Captain Kangaroo

Looks like we'll have 10-14 making the trip.

I'm glad to see something is being done regarding the MAC and hoops. It is no illusion that we've been leapfrogged by some of the other mid-major conferences over the past 5 years. I hope the increase in referee's pay makes a difference. I'm tired of being pissed-off after a Zips game...even after a Zips win...because the ref's were so horrible. I swear I don't go to Zips games to watch a free throw shooting contest, but it seems like all-to-often that's what the vast majority of games degrade to.

I've got 15 minutes...he're my quickie take:QB: A-I think Getsy had too much to overcome in the beginning of last season. Three years of rust was too much to shake off in a couple games. And, replacing Frye's leadership and #'s was probably a pretty daunting task. Players, and teams for that matter, don't typically stay the same for a season. They either progress or regress. Luke and the offense began clicking on all cylinders last season when the money was on the line. I fully expect to see the "Zips/Luke of late-2005" more frequently than the "Zips/Luke of early/mid-2005" when this fall rolls around. I think the staff will be more comfortable with Jacquemain and Jackson getting some snaps this season too. Moreso than they were in giving Fergueson any game reps last year. Luke also has more "big game" experience than any MAC QB.RB: B-I still need to see something special from Kennedy. I like how he looked in the MCB, but I can't give him an "A" until I see him roll up decent yards againt the MAC's upper echelon, or against a BCS school. In general, out entire backfield is VERY unproven. If Berchie is our #2 back, that's a bit scary. Especially if Kennedy gets injured. McMillon and Allen really need to step things up if that's the case. FB is a big question mark too.WR/TE: B-I think Jabari will break out this season. Like Luke, Jabari went into "Man Amongst Boys" mode in late season. He forgot about QB and really began to focus on being a dominant WR. If he can stay healthy he could set a Zips single season yardage record this year. Luke will use him early and often. To do so, he'll need to have another threat emerge. Schifino had Bailey. Cherry had Sparks/Irvin. Hixson would have had a better senior season if he had a stronger #2 WR to free him up. I believe either Long, Harvey, Williams or Linsay will step up and contribute big #'s right away. If two or more of them step up, Luke can really tear up the MAC this year. Lots of "ifs" however...We're probably more solid than 80% of the nation's D-1A football teams at TE.15 minutes is up.

Click for Dominick

Sure her name wasn't sToole?

If you have a youngster age 6-12 that might be interested in attending the Zips Summer Football Camp June 19th and 20th, click on the link below for an entry sheet:Entry sheet:Click Me for Entry Sheet and Details on Youth CampIf you have a "big kid"...or are a "big kid" yourself, Gozips.com has the details on the upcoming Zips Senior Camps and "Team Passing/Big Man's Camps" Entry Sheet:Click Me for "Big Man" Camp Sign up SheetClick Me for Camp InfoInfo Brochure: Dates:Senior Camp I June 11 Senior Camp II July 18 Senior Camp III July 23 Team Passing/Big Man Camp I July 20 Team Passing/Big Man Camp II July 21 Team Passing/Big Man Camp III July 22

What a huge difference in the top 5 MAC teams vs the bottom 8.

When I hear "Odd Corner" I think of two words:Skull Bong

I think "big man" size is the one thing that really separates the "mid major" from the "major" in both basketball and football. Look at the difficulties we've had trying to get legit defensive linemen in football. The big boys get the kids with size and grades. We often get either:Grades, and hope they fill out to a decent sizeorDecent size, and hope they can make the gradesSometimes you get lucky with a Kiki Gonzales that was a prop 48, but subsequently got his academics squared away. Or a Jason Taylor, whom we go because bigger schools were afraid of his "home schooling" background. But you can hardly bank on that. LB's...RB's...DB's...even QB's are positions MAC schools can fill with talent that has a good mix of grades and skills. Being undersized isn't such a killer at LB, DB, RB, etc. When you play Penn State and you're undersized at DL, you're in trouble.In hoops, OSU gets the 7' 1" Parade all-americans. MAC schools need to get lucky and develop a John Edwards or Chris Kaman. NIU had a couple 7-footers on their roster this year and they were much closer to Matt Seibert than Chris Kaman. That's typically the rule rather than the exception.Maybe we get lucky with Bardo and he sprouts up a couple inches? That's the only way we'll ever get a solid 7-footer at Akron. But...I don't think we need one. You can win in the MAC with a 6' 8" center. And, if you're well coached and surround your 6'6" - 6' 8" front court with some good perimeter talent, you can win games beyond the MAC as well.

