Captain Kangaroo

What Michigan fans are saying...

Article A 5-foot-10, 211-pound running back from Akron, Ohio, Sibley had offers from Ohio State, Michigan, Kentucky and Akron and was previously committed to Ohio State before the Buckeyes asked him to grayshirt and sit out a year.

He always seemed disinterested to me. Traylor-Bennett has received rave reviews at the TE/H-back position. I think we'll be better off this year at TE.

I think our QB situation is as good as, or better than anyone in the MAC. Woodson has proven he's a legit starting MAC QB. By all accounts, Chapman has had a great offseason and is ready to contribute in 2016. Kato was the highest rated recruit in the 2016 class. That's ok with me. I'm more concerned with linebackers.

Things are Luke-ing up for this former Zip

I guess I'm glad someone cared enough to write a June column on the Zips QB situation, regardless of the content. I mentioned in my golf outing notes that the Zips staff felt Chapman had made some great strides and would see the field more often in 2016. He will. And if Woodson struggles, he'll sub in. But that's no different than any other #2 QB.

To say 2013 WMU was "near RI's level" is not true. There's 1-11, and there's RI, back-to-back 1-11. WMU beat RI's Zips 66-6 (at least that was the score in the 3rd quarter...I forget the final). They played in a bowl game in 2011. That tells me they were several talent notches above the RI Zips. Their 2015 wins included EMU, Murray State, Miami OH and Ball State, so half of their wins were against cupcakes. I think the argument that Fleck and Bowden are on relatively the same level is seen in their 2015 bowl results. Both won their first MAC bowl last year. We'll see who's best on October 15th. The scoreboard don't lie.

Fleck's done a good job. But he's only winning the vaunted "Recruiting Stars" Championships. Sorta like winning the RPI Championship if you're an OU fan. Back-to-back 8-5 seasons. Won their first bowl game last season. Fleck is younger and hipper than Bowden, but the results are the same thus far.

At the end of the season, Buffalo was the better team. Their length and athleticism at guard is a problem for the smaller Zips. And, they are one team that can match up with Big Dog. Now that Oates has a year under his belt, look out for Buffalo in 2016-17. UB and UA are the obvious favorites to win the MAC. Neither is a wrong choice...but you won't win much money betting on them.

The report in the post above was - they are not academically eligible. Based upon that, they cannot play or practice. Like Harney and Tree a few years back.

You can't be on scholarship if you don't meet the academic requirements. They are paying their own way for 2016-17. They can effectively get the paid year back and be on scholarship for their 5th year, but only if they meet the requisite academic benchmarks after their 4th school-year. If they didn't meet the requisite academic progress requirements after 4 years, they would not be granted a 5th year.

After the morale napalm of the Scarborough era, it's a great lift to see that story. It reminds you what UA pride feels like.

This ain't your father's C-USA...

Marshall Festivities in June - Sounds fun if you're a Herd fan

Coach’s salary: UNI - $900k base Ohio - $550k base. Advantage - UNI Marquee wins in the past 3 seasons: UNI – Texas, North Carolina (#1), Iowa, Iowa State (#5), Wichita State (multiple times)... throw in Northwestern, Virginia Tech and some Colonial teams if you'd like too. Ohio – None NCAA Appearances in the past 2 years UNI – 2 OU – Zero League caliber UNI – 2-bid league OU – 1-bid league Can you get a Home-Home with Xavier? UNI – Yes OU – No Losses to end the season UNI – Texas A&M and Louisville (NCAA Tourney) Ohio – VMI and Morehead State (in Athens) Face it – You are clinging to 5 year old memories as the basis for your 2016 status. Ohio is worse than Akron, and nowhere near UNI. Enjoy your RPI. It’s awesome.

People obsessed with the RPI also tend to type a lot. About the CBI and CIT.And things that happened 5 years ago, under long-since-gone coaches and players.

@ 1987 - If it helps, I was told Trevor Brown was considered by most to be the #1 or #2 recruit in this year's class (along with Kato). Trevor Brown Offensive Lineman Clinton, MD 6-5, 275lbs

The RPI is a scapegoat for teams who don't play anyone big and don't beat anyone big. But who want to act they're big. People who care about the RPI are the same ones that paint their faces and wear costumes to watch the NFL draft. The 2015-16 Zips had an outstanding RPI year. On the court, we couldn't beat the worst Ohio State team in memory. OU recently sandwiched two 3-deep runs in the CBI and CIT around a 10 win season. Nice job. You aren't in Northern Iowa's league. You're in Akron's.

Complete Marshall Schedule A Marshall Message Board

Last note - I was told Cody Grice was a Cleveland Gladiator. I looked at their roster, and he wasn't listed yet. Keep your eyes peeled, I guess...

One additional topic I asked at the outing was the Zips heavy reliance on transfer players, and if that was going to change as time goes on. The general response was - The balance will be a little more towards the traditional Freshman recruit as the program continues to mature. But the "wave of the future" is transfers. Not just for the Zips, but for a lot of programs. Most kids today don't want to sit for 3 years, with the expectation to start in their Junior and Senior seasons. Kids want to play immediately. And, they're also internet savvy. Unhappy student athletes will look around at prospective "target schools" to see if they have a better opportunity to see the field. If, for example, they are a big RB, and they see the Zips don't have a big RB on their roster, they may target the Zips. The coaching staffs of various schools also communicate among each other. If P5 schools have a player that's not going to see the field in his Junior or senior season, they'll put the word out to their buddies to see if one has a need. The Bowden staff casts a wide net when it comes to networking within the P5 football staffs. So we get a better "line" on available transfer talent than many other schools. Lastly - The security of taking a Junior or Senior that's 6'4", 265 lbs is pretty appealing when compared to the gamble that a 6' 4" 218 lb kid will mature into that type of player by his 4th or 5th year. That weighs into the decision process too. So in summary - don't expect the Zips to have any 23 Freshman recruiting classes anytime soon. The Frosh/Transfer balance may shift a little now that we don't have as many gaping holes in our depth chart. But transfers recruits will remain very important to the Zips.

