still bottom tier of the conference. Scholarship Players: Jordan Gant Chris Gee Marquese Williams Sean Patrick Added: Jordan Gant Chris Gee Removed: NR - Jordan Castleberry - Graduation (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Charles Kellom - TP (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Jordan Simmons - TP = Ole Miss Removed Before 2024: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - Lorenzo Lingard - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Drake Anderson - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - CJ Price - TP = Jackson State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Blake Hester - TP Removed Before 2023 Season: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Cam Wiley = West Texas A&M (DII) - NR - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Jonzell Norrils = Old Dominican (DII) - NR - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - Anthony Stallworth - TP? - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Dae’Vontay Latimer - TP? - Walk-on

Overall QB play was the best it’s been since Moorhead’s arrival. Ben Finley - [Grad., Returning] - (5.7) 3 ⭐️ HS / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ Portal - Grad transfer from California, Finley was a 3⭐️ commitment to NC State out of high school before making the move out west. He was clearly the best QB on the roster during the 2024 spring game and went on to throw for 2,604 yards while completing nearly 55% of his passes. Finley posted a 16-to-9 TD/INT ratio and played a big role in the offensive line lowering their sacks allowed to 30 this season. He’ll be back for his final year of eligibility. HS FILM. - Portal Offers: Utah State. * Brayden Roggow - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Roggow is a tall quarterback with some mobility. He had a very successful high school career and throws a catchable ball. In the 2024 Spring Game, he looked solid (for a freshman) and came in as a more polished passer than Bullock or Wasel did out of HS. Roggow saw five snaps against Ohio State, completing 1 of 2 passes with an interception. With a full offseason of development, he’s got a real shot at locking down the backup role in 2025. HS FILM. Johnny Brookhart - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM Cibastian Broughton - [Freshman, New] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Broughton is easily the most gifted prep quarterback Moorhead has brought in. He’s got excellent vision as a runner and knows how to press angles and create opportunities for himself when scrambling. As a passer, he can throw effectively from multiple arm angles and has plenty of arm strength. One of his highlights even shows him flicking a 50-yard pass on the run. If he weren’t a little undersized, Akron probably has no business landing a recruit like this. HS FILM The QB room is in the best place it’s been since Moorhead took over. Finley will have a chance at all-conference status if he can adjust his TD/INT ratio by 2 or 3. Bullock finally found a role where he can be effective in the offense and would be a nice option to have if he returns. Added: Cibastian Broughton Removed Before 2025 Season: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Tahj Bullock - TP Removed Before 2024 Season: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (JUCO) - DJ Irons - Graduation NR - Jeff Undercuffler - Graduation (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Dijon Jennings - TP = Weber State (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Ryan Jankowski - TP = UMASS (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - Steele Wasel - TP = Oklahoma (walk-on) Before 2022 season: NR - Calvin Cloud - Walk-on. (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Joey Marousek - (Baldwin Wallace) - Star Rating Take: Should have been a (5.2) 2 ⭐️.

Thank you for the kind words and also starting this thread! It’s great to be here and I’m excited to talk Akron football. I think the program is on the rise and watching this team will be fun. It’s hard for me to give an overall grade on the prep and transfer classes because I think a lot of that has to do with talent brought in coupled with needs on the roster. I don’t know the roster as well as some at this point, but judging solely on potential, I think the staff did a phenomenal job recruiting on such short notice. I wasn’t able to watch all the games last year, but from the ones I did watch not many players on defense stood out to me. I suspect it was due to a culmination of scheme, fit, talent, and coaching. I know there must be at least a handful of talented players returning from last year’s team and I expect the new staff to get the best out of them. It’s difficult to glean much from the short video of spring practice #1, but a few things did stand out. If the defense plays a 3-4 scheme, I think #6 Curtis Fann will be a perfect fit at OLB. He definitely has the size and length. During the one drill we saw of him, he looked physically impressive. Another takeaway was the size of transfer #99 Devon Robinson. He may be listed at 260, but he looks bigger than that to me. We were able to see one drill with him and he certainly has the physical ability. He’s exactly the type of player we’d want playing DE - assuming he lives up to his potential. Last year, our interior DL was moved out of their gaps or blown back into the LBs far too often. To add on to that issue the LBs misread, took themselves out of the play, or flat out missed tackles more than anyone would like to see. I’m hoping the addition of players like Curtis Harper will help improve the interior line play and give our ILBs a better opportunity to make a play. The OLBs didn’t flash the type of explosiveness we want to see coming off the edge. Hopefully, another year with S&C combined with a new staff will improve that area as well. On the back end, tackling was a bigger issue than it should have been and the DBs were frequently put into bad positions. They were asked to press up on WRs without much pressure from the front 7 or dropped into deeper coverage which in essence relinquished the catch. If we are going to give up the catch, then we’d better be able to make the tackle. Some of the above issues won’t be fixed by anything other than recruiting more gifted and explosive players. However, all the returning players can show improvement. I expect plenty of fireworks offensively this year, even with losing Gibson, Mathison, and Mumpfield. The biggest question I have is who will fit best on the OL. Moorhead’s system requires a lot of pulling and sometimes combo pulling. Not all of last year’s group will excel in that area, so which one of the freshmen will step up and snag playing time? I expect the starting 5 OL to look different by the end of the season than the group we see start the season. Just by design, I think we’ll see a better use of Irons skill set and for our RBs, WRs, and TEs to have ample opportunity to make plays in space. I didn’t mean to veer too far off of recruiting, so if you want to keep discussing individual players we can definitely do that.

Thanks for posting! It’s just helmets, but #6 (Curtis Fann?) looks the part. Nice size and moves really well. If he moves the same way with pads on, he’ll see plenty of action this year. It was just one play but TE #25 better do a better job than that if he wants to see the field. The one play was an RPO, which is a staple of Moorhead’s offense. Looks like it was Joey Marousek at QB and Cam Wiley at RB. Couldn’t see the receiver who caught the ball.

I can’t speak to the information they have listed on the website. I’d like to assume it’s correct, but it may be wrong if they pulled it from Rivals or 247 as those sites sometimes have conflicting information. In any case, here is the film from JUCO you requested. He’s definitely developed some since his high school days. https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9458953/617f09dfb019130b289d8b75

That’s a shame. I know the first two days will be helmets only, so I’m sure a lot of the news will be about who is taking leadership roles, etc. When pads come on is what I’m most interested in, but if news is as sparse as you say I guess any news is better than no news. Hopefully, the staff will use social media to their advantage and post clips from practice.

Which news outlet gives the best coverage for Akron football?