That is exactly my point, thank you.Also add higher quality home schedules, television exposure, more applications, higher quality students, more donations. We need the new stadium for all that to come into play. The Rubber Bowl is a primary contributing factor to poor attendance and low revenue.Winning team + new stadium = More fans, Higher ticker profits, More Parking Profits, more merchandise sales, More Alumni involvement on campus and subsequently more donations, more appeal to corporate sponsors, luxury boxes etc.You can only do so much with the 66 year old Rubber Bowl and it's fractured fiberglass seats. Even if you get 20k, the tickets are sold at a pretty cheap price w/a ton of giveaways and parking is $4.00.

Keep in mind Larranega left Bowling Green for George Mason for more money. GM has some deep pockets.Also George Mason is located near a...maybe THE premier HS basketball hotbed in NE Virginia/metro DC. And George Mason's primary sport is basketball. They don't have football. Their arena is awesome, seating 10,000 with big-time amenities.Although George Mason seems like a mid-major equivalent to Akron, they offer quite a bit that a school like Akron can't. Larrenega's $400,000/year+incentives dwarfs what any MAC school could offer.

You could throw in Hight too.

NEVER...EVER...be ashamed of the liver damage!!

Thanks to Rasor for the plug and kind words!"ZipsNation is the premier message board for Zips athletics."We try our best.

Actually, it is always about good QB play regardless of the league or level. I disagree.Sincerely, Mark RypienDoug WilliamsTrent DilferI've always bought into the "Defense Wins Championships" line of thinking. I think all of us have witnessed the dramatic change in Akron's fortunes attributed primarily to making the opponent use their punter a few times during a game.

Hell...we won 23 this season. 26 is actually on the conservative side.

You exact quote was: "Does anyone actually see us competing with Syracuse, Pitt, or WVU in hoops?" The answer is: Yes. If we can beat Mississippi State and Temple, we can compete with Pitt, WVa and Syracuse.Were Pitt, WVA and Syracuse better than Temple and Mississippi State in 2005-6? Yes. However, that was not your point.Look at the last decade in it's entirety. You will see Mississippi State and Temple are essentially the same as Pitt, WVa and Syracuse. Pitt sucked ass only a few years ago. In their best season of the last four years they lost to MAC school Can't in the NCAA's. Pitt is hardly a "Duke" or "North Carolina."Three years ago WVa was essentially Drew Schifino and a bunch of stiffs. Even Dan Dakich turned down WVa's job offer because their program was such a mess.Next season Pitt and WVA will each lose several key players to graduation. The Zips will be a 26-win team. We undoubtedly will compete with Syracuse...Pitt...or WVa next season, should we get the opportunity. If you such competition is unlikely, you need to do some homework.

The Cavs couldn't draw flies a few years ago. They're winning now and being a Cavs fan is all the rage. Eeerily parallel to the Zips rise to the top. Coincidence?

I do know Kiki is good to go for the fall. All I have heard regarding Robinson was no one was really too happy with the shape he was in this spring. He was hovering around 330 lbs. I'll see if I can't get an update.

