Captain Kangaroo

You have to believe that JD was involved with recruiting Kennedy @ Pitt.

McDaniel from Woodland Hills is likely more of a FB, I think. I know Biggs, the JUCO, is being counted on to make an immediate impact. Some of the other guys might get a look as DB's? Wonder how this might affect Tyrell Sutton's decision? One thing I'll always remember: Didn't we have Brandon Payne, Hendry, Marcus Sanders, Thomas Plummer, Matt Carter, Ringer, etc. and we wondered "how the hell are there going to be enough footballs for these guys?" Payne gets hurt, Sanders quits, Plummer gets booted off the team, Carter quits, etc. All the sudden we're down to Hendry! You can't have too much depth!!

Per gozips.com: Although "remaining" is a poor choice of words, I'd take this to mean he can play from Day 1. Now...I wonder if he'll redshirt, or play?

Obviously great news! Did he simply not meet OSU's requirements, or the NCAA's? Wonder if he's elegible (for us) in 2004?

I'LL BE THERE, ZIPMAN!!! ORDERED MY TICKETS TODAY!! CARMAN'S TRIP SOUNDS LIKE DA BOMB, BUT DA CAPTAIN LIKES PARTING ON-CAMPUS DA NIGHT BEFORE DA BIG GAME!! ARE YOU FEELIN' DA CAPTAIN...OR MR. GREEN JEANS...OR BUN E. RABBIT??

Andy Owens and Coach (former) Meyers' kid, both gone. I expected it sooner?

My bad, Hula-roo. I thought you were Z-P, not Z.I.P. Read it too quickly, I guess? I owe you a beer.

That is classic!

Aren't you the same guy that hated the Zipsnation.org site, and wanted to return to the old blue board? You still running Netscape 1.0?

Thanks! I'll give it a shot.

Someone sent me a copy of the interview: David Lee: "So...how are The Golden flushes looking in the offseason?" JD: "Uh....I'm coach of The Zips." David Lee: "Zips....Zips...man, why is that sounding familiar?" JD: "It's the 24,000 student University that's 4 blocks from your desk." David Lee: "Oh man, I'm so embarassed...sorry about that. So are the Mount Union Zips gonna have a big 2004?" JD: "We're the AKRON Zips. Is this some kind of joke?" David Lee: "My bad again, man. For some reason Mount Union football always comes to mind when we're talking local collegiate football. Now Lee, can you tell me what you're gonna do about that defense? My man Paul Winters always has the offense up to speed, but the D always let's him down?" JD: "I'm not Lee Owens. Lee Owens is coaching at Ashland this year. Paul Winters is coaching at some Division 2 school in Michigan, I believe?" David Lee: *blushing* "Oh, there I go again...GOD am I embarassed. Now I'm starting to see why I've been stuck at The Beacon for all these years and can't get a job at a real paper...damn I'm a horrible excuse for a beat writer." JD: "Don't be so hard on yourself. Let's get started on the right foot. What would you like to ask me regarding the 2004 Akron Zips' Football team?" David Lee: " Umm...I'm sorry...what was that? I was trying to figure out the best way to get to Younstown from here. I'm doing a big story on my alma mater YSU. I might stop in and see Coach Pees on my way there." JD: "Isn't Pees in New England with the Patriots right now?" David Lee: "DAMN you're funny JB! We're gonna get along just great!" JD: "I have a meeting. I need to leave. I think you can find the door." David Lee: "That's cool. I heard there is an interview with you on GoZips.com. I'll just copy that and reprint it in a few weeks. That's how I do my best work. Later on, JC." End of interview.

Again, I refuse to give my personal info the The Beacon so I can't read the column. If you have access to the Beacon page, give it a read.

No mention of Jabari at WR...Blackburn not listed on the preseason all-MAC team, but Earl and Rohr are...the departed Shippy listed as a possible contributor.Fun Reading - Click Me I do agree that 6-5, 5-3 is to be expected. I hope for better, but that's a reasonable expectation.

If Roger Brown has ever set foot on the U of A campus or seen a Zips football game in the past 10 years, I'll sh!t a brick. Glad to see he's such an authority on collegiate long snapping. F Roger Brown in the skull.

If they didn't get test scores or grades, they may still be enrolled, but they can't be placed on a roster until successful completion of an academic year. Look for them next year?

