johnnyzip84

When Perry Kitchen is playing in the World Cup, they may or may not mention that he played collegiately at the University of Akron. Just a thought. Or for Bolton or Blackburn or Birmingham etc making as much or more money than Dwight Smith, Victor Green, or Charlie Frye has in the NFL.

That's just it. This doesn't look like a "great" class on paper. It simply looks like a decent class, that addresses obvious needs. But will the guys eventually play? That's the big question. I'm really curious to know whether Richard Hall and Antoine Russell return next year. If they do, then I can only think of one iCoach recruit (Bowers, hated to see him go) who has bailed on the team. Google Nick Rossi and you'll find plenty of people who think the Zips got a steal. Although not shown as "signed" on the Scout list, JUCO QB Clayton Moore had many BCS offers while in HS. Don't forget the transfer DT Oren Wilson from Michigan State, not included on this list. The O-linemen all look to have decent size. Only time will tell if Browning can make something out of them.

2011 Recruiting Check back on Feb 2 for a complete list. I repeat the question. That is a list of offers. Very few commits from actual talented players. Maybe you're time spent in the middle of SEC country is skewing you're expectations If you're looking for mostly 3-star, multiple 4-star, and occasional 5-star players, you need only stroll over to one of your "other" forums. I put some, but not a whole lot, of credence in the "star" rating systems. But that's just me. At this point, this looks to be a solid, but perhaps unspectacular Zip recruiting class. It addresses the immediate needs (O-line, secondary, plan "B" at QB), although landing a consistent PK would be nice before February comes around.

I did pretty well in terms of Zips gear this year. I got a nice all-weather vest, a mini-pennant that is perfect size for the office, a blue hoodie, and a T-Shirt that says "THIS IS AKRON, WHEN YOU COME INTO OUR HOUSE YOU BETTER BRING IT!" The funny thing is, the latter two were purchased on-line from the team shop from family members who live in Pittsburgh. I received them while I was visiting family there (seems odd to be bringing Zips gear BACK to the Akron area, but I'm not complaining!). I'd say I'm ready for all sports in 2011

+ln(e)

They love the game. Its their dream. I understand it. They can finish school later. What a tremendous compliment to Coach Porter that he was able to attract and develop such talent. Agreed. The potential for far greater return is also there. Even though Caleb has been pushing the level of college soccer to unprecedented heights, these moves will undoubtedly expose each of these players to an even higher level of play. I have to believe that for many of them, the ultimate dream is to play in Europe and/or the USMNT. You're not going to skip straight from college soccer to either of these. By playing earlier in MLS, they are increasing their chances of getting noticed by a club in either the English Championship or Premiership or possible another of the top or near top European leagues. If any of these opportunities arise as a result of first impressing in MLS, the money will soon be there for these deserving individuals.

Thoughts and prayers to Phil. As far as the list of former Zips still playing overseas, Derrick Tarver is still apparently playing in Lebanon (a country with an underrated hoops following).

It's hard to lose all of them at once, but it's not hard to understand their decisions. Best of luck to all of them. I think they all have a great chance to succeed professionally. While Nano may be a bit of a late surprise to some, I actually think his service skills (especially coming from the left foot) may make him the most in demand over the next few years. In fact, I should have included him in my EPL survey in retrospect. Now it's up to us fans to step it up next year and hang in with this team early in the season, when they might still be getting their collective bearings. Go Zips!

What a terrific read! While having Caleb stay around is like a dream come true, you really have to give credit to Tom W and Dr Proenza for being proactive on this.

Now there's a poster after my own heart. Great job, MDZip!!!!

Same to you Buckzip and to all of Zipsnation!!

Yep, KD said it's his responsibility to help Zeke become an All-America player. Can't do that sitting on the bench in foul trouble. This has to become the focal point of Zeke's development. It doesn't matter how good he becomes in any aspect of the game if he doesn't learn to control the foul situation first and foremost. Zeke needs to start fast on the offensive end and start slowly on the defensive end. He can slowly ramp up defensive pressure throughout the game as long as he stays out of foul trouble. If he can get to the final five minutes without being in foul trouble, then he can turn into a defensive blocking monster and help seal wins. Those are excellent points. Early in many games, Zeke is an easy and obvious target for refs who are attempting to establish a tone for the remainder of the contest. Same goes for the first few minutes of the 2nd half.

Scout List has new offer for Glenville TE Frank Clark. This makes FIVE scholarship offers to players from Glenville in this year's class. We're already landed Johnny Robinson and Devonte Morgan of course. Hopefully, this helps UA land at least one more of them. I'd say iCoach was pretty serious about severing the Glenville-to-Ball St pipeline ASAP.

It's catchy. I like it. I'm designing a shirt in the off season since I can't get my Wagner jersey. If you end up taking orders, you know I'd be in for at least 2!

Zips are 7.5 point 'dogs

Two straight games with a 15 point HT lead - I think I can get used to that. You can hear the Zip fans pretty clearly once again today. Hopefully, Nik and Zeke can be allowed to play a lot more in the 2nd half.

Nice job, Dr Z!! Welcome Vinnie! Go Zips!!

Vegas apparently wants no part of this encounter. Maybe they're concerned about the "Mercury poisoning effect".

Per the letter sent to various season ticket holders you are correct.

Nice summary, QZ! It's almost impossible for me to imagine Steve McNees NOT regaining his form at some point this season. Hopefully it's soon enough to make a real difference in MAC play. I like our chances against Stetson, as long as they don't resort to Mercury poisoning

Zips are a 4 or 4.5 point favorite.

One of your finest efforts yet, Zipmeister! The phrase "A little snip here, a little snip there" is priceless

Thanks JZ! The Scuttlebutt in the discussion shows how difficult is for Americans to get work permits in Europe/UK. MLS has to be happy about that. Excellent point, Z.I.P. I assume that if you impress enough in your "trial", the club will do as much as they can to help you clear the administrative hurdles. BTW, if anyone votes for "other" and has someone in particular in mind I'm sure we'd all be curious to know who it might be.

New Can't coach is Darrel Hazel. Your program needs to move away from your Asst HC. I know him very well. He is not the person he comes across as. I have no axe to grind, but thetruth will set me free. The one from Georgetown? YES, that's the one Really? BTW, how's the weather in "miceliville"?

Nick Rossi's Riverside lost the state championship to a Clairton team that has now won 31 straight games. Clairton had 10 shutouts this year and hadn't given up more than 1 TD in any other game until this one. I'll be very curious to see where he plays as Zip. I know he was recruited as an H-back, but I hope the staff keeps all options open. He was named the (Scranton) Times-Tribune Defensive POTY. This my favorite quote: Gotta love that attitiude in a player