Zips Blips: Some Zips Football Notes for May 2006The Pitfalls of December FootballWhile every other team in the MAC sans Toledo could devote full attention to recruiting in December, the Zips were forced to juggle managing an official recruiting visit weekend with preparation for a Championship game. Obviously it worked out pretty good for the Zippers who garnered the top-rated recruiting class in the MAC along with a MAC football Championship. But, it was a challenge.Practice Makes PerfectWord is the staff could not be happier with the progress made during the 2006 spring practices. There was good competition at virtually every position and noticeably more talent and athletes than in either of the two prior years. An interesting contributor to the progress made this spring was the ability to practice in December. Again, while 11 MAC schools weren’t allowed to practice, the Zips held numerous scrimmages with the young freshmen and sophomores. The trickledown effect was a much higher level of preparedness when spring camp opened. The EdgeChris Jacquemain gained an ever-so-slight edge over Carlton Jackson for the back up QB position with his performance in the spring game. The battle is still close and bears watching in August.Wide ReceiverWord is the staff can’t wait to see Jabari line up against MAC DB’s this season. There’s no one in the MAC with Jabari’s combination of size and speed. He will be utilized to the fullest this season. Brandon Williams and Jermaine Lindsay also had very impressive spring sessions and will see substantial PT this fall.Cruz ControlJose Cruz is yet another Zip that impressed this spring. He’ll be the Zips #3 TE in August, but he’ll see a lot of action. Guys who know the MAC say Cruz would be the #1 TE for most MAC schools.Replacing RohrAl-Teric Balaam had a great spring, culminating with an excellent spring game. He’s a sure tackler and will also see substantial PT this fall. Look for Mickey Baker to enter August with the best shot to start, however. The staff was also pleased with the progress Doug Williams made after converting from DL to LB.Secondary ConsiderationsFreshman Wayne Cobham’s name keeps popping up as an impact player this fall. Look for him to push the upper-classmen for PT. And by the way…if you want to get your picture alongside the next Zips “star”…the one the staff feels is really a special athlete and a shoe-in NFL draft pick…be ready with your camera when Brandon Anderson walks past. He ran a 4.38 this spring and is drawing athletic comparisons to Dominic Hixson. Note: Anderson had minor wrist surgery a few weeks ago. He’s expected at 100% when summer camp breaks.Running BackExpect Alex Allen to get about as many carries in 2006 as Kennedy got spelling Biggs last year. Kennedy will carry the bulk of the load. Word is he’s a little better “finisher” than Biggs. That, coupled with the holes generated by our veteran, dramatically deeper 2006 offensive line make the expectations for Dennis Kennedy pretty high this coming season.Offensive Liner-notesKeith Huebner was singled out as having an outstanding spring. Conversely, Elliot Bates had knee surgery this past winter and is still rehabbing. He should be available once August rolls around.“The Flea”If you wondered who the diminutive (5’ 5”) #22 was on the Zips sidelines during the spring game, it was James Howell. He’s a Zips track sprinter that wanted to try out for football. It is expected he’ll again be back with the football team in August.May DayWhile many of the University of Akron students slept, with visions of cook-outs and keggers dancing in their heads, the football staff was…and remains… hard at work with May recruiting. May is a great time to meet with players and see physically how they’re looking, meet with their HS coaches and also to pick up game tapes. While the Zips have already made offers to several HS prospects (seniors-to-be), the offer process will kick into high gear in June. Also – the geographic focus areas for Zips’ recruiting this year will pretty much remain unchanged from last season.Lively SpecimenEric Lively has put on about 25 lbs. He’s now up to around 285. That extra beef is hoped to sustain the D-line while Kiki gets a breather. Last season the Zips struggled a bit to defend the run whenever Gonzales caught a breather on the sidelines.Atop the ChartsFastest Zips Football Player – Brandon Anderson, with his 4.38Strongest Zips Football Player – Andy Alleman, with Kiki Gonzales also getting a few votesRoy Jones Jr. “Pound for Pound” Strongest Zip: Frank BerchieZip with the most “Football Smarts?” – Luke Getsy. The staff raves about his almost daily growth as a player.“Frosh” LegsIt is fully expected the Zips will start both a freshman punter and place kicker in Happy Valley September 2nd.Comings and GoingsNo one I spoke to at the University knew much about the walk-on baseball player (Flynn). If I find out anything I’ll be sure to post it. Walk on Tim Zetts left the team. His cousin is the QB for YSU and he’s expected to end up there. 2005 recruit DL Kevin Garner did not make grades. This is his final semester at Akron. Despite the rumors on the Liberty message board, no other Zips have submitted transfer paperwork as of 5/16/06.Class of 2007 Recruit InformationIf you check our scout.com you see about a million names associated with the Zips. A handful will actually don the Blue and Gold, however. Here are some names and notes regarding some of the players with published interest in the Zips:Zac Kasparek – Zips seem to be the leader for his services…unless a major BCS school enters the picture. Penn State is rumored to be interested.Frank Edwards (St Ed’s) - 5’ 8”, 185 lbs and the Zips would really like to have him.Thomaz Hilton (Y-town Rayen) – 6’3”, 190. The Zips have not offered, but are very interested.Gary Pride (Colerain) – 5’ 9”, 180 lbs and the Zips have offered a scholarship already.Ken Bruton (Miamisburg) – 6’ 2”, 205 and the Zips have offered a scholarship already. Ben Burkett (St John’s Toledo) – Would love to have him, but he’s expected to go to OSU.Ben Davis (Piqua) – 6’ 4”, 265lbs. Highly thought of, but the Zips have yet to offer.Jake Kaiser (Greensburg Central Catholic) – 6’ 8” 280 lbs. He’s a distant relative of Coach Morehead. The Zips are hoping the bloodlines help.Carson Byrd (Trotwood Madison) – 6’ 3” 255 lbs. The Zips would take him now if they could. Highly thought of.Fitzgerald Bobo (Duquesne) – 6’ 4”, 190. Zips definitely interested, but no offer yet.Lamar Mason (Pittsburgh Central Catholic) – 6’ 1” 185 lbs. Zips definitely interested, but no offer yet.Tim Cortazzo (Penn Trafford) – 6’ 175 lbs. Appears to be a mutual love between Tim and the Zips. He could be the first commitment of the 2007 class.Lamont Smith (Pitt Central Catholic) – 5’ 7” 155 lbs. Zips have interest, but not yet an offer.Kyle Jefferson (Glenville) – Zips love him…but so does Jim Tressel…so it probably won’t happen.Zac Kristan (Dublin Coffman) 6’ 3” QB. Zips have interest, but no offer yet.Mark Woodridge (Walsh Jesuit) 5’ 9” 190 lbs. Zips love him.That’ all I can offer for May. Hopefully I can get the time to put together a June update in about 4 weeks.

