UA1987

Yes, I've heard about Trevor, but he is a true freshman. I'd rather be talking about a 6' 8' 315lbs Kentucky transfer at tackle, but he has mysteriously disappeared. Anyhow, we have had other true freshman lineman that have excelled - Kemme from long ago comes to mind. I would challenge that comment from the coaching staff about the OLine being better than last year as we lost all of our starters. I'd call that 'Bold Talk' from the coaches, but then again it may show grit if they can back it up with action...

Glad everyone had such a good time at this event. As has been said, thanks for all of the info from the attendees. I won't buy the coaches OL will be just fine comment, however, until I hear who is doing what. Today, we have two upper tier MAC lineman in Ritz and Erickson. Erickson has been moved to guard, it appears, which seems to mean we need him there because there is no one better. Erickson was the heir apparent at center, but now we have an inexperienced captain of the offensive line in Gauthney. Correct if I'm wrong, but I don't think LaVonne has ever taken a snap at center for the Zips. Who's playing everywhere else I'm not sure, but we do have some big freshman and transfers, but can they cut it at this level in 2016. The unconfirmed loss of OLineman Krok and Hlay is also a problem (not on current roster). The offensive linemen are the tires of this muscle car Zips football team. If we are not on good tires, Warren Ball, Jo Jo, Lane, Woodson, and the rest of the drivetrain will struggle all year to score 21 points a game. Let's hear more about where the rubber meets the road as most of the rest of this team (exception unknown kicking) seems to be in place.

As I said, I'm not sure, only speculating based on both being absent from the Spring roster and Akron4Ever's post on April 16th in this thread concerning the Kentucky transfer. Seems like fair game for further research. I'm guessing something Funky happened, but no confirmation. Now if someone wants to get all FBI on it, maybe some social media buzz will have some hints on their status.

I'm not sure about this, but it appears we lost another good lineman in addition to the transfer from Kentucky. I do not see Spring participation from Revere 6" 7" 275 OL Mitch Hlay nor do I see him on the current roster on GoZips. These are two big losses if both are true. One probable starter in 2016 and one future starter.

It is equally surprising that the article mentions Jo Jo Natson with so much hype. I'm concerned the kid could flake out, but maybe someone knows something. At least, he could be a spark plug on special teams, which we have sorely been missing. Lots of potential drama, with many young men's futures in the balance.

While I like Lane's potential, he only averaged 3 catches per game in 2015. While very good, I flinch at all the hype on this guy. He needs to double his catches per game to truly be worthy of the attention. The thing to remember is that he is still learning the WR position. I hope he keeps his head together and becomes a great receiver for the Zips. Yes, you could say that Ball and Krok have not played for the Zips and Bell has not done much of anything either and that is why, maybe, they were not mentioned, but at least Lane's name did appear in the article.

I usually like these early sbnation reviews, but there is no mention of Ball, Krok (if he is here), or Bell among others that could really help in 16. Schedule is tough for a rebuild year.

Brown is a true freshman and Ritz is a sophomore. Big news that Brown is getting a look at left tackle and Gauthney at center. Still concerned that Krok followed Funk to Purdue. Glad to see Kortokrax crack the lineup after being Scout Team player of the year in 2015.

Just guessing, but here goes my thoughts on who, on the OL, might be running with the ones in Spring: Ritz LT, Casimos G, Erikson C, Kallay G, and Kortokrax RT with Hlay getting looks. Kentucky transfer will work in with the starters during Fall camp (maybe there now, but not on GoZips roster - hope this kid didn't leave with Funk) with Jordon, Council, and Bullard getting time on the 2 deep. I would guess that most incoming true freshman OL will redshirt, unless badly needed (which might be the case). Other JUCO's and transfers could vie for important spots. Anyone going to Spring game or with any 2016 OL information please post.

It would be nice to know who the heck is starting on the O-line this Spring. I'm assuming Erickson at center and Ritz somewhere, but what about the rest? Casimos may be in the mix, but I don't see the Kentucky transfer on our current roster on GoZips.com (not updated?). This is a huge part of the story, but little info. Lastly, did I see a post with article where J. Marcus is switching to OLB (maybe a George boo boo in his 4/1 April fools article)? Also, any news about that defensive lineman from Buford, GA (swing away Jrship35).

