catdaddyp

This staff is doing work! Thompson had Power 5 offers from NC State, Purdue, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Duke, and Wake Forest coming out of high school. I’d be surprised if he isn’t one of the starting safeties by the time the 2022 season kicks off.

Appreciate the feedback. The reasons I think we’ll run the 3-4 defense is due to what our defensive coordinator ran in the past, as well as the types of players we recruited this year. For example, Harper comes from a 3-3-5 defense and D. Robinson is a fit for DE in the 3-4. If Bubba and Jeslord are the strength of our LBs, wouldn’t we want them running free as much as possible? All defenses have to be flexible within their own scheme to match against different offenses. I’m certainly not saying we stay in a base 3-4 (or any other defense) if we can’t matchup. If a team is in spread, different personnel would be used as a front 7 player - or 2 - would be replaced by DB(s). Unfortunately, none of us know for sure what we’ll be running due to the limited spring ball coverage. What we do know is the 2021 defense was last against the run, last in defensive efficiency, and last in sacks in MAC play. Regardless of where the current roster is best suited personnel wise, changes need to be made. I don’t think we’ll see the same scheme ran as last year as the coaching staff will continue to flip this roster and bring in players that they deem fit best within the schemes being run. Like you mentioned, it’s a good time to shed some players and I’m sure we’ll see some of that after spring - maybe even before spring ball ends.There is some talent on this roster, but we are hurting in quality depth compared to our peers. The tricky part is where we stand numbers wise to the 85 scholarship limit. I don’t know what the NCAA will do next year, but if we go back to the 25 scholarship offer limit per class, we don’t want to lose too many scholarship players at once as we’d then have to fill those spots with walk-ones or rely heavily on blue-shirting. On a side note, Terry started 9 games in 2019 before being replaced by a Power 5 transfer. He also started a handful of games thereafter. That’s what I meant by multi-year starter. How much he’ll play here is yet to be determined, but he’ll certainly have an opportunity to prove himself with this new coaching staff.

Linebacker turned into the strength of the defense in 2023 and the same should be true in 2024. (LB) Cam Hollobaugh - [Redshirt Senior, New] - NR (HS) / NR (Portal) - Transfer from Walsh where he was a DII All-American. Melvin Spriggs - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Spriggs was mostly lined up on the edge in high school and was very active rushing the passer. He was a late commitment in the early 2023 signing period and needed to add some mass. Spriggs did not play in 2023 and redshirted. Spriggs did not participate in the 2024 spring game. HS FILM* Star Rating Take: TBD. Rich Benenge - [Sophomore, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Transfer from West Point Prep. Akron was in on Benenge in the 2023 recruiting cycle before he eventually decided to sign with Army “Prep.” Benenge is an explosive linebacker that reads and reacts quickly. He has the makeup to eventually become an All-MAC player and it would not be a surprise to see him land on the two deep this year. Benenge participated in the 2024 spring game. HS FILM * Jason Hocker - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Hocker is built in the same vein as Bryan McCoy. He’s an aggressive down hill player who will hit. The linebacker room is deep, so Hocker will probably redshirt this year. Hocker enrolled post spring. HS FILM * Markus Boswell - [Freshman, New] - (NR) - HS FILM Gavin James - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Devin Reeves - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Austin Wondolowski - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. Did not play in 2023. HS FILM * Danny Nittoli - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * Linebacker play stood out and an argument could be made this was a top 3 unit in the MAC. Tim Tibesar has flipped the room and collected some physical players. McCoy earned All-MAC honors, while Fish was also deserving. Cooper was a rotational starter that developed into an excellent blitzer. Griffin came on towards the end of the season, played well, and then transferred out. This may be the best linebacking corps in the MAC come 2024. Scholarship Players: Melvin Spriggs Jason Hocker Rich Benenge Gavin James Devin Reeves Markus Boswell Added: Markus Boswell Gavin James Devin Reeves Removed: (5.7) 3 ⭐️ (HS) - Shammond Cooper = Graduated. NR (JUCO) - Antavious Fish - TP (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Brian McCoy - TP = Oklahoma State NR - Gage Summers - TP Removed Before 2024 Season: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - LB Jaharon Griffin - TP = Alcorn State NR - LB Andrew Behm - TP = Southern Illinois NR - LB Camari Harris (walk-on) - TP = N/A Removed Before 2023 Season: (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - Jeslord Boateng = TP Louisiana Tech - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Tim Terry = Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Ryan McClain = Retired. - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Luke Bauer = TP Morehead State - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Bubba Arslanian = Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.6) 3 ⭐️ NR - Emmett Hanna = Retired - Walk-on Before 2022 season: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Juan Jarrett = Retired. - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Reggie Corner = Retired. - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Yveny Petithomme = Retired. - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Connor Francz = TP Walsh (DII) - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - Zach DiLauro - Walk-on NR - Myles Carter - Walk-on NR - Kyle Bischof - (Walsh) - Walk-on NR - Nicholas Mayle - Walk-on NR - Jake Miller - (Slippery Rock) - Walk-on NR - Brandon Bischof - (Slippery Rock) - Walk-on