Lost is their QB from 2003, as well as their top 4 wide receivers (#4 WR is moving to QB). See how they lost one of their WR's below: U.Va. receiver, facing charge, unlikely to play this season By DOUG DOUGHTY, LANDMARK NEWS SERVICE, The Virginian-Pilot © July 10, 2004 University of Virginia wide receiver Ottowa Anderson, who started 13 games last year as a junior, is facing an assault and battery charge and almost certainly will not play this season. “Ottowa has been a valued member of our football family for three years,” U.Va. coach Al Groh said. “He is not enrolled in summer school and is not planning to be enrolled for the fall semester. “Ottowa has not been training with the team, and we have not been planning on playing him this upcoming season.” Groh, on vacation in North Carolina, said he had not spoken to Anderson, a graduate of Norview High in Norfolk. The Albemarle County Police Department issued a statement Friday saying Anderson was charged in connection with an alleged assault on a female acquaintance. Police said an emergency protective order also had been issued stemming from a domestic situation police investigated on Wednesday. Anderson had not been picked up as of Friday evening, so the arrest warrants had not been served . The woman Anderson is charged with assaulting, Jessica R. Turner, faces the same charges. Anderson alleges that Turner hit him and threatened him with a knife. “The essence of a family is that you care for each other,” said Groh . “You don’t turn your back when problems occur. Family members counsel and care. “At the same time, strong families have standards and values that must be complied with. We will emphasize to Ottowa and all team members that we abhor abusive behavior. There’s no justification for abusive behavior.” Anderson, a 6-foot, 186-pounder, was generally considered the best blocker among U.Va.’s wide receivers, and his 33 receptions last season were high among Cavalier wideouts with remaining eligibility. “As a player, he’s been one of the most compliant, one of the most energetic, one of the most competitive kids on the team,” Groh said. “He will not leave the practice field without understanding exactly what you want him to do. Academically, he’s a bright kid. He’s very capable.” On the other hand, Anderson faced academic issues that threatened his eligibility even before police started looking for him, Groh indicated. Anderson has never been redshirted. Technically, he could return for a final season of eligibility in 2005. Groh, however, said that “a lot of things would have to be resolved” for that to happen. He did not elaborate. Anderson’s departure comes at a time when Virginia has little depth at receiver. Marques Hagans’ 25 receptions ranked second last year among U.Va. wide receivers with remaining eligibility, but Hagans is the leading candidate to start at quarterback this fall. Virginia will welcome back Michael McGrew, who missed the entire 2003 season after sustaining a broken leg in preseason workouts. McGrew has 60 career receptions, including 27 as a junior in 2002.

His team was one step away from the Pa State finals last year, so maybe they make it in 2004? The Pa HS State championship games are always on Fox Sports Pittsburg, which I get on Direct TV, so maybe we can get a Zips preview? Beyond that, he seems to have the credentials to be in the Big 33 game (FOX OH and Pitt)? Both those viewing options are better than going to Scranton...is't that something like a $26.00 toll on the Pa Turnpike!! I agree that this is a major step in recruiting. I can't ever remember a kid of any caliber committing so early to the program? Maybe little Greskowiak(sic) a few years ago, but he wanted to play with his brother, and was local, so that is a bit misleading. If we get a few more verbals like this in the next few months, I'm really stoked for the future!

Just wanted to bring this thread to the top and drop the "Lost a Kid to WVA" down the board a bit.

Homesick. Gone.

Quick thoughts on the roster: Both Anthony Showers and Parris McNeal made grades and will be in camp? Owens likened McNeal to Dwight Smith on signing day 2003, so it will be interesting to see if that's accurate. Two Buchtel walk-ons in camp? Donte Cloud won't wear #9? No "Cloud 9" headlines on Gozips.com? Rats. A name that doesn't pop up at WR is #21 Josh Smith. I think he can contribute in 2004. We'll see if JD thinks likewise... Sekai Greer up to 220 lbs? Is that possible? A walk-on LB from Cle St Ed's? Drew Higgins still there...I'm glad to see that. Looking forward to seeing him get some reps. Willy Cook: OL 6' 1", 385! If he's my roommate, I ain't letting him sleep on the top bunk! Sam Walker, 2003 DL recruit, moved to OL. 260 lbs...hmmmm... Bobby Gardner on the roster. After that nasty spring game break, does he have any chance of playing in 2004? Mike Schepp up to 300 lbs?! In the 2003 recruiting class he was listed at 245 lbs! Jerrin Jones: 6' 2", 290 DL. On paper that looks awesome...wonder if he can play? Who is he? Joe Radich up to 270 lbs? That's a big jump. Brian White up to 275 lbs! Hey ZFF...if you're projecting your defensive depth chart, don't forget about this guy in 2004. If he stays healthy, he'll make a BIG impact.

