Dr Z

Jatavis officially visiting in Pittsburgh today. One of the questions he will surely be asked today, "how would you feel about playing safety for coach Butler?"

Troy Smith Tells Cop He Graduated "With A Degree In Bachelors" During Traffic Stop.

NFL DRAFT DIAMONDS PROSPECT INTERVIEW: ZACH PAUL, P, UNIVERSITY OF AKRON If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why? ....I would compare my style of punting to my friend Thomas Morestead. We have similar body types and technical backgrounds. I have generally tried to emulate his punting form since early on in my college career with some tweaks that work better for me individually.

While I hate to see any talent leave the MAC, this may say a little about the strength of the league. The move to Auburn will present a lot of potential intrigue for fans of the Mid-American Conference, as Gehrig Dieter, the Bowling Green receiver that paired with Roger Lewis to lead the Falcons offense the last two seasons, transferred to Alabama as a graduate student shortly after the season concluded. This means a potential Iron Bowl matchup for the two players, if the cards play themselves right.

Not really that "random", but since today is opening day, from the PD. Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney will throw the ceremonial first pitch. The tradition of the Carney family attending home openers spans three generations and nearly 60 years, according to ESPN. "My dad introduced me to basically everything I like still as an adult -- music, sports, baseball and comedy," said Carney, of Akron. "I remember clearly the first time my brothers and I played catch. It was summer 1987 and we all became hooked on baseball. All of us played Little League for the next few years and would drive to the games listening to (Indians broadcaster) Herb Score."

It would be "fair" if the Zips could have beat a lousy Columbus team, but since they didn't, no it's not. Playing opponents like Villanova makes the Zips a better team. How could it not? It's also more interesting for fans of the team.

The Steelers have had a handful of Zips in camp throughout the years. They are very aware of MAC talent. The Browns once had Chase Blackburn in camp, and let him go. Zach D'Orazio had a tryout with the Browns last year, but didn't catch on.

I ran a minor upgrade today. It will take some time to reindex posts. Should complete this afternoon.

Oh no! Three of the four designs break away from the normal green surface and incorporate BGSU's unique orange and brown color schemes. Design one features Bowling Green's new secondary forward facing falcon logo. The all-brown turf with orange "Falcons" from end line to end line is a bold departure from the current surface.

"... a source told me that Akron linebacker Jatavis Brown has a visit scheduled with the Pittsburgh Steelers for April 6th..."

I can't imagine how this isn't news? I know what Urban had for breakfast this morning. I can only guess that it might be "announced" near the spring game while a little more attention is on the program? With the extension, it seems as though he secretly reached one of his goals. "My goal has been to just win enough games so that they want to keep me around here,"...."It's been great to build something," he said. "That's what I meant about this being my most satisfying season as a coach." -Terry Bowden

More photos at gozips.com. SBNation "...Surprisingly, Akron drew plenty of NFL attention of Friday with 22 teams showing up for the Zips' pro day. The headliner for Akron is linebacker Jatavis Brown, the MAC Defensive Player of the Year who finished his senior season with 10.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss. His 5'11 stature kept him from getting an NFL Combine invite, but he intrigued scouts at a regional combine with a 4.47 40-yard dash, according to John Harris of NFL.com..."

“...I just got a new five-year contract, so I plan on sticking around for a little bit,” Bowden, 60, said. “They can get rid of me, but they’re gonna pay me that contract...” Good news. Have we read this anywhere else? In searching for something, I found that coach Stroud has added the title of assistant head coach. I don't see anything on an extension anywhere. Did he break the news, and nobody caught it? I would think the ABJ or PD would have a story? I think this is a three year extension, no? ------------------------------------ Bowden also likes freshman recruit Kalyn Nelson, a 5-foot-11 dual threat quarterback from Miami, Fla. “We think he has a chance to be the next great quarterback,” Bowden said of Nelson. “Our starting quarterback has two more years of eligibility, but we have a freshman to build the future. I think a quarterback helps you recruit for the future.” Love reading this. PS, I don't think they got Kato's size correct. ------------------------------------ "...Bowden said the stories probably won’t hurt his recruiting nationally. But they could hurt him in northeast Ohio. “I don’t know if the Akron Beacon Journal gets read in Miami, Florida, or gets read in Orlando,” said Bowden, speaking to the Hall of Fame luncheon club at Tozzi’s on 12th. “But it gets read all over northeast Ohio. And I think the 12 other recruiting coordinators (in the Mid-American Conference) will make sure recruits get copies of those stories for the rest of the year.” He then added with a laugh, “That would be one smidgen of what’s happening in the SEC. That’s called good recruiting there...” I like that coach doesn't seem to be using this as any kind of an excuse.

Broncos interested in Dak Prescott. By Scotty Payne "...Prescott impressed scouts, GM's, and coaches at the Senior Bowl and Combine this year. He showed intelligence, leadership, and overall football character. Team's were reportedly raving over this before Prescott was arrested for a DUI in early March. This was a big step back for a guy who had a ton of positive momentum before this. He has owned up to his mistake, and hopefully, will only be a one-time thing for him. Now, I think Dak would fit well into Gary Kubiak's offense. It's friendly for the quarterback, and he and team could rely on his athleticism early on as he develops as an NFL passer..."

Not anymore, he is terminated. The University of Toledo is parting ways with men’s basketball assistant coach Nick Dials after the season, UT employment records confirm. Head coach Tod Kowalczyk signed a proof of service notice on March 9 — two days after the season’s final game — indicating he notified Dials of the termination.

George Thomas article about pro day with Phil Masturzo photography. Unofficially, Brown ran anywhere between 4.38 and 4.44 in the 40-yard dash — either time faster than the best Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee ran at the combine. His 33 repetitions of 225 pounds lifted would have ranked No. 1, as well. The vertical jump and broad jump would both rank in the Top 10. A svelte Cody Grice, a former defensive tackle for the Zips, showed up nearly 30 pounds lighter with an eye toward catching some eyes as a fullback. “I knew what I wanted to do at the end of the year,” Grice, who played running back at Firestone High School, said. “ I love defense. I love going out there and hitting somebody. I love it to death. I know if I want to have a future, longevity, offense is the way to go.”

Today is Akron's pro day. Seventeen Zips showed off their skills. Thirty scouts from twenty-two different teams were in attendance. The Browns had two scouts present. Rodney Coe was not able to work out because of an earlier sports hernia surgery. He still seemed in good spirits. Lots of excitement today around the field house today. I don't have any official numbers yet, as it was still going on as I departed. George is/was in attendance, so he may writing something. View video here.

• Woodson dropped 10 pounds to check in at 223 • Woodson is working with receivers three days a week on their own time to get on the same page Two great signs for the team and their fans.

Try it now.

I did notice the number change on the photo posted earlier in this thread. Hmmmm....