The reason I believe it’s the first team OL is due to several things - Brank is at the TE, Irons is at QB, several of the linemen were starters last year. However, that doesn’t mean each one of them is a starter at this point. Like I said, one or two could be held out for unknown reasons and it’s the next man up. It very well could be Robarge at one of the interior positions, I don’t know. I know you’re a fan of his. If he’s the best OL available, I want him playing. I’m viewing this team with fresh eyes and don’t have a bias towards any of the players. I feel there are some younger guys who have more overall talent that could push for playing time this year. It’s still early, but in the end, I want the best 5 out there that give us a chance to win. It’d be great if we were given a closer look into practice instead of having to speculate on just a handful of plays or drills.

Not a ton to be gleaned here, but it looks like: - Irons and Marousek are throwing together, most likely as the #1 and #2 at this point. - Another highlight of Cam Wiley. He’s running with the first team there. - First team OL looks like Cambers at LT and Daniels at RT. Beckman and Banes on the interior. Can’t tell who the other interior OL is as he has his man pancaked. Chances are it won’t stay that way. Someone might be held out for precautionary reasons and it’s the next man up. Who knows? - On defense, CB Ronald Jackson is the read man for the QB, transfer Victor Jones at DE, transfer DT Curtis Harper getting turned out by Banes, OLB Julian Richardson crashing in on the edge, Jalen Hooks at CB, and KJ Martin at S.

The further away from the football, the higher the chances of a freshman starting. Meaning it’s more likely for a freshman to make a bigger impact at safety or cornerback than it is at defensive end or defensive tackle. However, there are plenty of examples of it happening, but it’s usually due to a high need at that position or the player just being that much more gifted than the current players on the roster. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Murphy get some playing time in the back half of the season, but it’ll be tough in the front half - especially with this year’s depth. As far as the 3-4 goes, the best way to think of the 3 down linemen is as space eaters. In a perfect world, they would hold their ground, swallow up the double teams, and allow the linebackers to run free. In today’s game, the schemes have gotten more complicated and offenses have become so good at getting to the second level (think about all the inside and outside zones you see now vs 20 years ago). So when a defensive lineman has the chance to make the play, he’d better do it, otherwise the chances are high that an offensive lineman has already moved up to the linebacker. The DEs are usually in the 6’3-6’6 250-300lbs range. The DTs are usually in the 6’0 - 6’3 265-315lbs range. Those are just general numbers as some players are more productive at different weights due to their body types. Our roster may not exactly fit those ranges right now as the staff will continue to recruit more to the scheme we are playing. Depending on down and distance we could see a combination of any of the linemen. Could be up to 3 DTs on the field in short yardage, 3 DEs for pass rush, or 1 DT and 1 DE when we go nickel. The 3-4 is popular due to all the combinations and pass rushing angles that can be created.

That’s a tough one. I think we’ll see a different starting 5 by the end of the season than the 5 we see at the beginning. To start the season, Im guessing we see something like this: LT - Chambers LG - Beckman C - Georges RG - Banes RT - Murphy The line (I think) I’d like to see by end of season: LT - Chambers LG - Kilbane C - Lyons RG - Banes RT - Landers It’s too bad we don’t have access to any spring film. We’d have a better idea of where things stood and there are certainly a number of different combinations that could be made. I suspect one or two of last years main contributors may find themselves on the outside looking in by the time 2022 concludes.

I’m not sure I would say one is more important than the other as they tend to go hand in hand. I could go more in-depth on all the linemen, but I’m not interested in doing so as I’m trying to cover every player on the team.

