johnnyzip84

I've purposely waited a while to let this news sink in a little before commenting. I've been clear in the past regarding my lack of enthusiasm for anything OSU-related and that certainly includes Tressel. And my problems with him go back well before his time spent in Columbus. The names of Ray Isaac amd Mickey Monus will forever be connected with my thoughts on JT. Having said this, EVEN I have to be impressed with the audacity and "out-of-the-box" thinking involved in LP's decision to bring JT aboard in this capacity. Think about the dire financial situation we all lamented as the 2011 football season dragged along. Many of us wondered how in the world the debt payments for the Info could be met over the long haul. Now fast forward to the hiring of Coach Bowden and more recently JT. Why not tap into JT's nearly unsurpassed popularity among the locals when trying to re-brand UA and its athletic programs? I might feel a little dirty in the morning, but as long as the school and community that I love benefit in the end, I think I can live with myself. As long as everyone understands their role, the players on this super-team will likely not only erase any fears about Info solvency, but also lead hoops into a truly new era. The entire athletic department, including Porter's incredible Men's soccer program, could very well benefit from a possible conference shift or alteration made possible by this "think big" approach. Like ZW said, "interesting times" for sure. I also wonder how much involvement, if any, JT will have with the University Park Alliance. If the new hoops arena is truly one of his 1st priorities, then I'm sure this will be the case. I can't wait to see what other transformations that may take place. Go Zips! Go Akron!

You're both welcome And Z.I.P. you are spot on about Wahl. He writes high quality pieces consistently.

Awesome read! It's great to see Chase and Dan Basch remain this close. FB Basch and his TE brother Dennis were definite bruisers in their day. And was there ever a more appropriately named FB? Dan may have been as driven a player as I've witnessed on the field as a Zip. It's not too hard to imagine why he and Chase would hit it off. Thanks for posting, Zip_ME87!

Grant Wahl with an excellent story on Steve-O's way back

Good for him and far more importantly good for us! Must be pretty nice to be Ron Powlus and get a substantial pay INCREASE following the last 2 years of QB performance at UA

ba-dump pissshhhhh

And you objected to Harney Badger

You are aware BG absolutely crushed WMU last night in K-Zoo? I agree that the team needs to play better very soon or they simply won't live up to their potential. And that is an NCAA tourney run.

Local Article

They called Pearson for hanging on the rim, which was a pretty weak call. But that made up for a number of calls that went his way like phantom touches from Zeke and the time he slammed into Nik near the baseline during a scramble and they simply called Serb for dribbling it out. He's very good no doubt, but I hate seeing one guy getting calls all night long. Then again, he does take it strong with great persistance. At least Q started giving it right back. The switch to the 2-3 saved our butts tonight. I know KD doesn't like playing it too much, but there are definitely times where we need it.

Something's not correct here. South Alabama is the new Sunbelt team. HBCU Alabama State is a member of the SWAC.

It's apparently over. GoZips.com seemed to indicate the total class for 2012 has 21 players. I'm not sure what that means for those already enrolled.

12:56 p.m. Keionne Baines makes the count 19 signees thus far ... he's a 5-11, 220, LB, from Florida's Armwood High School.

12:41 p.m. Another RB is on the list ... Conor Hundley, 5-11, 210, from St. Xavier HS in Hamilton, Ohio.

Jatavis is IN THE HOUSE!! 12:35 p.m. Josh Smith, 6-2, 185, CB, from Western Hills High School in Cincinnati just sent in his letter of intent ... as did Jatavis Brown, 6-1, 190, LB, out of Florida's Glades Central High School.

KD mentioned this on ZipsLive this week. I hope so too. Zips opened as 14 point favorites, but the spread is now 12.5.

I REALLY like the recruiting footprint I am seeing from this class (NE Ohio, SW Ohio, PA, Florida, Jersey, etc.). These are exactly the regions Coach Bowden said he would focus his efforts.

11:34 a.m. Imani Davis is now a Zip ... he's a 5-10, 170, CB, from Belen Jesuit Prep ... the second signee for UA from that school this year.

Rachal and McClinton are already in. Here is Horner's announcement: 11:25 a.m. The 14th signee of the day is in ... Alfonso Horner, 6-3, 215, DE, from Belen Jesuit Prep in Florida is official.

11:09 a.m. Michael Casimos, 6-4, 280, OL, from Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey is now official.

10:53 a.m. Christian Allen, a 6-2, 247, FB/DL, from West Virginia's Morgantown High School just sent in his NLI. Welcome aboard, Christian! Would LOVE for UA to schedule WVU during his time with the Zips.

10:17 a.m. Akron Beacon Journal sports writer and UA Athletics beat writer George Thomas has embedded himself with the staff today. Gotta give credit where it's due. He's done a nice job lately.

I assume Pro-Style because he was definitely listed as a Pro-Style QB by the services. That doesn't mean he can't be successful in the spread, of course.

Agreed Keener! One might think Kyle Pohl wouldn't fit too well in the spread. Tyrell Goodman will probably end up at another position? There are a lot of ways this could play out.