Zips Blips: Some Zips Football Notes for May 2006The Pitfalls of December FootballWhile every other team in the MAC sans Toledo could devote full attention to recruiting in December, the Zips were forced to juggle managing an official recruiting visit weekend with preparation for a Championship game. Obviously it worked out pretty good for the Zippers who garnered the top-rated recruiting class in the MAC along with a MAC football Championship. But, it was a challenge.Practice Makes PerfectWord is the staff could not be happier with the progress made during the 2006 spring practices. There was good competition at virtually every position and noticeably more talent and athletes than in either of the two prior years. An interesting contributor to the progress made this spring was the ability to practice in December. Again, while 11 MAC schools weren’t allowed to practice, the Zips held numerous scrimmages with the young freshmen and sophomores. The trickledown effect was a much higher level of preparedness when spring camp opened. The EdgeChris Jacquemain gained an ever-so-slight edge over Carlton Jackson for the back up QB position with his performance in the spring game. The battle is still close and bears watching in August.Wide ReceiverWord is the staff can’t wait to see Jabari line up against MAC DB’s this season. There’s no one in the MAC with Jabari’s combination of size and speed. He will be utilized to the fullest this season. Brandon Williams and Jermaine Lindsay also had very impressive spring sessions and will see substantial PT this fall.Cruz ControlJose Cruz is yet another Zip that impressed this spring. He’ll be the Zips #3 TE in August, but he’ll see a lot of action. Guys who know the MAC say Cruz would be the #1 TE for most MAC schools.Replacing RohrAl-Teric Balaam had a great spring, culminating with an excellent spring game. He’s a sure tackler and will also see substantial PT this fall. Look for Mickey Baker to enter August with the best shot to start, however. The staff was also pleased with the progress Doug Williams made after converting from DL to LB.Secondary ConsiderationsFreshman Wayne Cobham’s name keeps popping up as an impact player this fall. Look for him to push the upper-classmen for PT. And by the way…if you want to get your picture alongside the next Zips “star”…the one the staff feels is really a special athlete and a shoe-in NFL draft pick…be ready with your camera when Brandon Anderson walks past. He ran a 4.38 this spring and is drawing athletic comparisons to Dominic Hixson. Note: Anderson had minor wrist surgery a few weeks ago. He’s expected at 100% when summer camp breaks.Running BackExpect Alex Allen to get about as many carries in 2006 as Kennedy got spelling Biggs last year. Kennedy will carry the bulk of the load. Word is he’s a little better “finisher” than Biggs. That, coupled with the holes generated by our veteran, dramatically deeper 2006 offensive line make the expectations for Dennis Kennedy pretty high this coming season.Offensive Liner-notesKeith Huebner was singled out as having an outstanding spring. Conversely, Elliot Bates had knee surgery this past winter and is still rehabbing. He should be available once August rolls around.“The Flea”If you wondered who the diminutive (5’ 5”) #22 was on the Zips sidelines during the spring game, it was James Howell. He’s a Zips track sprinter that wanted to try out for football. It is expected he’ll again be back with the football team in August.May DayWhile many of the University of Akron students slept, with visions of cook-outs and keggers dancing in their heads, the football staff was…and remains… hard at work with May recruiting. May is a great time to meet with players and see physically how they’re looking, meet with their HS coaches and also to pick up game tapes. While the Zips have already made offers to several HS prospects (seniors-to-be), the offer process will kick into high gear in June. Also – the geographic focus areas for Zips’ recruiting this year will pretty much remain unchanged from last season.Lively SpecimenEric Lively has put on about 25 lbs. He’s now up to around 285. That extra beef is hoped to sustain the D-line while Kiki gets a breather. Last season the Zips struggled a bit to defend the run whenever Gonzales caught a breather on the sidelines.Atop the ChartsFastest Zips Football Player – Brandon Anderson, with his 4.38Strongest Zips Football Player – Andy Alleman, with Kiki Gonzales also getting a few votesRoy Jones Jr. “Pound for Pound” Strongest Zip: Frank BerchieZip with the most “Football Smarts?” – Luke Getsy. The staff raves about his almost daily growth as a player.“Frosh” LegsIt is fully expected the Zips will start both a freshman punter and place kicker in Happy Valley September 2nd.Comings and GoingsNo one I spoke to at the University knew much about the walk-on baseball player (Flynn). If I find out anything I’ll be sure to post it. Walk on Tim Zetts left the team. His cousin is the QB for YSU and he’s expected to end up there. 2005 recruit DL Kevin Garner did not make grades. This is his final semester at Akron. Despite the rumors on the Liberty message board, no other Zips have submitted transfer paperwork as of 5/16/06.Class of 2007 Recruit InformationIf you check our scout.com you see about a million names associated with the Zips. A handful will actually don the Blue and Gold, however. Here are some names and notes regarding some of the players with published interest in the Zips:Zac Kasparek – Zips seem to be the leader for his services…unless a major BCS school enters the picture. Penn State is rumored to be interested.Frank Edwards (St Ed’s) - 5’ 8”, 185 lbs and the Zips would really like to have him.Thomaz Hilton (Y-town Rayen) – 6’3”, 190. The Zips have not offered, but are very interested.Gary Pride (Colerain) – 5’ 9”, 180 lbs and the Zips have offered a scholarship already.Ken Bruton (Miamisburg) – 6’ 2”, 205 and the Zips have offered a scholarship already. Ben Burkett (St John’s Toledo) – Would love to have him, but he’s expected to go to OSU.Ben Davis (Piqua) – 6’ 4”, 265lbs. Highly thought of, but the Zips have yet to offer.Jake Kaiser (Greensburg Central Catholic) – 6’ 8” 280 lbs. He’s a distant relative of Coach Morehead. The Zips are hoping the bloodlines help.Carson Byrd (Trotwood Madison) – 6’ 3” 255 lbs. The Zips would take him now if they could. Highly thought of.Fitzgerald Bobo (Duquesne) – 6’ 4”, 190. Zips definitely interested, but no offer yet.Lamar Mason (Pittsburgh Central Catholic) – 6’ 1” 185 lbs. Zips definitely interested, but no offer yet.Tim Cortazzo (Penn Trafford) – 6’ 175 lbs. Appears to be a mutual love between Tim and the Zips. He could be the first commitment of the 2007 class.Lamont Smith (Pitt Central Catholic) – 5’ 7” 155 lbs. Zips have interest, but not yet an offer.Kyle Jefferson (Glenville) – Zips love him…but so does Jim Tressel…so it probably won’t happen.Zac Kristan (Dublin Coffman) 6’ 3” QB. Zips have interest, but no offer yet.Mark Woodridge (Walsh Jesuit) 5’ 9” 190 lbs. Zips love him.That’ all I can offer for May. Hopefully I can get the time to put together a June update in about 4 weeks.