The staff did a nice job landing immediate help from the transfer portal and JUCO ranks during the 2023 offseason. Run defense and pass rush improved over the previous year. Depth additions and development of the previous recruiting classes could make the 2024 DL the best in Moorhead’s tenure. (DE) Cyrus Durham - [Redshirt Junior, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ JUCO / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ Portal - Transfer from Arizona. JUCO FILM Known Portal Offers: Campbell and UMASS. Kam Cheatom - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Cheatom is the second highest rated player in Akron’s 2023 class according to Rivals. He missed his senior year due to injury, but was used as a standup DE/OLB as a junior. Cheatom’s strength is rushing the passer and he has a frame to add on more mass without losing any explosiveness. Cheatom saw action in 2 games on defense and 3 on special teams before redshirting in 2023. Joe Moorhead said “Cheatom will be a star in this league.” Cheatom was very active in the 2024 spring game and will contribute this season. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD. Bruno Dall - [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - The best way to describe Dall is untapped potential. Dall is uniquely agile and smooth in his movements for someone his size. He has a massive frame at 6’7”, with long arms, and is just scratching the surface of his development. Dall did not see the field in 2023 and redshirted. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD. Tristen Graham - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Former Syracuse commitment and the highest rated HS prospect in Akron’s 2024 class. Graham plays in the same vein as CJ Nunnally. He’s very active and does not give up on a play. Graham dominated at a lower level of football in Delaware and in time could become an All-conference player. Graham already has the size to play as a freshman, but a year in the S&C program will help refine his body and make him even more explosive. Graham was a post spring arrival. HS FILM. * Dahvon Frazier - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Frazier played RB, TE, and LB in HS. He is explosive in short space and runs well. Frazier also has an impressive vertical leap and has a knack for knocking the ball loose from the ball carrier. Frazier enrolled post spring and is listed as a DE on the official roster. HUDL FILM * Jahvon Frazier - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Defensive end with some length. Frazier is able to bend and turn the edge quickly on pass rush. He was also stout against the run at the HS level. Frazier will likely redshirt and add mass his freshman year. Frazier was a post spring arrival. HS FILM * Vann Kavals - [Freshman, New] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Ty Watkins - [Freshman, New] - NR - HS FILM Jon’Trell Mixon [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. Langston Ragland [Redshirt Sophomore, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. (DT) Zy Brockington - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Transfer from Memphis. - Portal Offers: Georgia Southern. * Dimitri Madden - [Redshirt Senior, Returning] - (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) / (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (Portal) - Former JUCO that transferred in from UTEP. Madden played less than 50 snaps at UTEP, though he did play well in his limited time. He is agile for a big man - easily changing directions and already has a handful of moves. Madden will likely step in as a backup DT on the depth chart. Madden was a post spring addition. JUCO FILM * Kiawan Murphy - [Redshirt Junior, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Strong and heavy nose tackle. Murphy fires out quickly and moves unusually well for a guy his size. Murphy played in 1 game on special teams in 2022 and was singled out by Moorhead as a young guy to watch. He did not breakthrough in 2023 despite playing in 5 games. Murphy participated in the 2024 spring game. HS FILM * Star Rating Take: TBD. Ronald Hull - [Sophomore, Returning] - (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Lazy rating by Rivals. Similar to Elijah Davis, Hull moves extremely well and is a violent player. He is physically built more in the vein of Kiawan Murphy and has all-conference potential. Hull will likely redshirt, but also would not be a surprise to receive significant snaps as a freshman. Hull was a post spring arrival. HS FILM * Elijah Davis - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Extremely agile and violent DT. Davis moves unusually well for an interior lineman and has all-conference potential. Davis will likely redshirt due to the depth at this position, but it would also not be a surprise to see him collect meaningful snaps similar to Marcus Moore’s freshman year. Davis was a post spring arrival. HS FILM * Jamie Riedel - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. HS FILM * Jaiden Brown-Demery - [Freshman, New] - (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - HS FILM Going into the 2023 season no one knew what to expect from this group. We knew the talent level and athleticism would be increased, but that was about it. JUCO CJ Nunnally became the carbon copy of what is desired along the defensive line and was voted 1st Team All-MAC . The other JUCOs provided depth, but not much more in their first year in the system. Transfer DT Terray Jones was the only legitimate interior pass rusher and was flanked by another transfer in Lama Lavea. Devon Robinson never lived up to his 3 star rating coming out of high school, but did become a solid backup. Freshman Marcus Moore came on strong as the year progressed and will be a terror if he can continue to develop. The DL did struggle at times putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks without the assistance of blitzes. If coach Wart has another strong offseason of recruiting and development, the DL could be impressive in 2024. Fast forward to the 2024 offseason and the defensive line is in excellent shape. Starter Terray Jones and backups Devon Robinson and Kyle Thomas are gone from the middle. Jones had a season that was certainly worthy of an all-conference selection. In his stead will be a rotation between Moore and transfer Kapongo. Lavea returns in his starting spot at the other DT position. Transfers Brockington and Madden will have the opportunity to work their way into the rotation, while Murphy may be ready to contribute as well. Keep an eye on the two freshmen defensive tackles later in the season. Both have the potential to contribute in their first year, but need time to get acclimated. At defensive end both starters return in Nunnally and Adler. Former JUCOs Antonio Smith and LaJoshua Jackson were backups that decided to move on. Richards and Cheatom will have a chance to fill the backup roles and potentially give a higher level of production than the departed backups. Freshmen Graham and Frazier will also have a chance to contribute if they are ready. Scholarship Players: Kiawan Murphy Kam Cheatom Bruno Dall Dahvon Frazier Jahvon Frazier Elijah Davis Ronald Hull Dimitri Madden Vann Kavals Ty Watkins Cyrus Durham Added: Cyrus Durham Vann Kavals Ty Watkins Removed: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DE Bennett Adler - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (JUCO) - DE CJ Nunnally - TP = Purdue NR - DE Kabbash Richards - Graduation. (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Nathan Kapongo - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Lama Lavea - Graduation. (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Zy Brockington - Graduation (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Marcus Moore - TP = Purdue (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Andre Proffitt - TP = (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (HS) -DE Tristen Graham - JUCO Removed During/After 2023 season: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DE Ryan Johnson - TP = Southern Miss - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DE Antonio Smith - TP = Valdosta State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Kyle Thomas - TP = Valdosta State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (TP) - DE Julian Richardson - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (TP) - DT Terray Jones - Graduation. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ (HS) - DT Devon Robinson - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ NR - DT Tyler Carter - Graduation. - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - DE LaJoshua Jackson - TP - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ Removed Before 2023 season: (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Victor Jones - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Curtis Harper - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Zach Morton - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Logan Hawkins- Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.3) 2 ⭐️ - Ravontae Holt - Grad. - Star Rating Take: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ NR - Angelo Howze - Grad. - Walk-on (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Nazir Sy = TP Northwestern State - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.7) 3 ⭐️ - Curtis Fann = TP Western Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.2) 2 ⭐️ - Bryce Wilson = TP Western Carolina - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Quevan Lawson - Retired. - Star Rating Take: (5.3) 2 ⭐️ (5.5) 3 ⭐️ - Ahmad Rabah - Retired. Before 2022 season: (5.4) 2 ⭐️ - Janirr Wade - JUCO - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️ NR - David Hooks - Retired. - Star Rating Take: (5.2) 2 ⭐️

