ZachTheZip

Sportscenter segment was added to the top of the ESPN story.

I believe this is what might be called "blue shirting". They walk on, and then as soon as a scholarship opens up it's theirs. It allows the staff to get around the 25 scholarship signing limit and to maintain around 85 scholarship players even with defections.

I don't think he's starting the job until May. Still, it would be nice to see him at the JAR.

I'm not even sure that's a thing. Regardless, welcome back to UA, Jim.

The commercial will likely only be aired locally. I chose #3 because I thought it would hit home the most with the people who will be watching it.

I do believe a conference change is in Akron's future. But it won't be the Big East.

If you put him in charge of general fundraising, it can have a fairly large impact on the university. Same with anything to do with getting back in touch with alumni. He would be out in public and at events stumping for UA.

firstrowsports.tv just got seized by ICE. firstrow.tv is still up, though I imagine it won't last much longer.

I wouldn't be surprised if we had some transfers after spring ball.

Statement by the University, emphasis mine: “When Jim Tressel and other alumni assisted us in our search for a football coach last December, we began to engage in dynamic conversations about Jim’s professional goals outside of athletics. We share a common interest in innovative programs for student success. Our discussions continue.”

The press conference was great, though I thought more media folks would show up. I guess they were all in the JAR. One thing I noticed is that the defensive linemen we signed are athletes. Big, tall, and play multiple sports. Something that has been a complaint is how the team didn't look like an FBS team. That the other teams were just bigger and taller. Coach Bowden brought in big and tall linemen on both sides of the ball.

The rumor made it on to Sportscenter. Holy crap this is blowing up fast. ASN had the scoop, got to give them credit if this is true. Also, I would have to think the best positions for someone like him would be as cheif fundraiser or something to do with marketing to alumni.

12 credits is considered full-time. If your classes are 3 credits each, you can take two on monday-wednesday-friday, and two on tuesday-thursday.

Got them mixed up. He's playing in the SWAC.

I think our recruiting class has a lot of potential. Lots of "diamond in the rough" players. Some who only played a year or two of football, other players from small schools who get overlooked because they're not surrounded by future BCS talent. Given the time frame the staff had to work with and the reputation the program had acquired under the previous coach, this class is pretty solid. Anybody taking over here has to take a few risks when recruiting. I can't wait to see what they put together with a full year to work with.

Carnell Boyd signed with new Sun Belt team Alabama State.

Scout has us rated 116th out of 124 (Four new FBS teams coming in this year, remember) and 13th out of 14 in the MAC. Rivals doesn't even list us having half our recruits, so I can't take their rankings seriously.

He was mentioned in a newspaper article as having verballed to Akron on 1/7/12. Never saw any mention of him after that.

The mods can unpin all those recruit threads, if they want, to clear the board for the 2013 class. Recruiting activity for next year is already picking up.

I expect we'll hear some mention of how it works at the press conference.

Press conference at 5:00 is open to the public, on the 7th floor of the stadium. Sounds like something Zips fans might want to check out while waiting for the basketball game.

I think that completes our recruiting class today. All that's left is Darryl Waters, who I get the feeling isn't actually coming to Akron. The staff put this recruiting class together in only 20 days. Can't wait to see what they can do with a full year.

Stargel is official.

Today, I foresee Egner and Deji getting plenty of playing time.