Blackhawk back commits to WVU Bruce to play receiver for the Mountaineers Sunday, July 18, 2004 By Mike White, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Before Jeremy Bruce left his home for a weightlifting session yesterday afternoon, he took some other weight off his shoulders. Bruce, a 5-foot-9, 185-pound senior running back-defensive back at Blackhawk High School, made a verbal commitment to West Virginia University. The Mountaineers recruited him to play slotback/receiver. "I just decided to call West Virginia and commit," Bruce said. "This takes a lot of pressure off. For my senior year, I just want to have fun and not have to worry about scouts. Committing early gets all the pressure off my shoulders." Bruce also had scholarship offers from Temple, Can't State and Akron. "I love West Virginia," he said. "The fans are just unbelievable. It's crazy down there for games. I love the atmosphere." Bruce rushed for 1,767 yards on 203 carries as a junior and also had 23 receptions for 235 yards. But he wasn't recruited much by colleges until after an eye-opening performance at the Nike Camp at Penn State in May. Bruce ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds. "After that, a lot of schools started calling and talking to me," Bruce said. Bruce is the second WPIAL senior to commit to a Division I school. Burrell offensive lineman John Brown committed to Pitt in March.

Click Me to Link-up I like JD's answers. 7 weeks to Penn State!

Tuzze SPARQ Stats...click here Tuzze's local paper talks about his verbal to Akron (see below) Lakeland's Tuzze To Continue Career at Akron BY JOBY FAWCETT THE SCRANTON TIMES 07/12/2004 Rather than rest and relax, Lakeland's Joe Tuzze spent the early part of the summer showing off his talents to college recruiters at football camps. That diligence paid off in a big way. Tuzze, who will be a senior at Lakeland this fall, verbally accepted a scholarship to play football at the University of Akron. The decision came after impressing the coaching staff at the camp at the Mid-American Conference school. "They had a coach follow me everywhere," the 17-year-old Tuzze said. "They called me with my results from the testing and offered me a full ride. "I guess that's not too bad. I wasn't expecting that." At the camp, the two-time Times-Tribune All-Region performer ran the 40-yard dash in 4.7 seconds and broad jumped 8-feet, 11-inches. That mobility, combined with strength -- he bench pressed 185 pounds 38 times at the Nike Camp -- made the 226-pound linebacker/fullback a top recruit heading into this fall. Last season, Tuzze earned the Times-Tribune Male Athlete of the Year award and was the Defensive Player of the Year after leading Lakeland to the District 2 Class AA championship and a 13-1 record. From his middle linebacker position, Tuzze compiled a school-record 132 solo tackles. He also had five interceptions and two fumble recoveries. The Associated Press named him a first-team Class AA all-state linebacker Offensively, he rushed for 1,196 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. Tuzze joins an Akron program that finished 7-5 overall last season and 5-3 in the MAC. The school is getting ready to cut the ribbon on its new Lee Jackson Field athletic complex and will play at Penn State to open the 2004 season. "They have everything new there," Tuzze said. "They invested a lot of money into the football program. I'm extremely excited about this opportunity." As a senior, Tuzze begins his fourth season as a starter at Lakeland. During his career, the Chiefs have posted an overall record of 34-4 and have won back-to-back District 2 Class AA championships. "This is a big weight lifted off my shoulders," Tuzze said. "I didn't want to go out and try to play knowing there would be scouts watching. I'm happy to have made this decision before the season."