Does anyone ever think we could compete with Mississippi State or Temple in hoops? Oh wait...we did. And we did in a season where we weren't even the best team in the MAC.

I'm going with Cincinnati. We should beat them.

Three Questions:1.) Does anyone seriously think that tying up JD with a respectable contract isn't at the top of MR's priority list?2.) Do you think that he's spoken to JD at all regarding the status of his justifiably enhanced contract?3.) Do you really think that...if Stoops leaves Oklahoma and Oklahoma calls JD...that there's any chance in hell he stays in Akron?In summation I say: 1.) Mack knows JD deserves compensation for his proven efforts.2.) JD will get the compensation. 3.) Regardless of what the compensation is...and it will be very fair with respect to MAC coach's salaries...if a large BCS school wants his services any time soon, they will dwarf whatever Akron could offer. This is no different than any other school, by the way. If the Miami Dolphins want Nick Saban...LSU needs to begin looking for another coach. If the NY Knicks need a new coach...the Detriot Pistons begin looking for a new coach.Zips football is in a position where...if JD exits...which we all hope isn't for some time...we'll be able to roll on with an excellent replacement. That, is something I personally don't feel like we need to worry about for a couple years...but if we do next year...I guess that means we had another kick-ass season. I can deal with that. Some people on this board still think Dennis Helsel is still at the wheel. There's no going back. Dennis is gone.

Nice try...but after your epic "You have made a disgusting, evil decision. May your days at Akron be the shortest tenure ever held by an Akron Athletic Director. Shame on you." blast I still think you've got a long way to go before you should start expecting a Christmas card from the Rhodes'.Click for Disgusting and Evil Post