johnnyzip84

Here it is! I had a chance to meat Jarrod briefly in Lot 9 after a game late last year, and I was impressed with the way he carries himself. It's great to read that the injuries last year don't seem to be slowing him down this year.

Nice summary again, George After watching the video highlights, I'm a little surprised you didn't bring up Bre' Ford. From the little I can gather, this guy seems to be having a monster of a spring. You may not be aware that he broke into the starting lineup last year as a true FR (out of Bethel Park, PA) and was starting to catch the eyes of a few fans with his hard hitting from strong safety. Then he suddenly disappeared from the team, apparently (though never confirmed) due to some off-the-field issues. I was very happy to see him back on the roster this spring. And now it looks like the new staff has instilled a "ball hawk" mentality in him. Doesn't he have at least three INTs this spring? I'd be curious to get your opinion of his play. I'm making my 1st player-specific, out-on-a-limb prediction for 2012. Bre' Ford will make at least ONE ALL-MAC team! Go Zips!!

The hometown newspaper of our 1st opponent isn't expecting our new HC (and onetime Orlando resident) to turn things around quickly. I realize these early prognostications are particularly devoid of pertinent information, but I kind of hope they all pick the Zips this low. I'd rather sneak up on a few teams I'm not expecting miracles this 1st year. But given what I've seen of the staff so far, I'll bet some coin they won't be the next to worst team in the country come November! Go Zips!!! :gun: (somebody's got to take up the slack for drealscout!)

GT's excellent summary from the Beacon

Downtown Atlanta

Good for Doug!

While Billy Curry has certainly gotten off to a slow start in building Georgia State's football program from scratch, Georgia State has an obvious advantage over the other schools you mention for Sunbelt consideration. They are located in Atlanta, which is obviously a huge TV market. So is Ga Tech, but Tech (20,000 students) is much more of an elite/academic school than GSU (30,000 students). It's a little like the MAC picking up Buffalo even though the Bulls were a mediocre 1-AA/FCS team. If the MAC were to make a run at any of Appy St, JMU or ODU, I prefer the Monarchs for the same reason. The Tidewater area of Va is a bigger market. Besides, it would make for a better road trip, too

I bought it at "Doogie's Minute Mart" right in Canal Fulton. He usually has quite a decent selection for a small store in a small town (and he'll order beer for me if it's available through the distributor). I'll bring an extra to the spring game if you're heading there.

A couple of things come to mind: 1) Maybe we (I was as big an advocate as any) were wishful thinking on Nick as a D-1 linebacker. Unless he's hurt, I'm wondering if he simply doesn't have the speed to play in a Coach Amato defense. 2) I absolutely LOVE having Coach Amato in charge of the defense! Was there every any doubt that he would develop a quick understanding of "what works and what doesn't" in the MAC (referring to his "a league that space is so very important to be able to play in" comment)? I have more concerns about the talent on the defense right now as opposed to the offense, but I have no doubt that Coach Amato will make the wise calls in both personnel and tactics. By the end of 2012, I expect the Zip defense to be playing better than any we've seen thus far at the Info. It'll take a while for the LB newcomers in August to get their D-1 feet wet.

Bummer on the Brekle's Brown I've been drinking some Bell's lately. I reluctantly forked over $16.99 for a six of Cherry Stout. It's a relatively strong stout with a very tart cherry bite. I'd give it solid B but it's probably not worth the price for most folks. Maybe our recent WMU fan can relate?

Look who caught two balls in the short clip. Why it's none other than Will Fleming! I sure hope his health doesn't let him down for a change. He's had as rough of a couple of seasons as anyone. He hauled in one of them from KP16. I was just thinking how much better PN16 was than PN7. I suggest KP16 leave well enough alone!

Zips steal one from K.E.N.T. Lindsay getting canned was a big factor, but UA's coaches and facilities were as well

In reserve action, Montreal whips Toronto 1-0 Evan Bush played all 90 for the shutout. Sinisa also got into the action, following his huge goal in the regular game. Marsch must be trying to get him back in shape. Zarek also played.

I like how you called Ohio.com Akron.com BA has shown promise from his true FR year during JD's swan song. He's been prone to injury however, so hopefully that's behind him. I though this was an interesting quote:

I liked that as well. I think the following is equally encouraging (of course, it comes with a qualifier):

Report from Zanesville

...and right up there with winning just ONE bowl game someday!

I wouldn't count out another New York franchise (Cosmos?) either.

Walsh and Malone are new members of D2's GLIAC this year. Just sayin'. But Forgham certainly makes sense with JM as HC.

George, Hope you're feeling/sleeping better and thanks again for keeping the Zip spring football information train running smoothly As spring practice is now well past the half-way point, there are two players who's lack of mention has me particularly curious. The linebacking corps is obviously a source of concern for Coaches Bowden and Amato. I was one of the people calling for Nick Rossi to get switched from FB and I've been somewhat surprised to see him (evidently) get lost in the mix. Is this truly the case? Is he hurt? What can you tell us about the play of #1 on defense this spring? Tyler Williams is a player who I thought had a chance to shine in Bowden's spread. I figured his quickness and utility would serve him well in this regard. Instead it's been guys like Dee Frieson (scored on a screen pass the distance in yesterday's scrimmage), Zach D'Orazio (before his injury), LT Smith and Price making the plays. What can you tell us about Tyler's play this spring? Edit: Come to think of it, I haven't heard much from #15 Suel since early this spring either? Is he playing?

Courtesy of some more excellent GT reporting, Cody Grice had 2 of the 4. Bowden has singled out Presley, James Price and Cody on the DL in recent days.

Of particular interest to me is the following quote from Coach Bowden:

Love the discussion on local eateries I'll go ahead and embed it below. Nice find! Edit: I'm too slow for Bobby!

It sounds like Pohl had a bit of a "learning experience" today, as the defense played with more fire than they have up to this point.

Nice snag, B&G! The following is a pretty interesting segment: Hmmmm