FBS coaches are usually looking for players 6-4 and up. Reasoning behind that is due to arm length and body type. It’s not an absolute, but there is a correlation between height and arm length. Arm length plays into striking and the ability to reach the defender. A taller frame allows more mass to be added without prohibiting movement. Center and guard don’t require as much arm length as tackle, but it’s still important. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Some players have arm length that is well beyond relation to their height. Also, just because a player may be 6-2, 6-3, doesn’t mean they can’t be successful. In this case, the previous staff clearly thought the current OL had what it took to be successful at this level.

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 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 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 Kenneth McManus - [Freshman, New] - (5.6) 3 ⭐️ - HS FILM Max Mobley - [Redshirt Freshman, Returning] - NR - Walk-on. Mobley was the backup Center in the 2024 Spring Game. - 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 Javirea Moore - [Redshirt Senior, New] - Transfer from East Texas A&M. Jayme Motley-Simmons - [Redshirt Senior, New] - Transfer from North Alabama. 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 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 Dayne Shor Alex Fox Maasai King Jon Gould Kenneth McManus Darrell Johnson Amarie Archer Gregory Allen Jones Jayme Motley-Simmons Javirea Moore Added: Maasai King Jon Gould Kenneth McManus Darrell Johnson Amarie Archer Gregory Allen Jones Jayme Motley-Simmons Javirea Moore 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 (5.4) 2 ⭐️ (HS) - Roosevelt Mitchell - TP = NR - Frank McClelland - Walk-on NR - Nathan Covert - Walk-on 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 * 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 NR - Aiden Diaz - 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.