Looks like a hitter. I like him. 5' 11" as a HS Junior is fine. Maybe he grows an inch or two and is our mike LB of the future? If he doesn't, maybe free safety?

They're the same caliber of program. OU is worse than us, and no where near Northern Iowa's league (regardless of their epic tourney choke job).

The 2016 Akron Football Golf Outing was held on Friday June 3rd. As time goes on, you get less and less "scoops" from these events. It used to be, with our lazy beat writers, that face time with a coach was the only way to learn of the program's comings and goings. With the advent of Twitter...internet...social media...it all makes information regarding recruits, transfers, etc. available in real time. So chances are any big news has already broken. That said, I thought there was some interesting tidbits to pass along, so here's my recap - Beautiful day at The Quarry (just south of Canton). Cost was $160, which seems really expensive at first glance, but for what you got out of the day, it was a steal. Door prizes that everyone received were: a Bluetooth speaker system (nice), a Zips Football golf shirt, Weber spatula and grill kit, Zips poker chip ball marker and divot repair tool, and other misc stuff. Kegged Yuengling was provided at two locations on the course, and hot dogs, chips, cereal bars, and non-alcoholic beverages were complementary too. After the outing, they had a smoked rib and bar-b-que chicken lunch that was absolutely outstanding. Fantastic stuff! Raffle items included a 60" television, and numerous coolers, golf clubs, a grill...nice prizes. Hats off to UA! A friend and I were paired up with Trent Boykin - TE coach. Awesome guy. Trent played for YSU 20 years ago (back in their hey day). I had a buddy who was a YSU grad from that era, and I asked Trent to leave him a voicemail telling him to get his butt up to InfoCision for the Appalachian State game. He left as great message, and my buddy called 5 minutes later to tell me he got a big kick out of it. Trent picked up the phone and talked to him for another 5 minutes. He'll be there for the App State game! We finished at -2 ...a miracle considering our marginal golf talent, 14 strokes off the -16 winners. But despite the drubbing it was a lot of fun. We spoke to a lot of coaches, not just Trent. The general consensus on the positions is: * QB is in good hands with Woodson, but Chapman has made great strides. Although not a starter, he'll see appreciable time on the field in 2016. * Warren Ball passes the "eyeball test." He's cut from stone. But no one knows if he can run yet. He could make a big impact...he may be like Donnell Alexander, and be a role player. Too early to say. He is a big body, and we nee size at RB with the incumbents Hakeem Lawrence (recently ran a 4.23 in the 40) and Van Edwards being on the smaller side. * Offensive line will be better than last year. We have two solid left tackles, Gauthney is solid at Center, and Reitz is going to be a special player. There are a lot of good candidates at the open OL positions and "may the best man win" come summer camp. * WR is known to be a strength. Everyone still raves about JoJo Natson. He's the electric gamebreaker we really haven't seen to-date from any of the players Bowden has brought into the fold. Of course Jerome Lane is expected to have a big year too. Not much buzz regarding Gladney. * Mykel Traylor -Bennett has moved to TE/H-back, and is expected to cause opposing defenses fits this fall. He was mentioned by two coaches as having the best spring of any Zips player. * DL is simply the best in the MAC. They are expected to wreak some serious havoc in 2016. * LB's are young, but talented. Everyone seems to love Ulyses Gilbert. He's no Jatavis, but a lot of people seem to think he can get to that level on day. He's one to keep an eye on this fall as a "rising star." * We have two returning safeties, and 4 senior CB's. So many feel that position will be a strength for the Zips in 2016. * I didn't ask about special teams. I completely forgot. I did overhear that there is a RB from the Jacksonville area that one of our coaches really likes, and his scholarship offer was recently pulled by North Carolina. He is a bit on the smaller side, so once UNC got a commitment from a bigger back, they pulled the offer. The kid contacted UA after the offer was pulled and spoke to a coach for over an hour. Fingers are crossed that he'll make a visit. Having four local kids committed for next year is a big deal to the staff. Coach Boykin stressed how important is was at YSU to have a core of local kids mixed in with kids from Florida and other areas. Zips are trying to build that core, and are making good headway. 2017 offers are out to multiple kids at St V and Hoban. Bowden game an impassioned speech at the post-outing luncheon. My favorite line: "I'M SICK AND TIRED OF HEARING PEOPLE SAY 'I WOULDN'T HAVE BUILT THAT STADIUM'! ITS A DAMN GOOD STADIUM AND WE NEED TO FILL IT. AND WE WILL!" Testify, Brother Bowden!! For such an awesome event, there were too few Zips fans in attendance. I'll guess there were only 28 - 30 teams? And several were UA employees. If you were interested in playing in 2017, I'd recommend you do it. It's a great time hanging with like-minded Zips Football supporters and coaches. You definitely get your $160 worth. Lunch break is over. If I think about anything else I'll add it later. Go Zips!

Every 6 months my company gets a new set of UA Engineering co-op's. Usually three or four. Without exception, the kids are sharp, energetic and well-prepared. After their graduation, many have been retained, and are doing quite well. I am impressed with the level of graduates UA Engineering is churning out. People can latch on to whatever negative stuff they want. Good for them. I see with my own eyes there's still a great crop of kids at UA, getting a great education, and being very well prepared for their professional careers.