Here's another one (Tuzze article). Damn I like this kid...and I've never seen him play a down! Here's to a great start to the 2005 class! Congrats to JD, the Staff and the players that recruited him! November 25, 2003 Tuzze too much for Line Mountain -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Todd Hummel For The Daily Item -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SCRANTON — As Lakeland finally got by the District 4 champion Friday night at Scranton Memorial Stadium, earning the school’s first state playoff win in history, a lot of the Chiefs’ fans were wearing Tuzze Trucking hats. Line Mountain fans weren’t sure if the hats promoted a real firm, or were just to recognize Lakeland’s senior fullback Joe Tuzze talents and style on the football field. It’s hard to pinpoint where Tuzze’s talents were most on display, on offense or defense. On offense, Tuzze, who looks bigger than his listed 5-foot-10, 210-pound frame, rushed for 186 yards and a touchdown. "They really opened some holes for him," Line Mountain linebacker Dustin Heintzelman said. "He’s quick for his size. He’s a great runner." On defense, Tuzze was intstrumental in stopping the Line Mountain option attack from his middle linebacker spot, holding the Eagles to just 126 yards on the ground. "Their linebackers did a great job of fulling holes," Heintzelman said. "They were where they were supposed to be." Tuzze got the Chiefs on the board in the first quarter to tie the game at 6. Tuzze broke through the middle on a dive play, skirted to the outside and outraced the Line Mountain secondary for a 39-yard touchdown scamper. Tuzze would have a hand in Lakeland’s second touchdown of the first half, breaking a 46-yard run before being chased down by Gary Maurer at the Line Mountain 26. "We had some injuries up front that hurt us," Line Mountain coach Sam Stroh said. "And he was an outstanding back." Tuzze was instrumental in holding the Line Mountain option game in check. Hentzelman had 74 yards on 18 carries, but 39 of those yards came on three carries, on his other 15 carries, Heintzelman had just 35 yards. Tuzze also had the biggest hit of the game, knocking Line Mountain taiback Gary Mauer out in the fourth quarter after a 12-yard run. "We knew we could wear them down," Tuzze said. "We believed the whole time. We knew we could win."

Tuzze story from 2002. Looks like we'll have a nice successor to Dan Basch in 2005! Joe Tuzze's uniform looked dirty after a football game played on artificial turf. Typical Tuzze. Typical Lakeland. The Chiefs linebacker romped all over Lackawanna County Stadium on Friday night, taking no prisoners, leaving it all on the field, living out whatever clich high school football players utter before football games to get pumped up. It almost wasn't enough, though. Because, down seven points with just under 2 minutes to play in the District 2 Class AA championship battle, the Hanover Hawkeyes stormed down the field. Starting at his team's 15, quarterback Jeff Shook hit receiver Joe Cefalo for 20 yards. Then, Shook found Joe Ruane, who scampered 44 more yards to the Lakeland 24. Shook followed with a 4-yard run of his own, and with 1:10 left, the Hawkeyes were on the verge of the upset. How many times does it happen in football, though? The best teams don't always play the best. But they always seem to make the best play. The key play. And they always seem to win. Lakeland needed a play at a time great teams can muster something from the far reaches of their soul, or maybe their past, to get one. Shook dropped back. Fired a bullet over the middle. Off Tuzze's hand. Into the air. Finally, it landed in Lakeland cornerback Nate Hosie's sure hands. "I tipped it, and I was thinking, 'Oh no, I tipped it up instead of down,'" Tuzze said. "Then I looked back and saw Nate Hosie came down with it." "I was filled with joy." Ballgame over. Lakeland wins again. What, the Chiefs worry? No chance. They've been there before, and it shows. In their last three seasons, the Chiefs are 33-3. They are the dominant high school football program in this area, as good a team as local fans have seen in many, many years. They are this high school football-crazy corner of the state's answer to Berwick, to Mount Carmel, to Allentown Central Catholic. Hanover Area found out the hard way Friday night. They outgained Lakeland and, it could be argued, outplayed them, too. The Hawkeyes outgained the high-powered Chiefs offense by 129 yards. Shook attacked Lakeland's vaunted secondary and came away with an impressive 251 passing yards on 10 completions. Lakeland lost one of its key players, receiver John Wormuth, to a shoulder injury on the opening kickoff and then proceeded to fumble away possessions on its first two plays from scrimmage. Still, the Chiefs never trailed. They can thank players like Hosie, who intercepted three of Shook's passes and returned one for an 82-yard touchdown in the first quarter. They can thank senior Jake Rogowski, who surrendered his post as the league's leading receiver to help guide a run-oriented offense. And they can thank Tuzze, who harassed Shook all over the field. Lakeland has been here before. They've succeeded in the district playoffs before. With experience like that, it almost seemed like nothing that went wrong would prevent them from winning. "It helps a lot," said Rogowski, who came away with a key fourth-quarter interception of his own. "Especially late in the game, when you need to keep everybody under control." Still, Lakeland didn't have everybody. Starting tailback Brian Hilling played sparingly in the first half because of a leg injury, and there were so many bumps and bruises that coach Dan Case likened the Chiefs' locker room at halftime to a MASH unit. Nothing -- not injuries, not turnovers, not a precise Hanover Area passing attack -- could prevent Lakeland from its apparent destiny. The team's second District 2 championship in the last three years. "It's just the heart. It's just their heart," Case said. "We knew they weren't going to quit. (Hanover) had the hearts of champions." Very true. Lakeland, though, had the pedigree. dcollins ©Scranton Times Tribune 2004