I was there and was very impressed with just about everything, except the screaming kids behind me that were not into the game and that ended up tripping and landing on my back (almost smashed my friend's dolly that he got before the game). I'll take the little bastards though if I could see that atmosphere all the time (football and basketball). The Zips passed that ball around like the Globetrotters, found the open man, and made the shot. Played good D and great to see the hustle last night too. We made BG look pretty bad, which is always good considering some of their fans that have sat near me at football games. I have to say that was a first class event. Looking forward to the return of Pat and the rest of the season.

Pretty brutal, but that is the bar room thought process. I have struggled with the Zips for 30 years, but I can wrap my arm around just about anyone at a game from any team that happens to older than about 30. Jackasses under that age have to prove themselves, but rarely do. Unfortunately, I'm slowly moving on from college football as I did with the pro's. Not meaningful enough for me anymore and too much bullshit. I know you are are a longtime Zips fan so I respect what you have to say, but mark my words, and I'm very seldom wrong, that this kid Ball will be something special, unless an injury happens. Keep rolling K92 and Go Zips.

Let me try to explain. You say OSU recruited Bauserman and failed, therefore they are suspect. However, no scholarship was offered, which confirms what they saw in the kid. The coaching staff just wanted to give him a chance, probably cause he worked his ass off in practices, which I think says something for their program. This Zips hatred of OSU has no basis except some bar room insecurity. We are better than that.

This Bauserman was a walk on by the way.

Wasn't Bowserman part of Sha Na Na

It looks like the Buckeyes are going with Samuel, Dunn (who I always thought might transfer to Akron) and, Curtis in 2016 with Weber as #3 or 4 (Williams & McCall redshirting) and that's probably why Ball is moving on to the Zips and a chance to have a big year. I thought Dunn was out of eligibility, but I see him listed as a Junior on their 2015 roster. I know who can confirm... come on BuckZip. Just speculating what happened to Ball... I know he had a foot injury (ligament tear in right foot) as an underclassman and from what I've heard from an AT, you do not want to end up in the training room at OSU as it is easy to then get lost in the roster shuffle.

Relax your little brother syndrome or Pittspoop mentality. OSU, Florida State, Alabama etc....all have the resources to scour the Country to find the best talent and OSU choose this kid. That means something for anyone that has a brain.

Give Warren the Ball... basically cause we have no one else... something else to look forward to this Fall. I like the fact that he was vetted by Ohio State and granted and retained a very valuable scholarship. To heck with the high school stars now, we've done pretty good with other Buckeyes on our roster and I expect something similar from this guy.

I'm guessing he ran with the scout team offense at Ohio State. That's a pretty good defense to get reps against even though not in a game that counts in the standings. It has always bothered me that we could not get a standout back in here at Akron, while other teams stockpiled. I think we have one now and he will be motivated to have a big year to attract attention from the next level. I expect we will be hearing him complain that he isn't getting enough carries, which would not be a bad thing.

This guy could be a 1,500 yard rusher if he stays healthy. Good news in the depths of Winter. Bell should have his sights set on Mike Clark's 1986 single season rushing record of 1,786.

Manage risk and fine tune the engine. I don't see the other QB's as viable backups unless there is a big turnaround this Spring. Frye started as a true frosh. It is possible for Kato to be inserted as the backup if he comes to play and has a good head on shoulders.

I think we picked up a group that will have an impact for the Zips, maybe sooner than later. I'm happy with many of our 1's going into Spring, but I'm concerned about depth and a few starting positions. An injury here or there and there goes the season and our momentum. With the loss of Pohl after 2015 and Kincade before 2015, our depth at QB in 16 is troubling. If it were not for this depth problem, I would ask T. Chapman to consider a move to RB this Spring on a conditional basis. We need a back and he would look a lot better in the lineup than on the sideline. Who knows maybe Kato will step up and look good enough to back up Woodson and this move could be made (Chapman could move back to QB in an emergency). All hands on deck - we have no one to spare in 2016.

If Green is available, I'm sure Coach Funk (prior OL coach at Mich) and our RB Coach have already made contact (Bowden will follow if there is interest from Derrick and his family). Green should remember the Zips going toe to toe with the Wolverines several years ago, so that might help, plus we are a bowl team, we have great facilities, and you can get to the NFL from Akron.

We have a liftoff

Potato pierogies, kielbasa, kraut, and beer here. Enjoy the game on Tuesday. Go Zips!