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bigjim

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Posts posted by bigjim

  1. Transfer Portal

    in Akron Zips Football

    Posted

    On 2/17/2020 at 9:43 PM, LZIp said:

    Atleast we aren't...UCONN...

    https://247sports.com/Article/UConn-Huskies-football-transfer-portal-college-football-independent--143915275/

    Actually, I am hoping that several of Bowden's recruits who are not FBS talent and will never contribute to the Zips will join the transfer portal.  I am not trying to be cold, but at this level, you have to earn a division 1 scholarship.  We are not obligated to give every person a scholarship.  Akron is not USC.  

     

    Regarding Council, I think the Zips will miss him big time.  Even though the line was weak, he was one of two returning starters that could contribute on the line.  It is not good to have 3-4 young linemen starting in a year.  I think Art has some good young talent, but it is rare that 1st and 2nd year players can contribute on the OL.  The youth will have to step up.

     

    As for Dre Williams, he walked out on the team.  I would never let him back.  Good bye.

  2. Which HS Player Do YOU think the Zips Should Recruit?

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    On 9/4/2019 at 9:52 PM, bigjim said:

    You are correct with the reportedly.  However, the big schools have been showing great interest.  Michigan and the Suckeyes to say the least.  I cannot reveal my sources, and I do not think the Zips can sign him, but these are the local players that Akron must pursue to the nth degree.  

    The Division 1 offensive player of the year.  First team all state.  Akron has been very aggressive in pursuing Kipp.  Arth and coaches have been recruiting him really hard this year.  I have heard they have been to Mentor at least 3 times in 2020.  Sounds like Coach and staff are non-stop recruiters looking to make the Zips better.

    • Like 2

  3. (Late) National Signing Day

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    On 1/26/2020 at 4:45 PM, Blue & Gold said:

    Apparently didn't start till his senior year.  Maybe should have started as a junior, but the senior in front of him was entrenched, plus ended up setting a bunch of area passing records.  Janikowski is the coaches kid & apparently grew quite a bit between his junior & senior years.  Just piecing together info from various articles online.

     

    Ryan Janikowski article

     

    Vero Beach coach Lenny Jankowski: “Ryan’s made steady progress. I think what’s unique in his situation is that he doesn’t have a ton of game film. He’s a different creature. His body went through a transformation and he’s different looking than he was in the fall. The ball is jumping out of his hand better and he did well for himself this spring.”

    Thanks for the information, but something is not adding up.  Per the article, 

     

    'The 6-foot-3, 180-pound lefty has yet to start his first varsity game, but already has offers from Indiana, Bucknell, and Jacksonville. Jankowski has good size, a strong arm and understands the Fighting Indians offense as well as anyone.' 

     

    Please explain how he can have 3 offers before starting a game, throws for 73% completions, 22/4 TD to Int ratio, and he does not get signed in the early period and he falls to the Zips.  I am hoping that this is a repeat of the Ben Roghlisberger situation.  Ben did not start until his senior year because he sat behind the coaches son who was a grade ahead.  Then, with a great senior season, most of the teams had their QB and he ended up at Miami, and the rest is history. He had to wait until the coaches son graduated.  With Janikowski, he is the coaches son and sat.  

  4. (Late) National Signing Day

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    1 hour ago, LZIp said:

     For what its worth, none of our string of decommits from back in the season have committed anywhere yet (Jordan, Rosser, Bass, and Bulley).

     

    For what its worth, most of the Zips who entered the transfer portal have not yet found a team or have gone to a small school.  Only Swanson has gone to Troy.  I wish everyone well, but this will be a good thing for the program as those without D1 talent will be playing at the correct level.  It also shows the lack of talent that Arth inherited.

    • Like 1

  6. (Late) National Signing Day

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    On 1/23/2020 at 1:22 PM, LZIp said:

    We signed 20 in the early signing period. We have two additional commits since then, in Dimarco Johnson and Charles Amankwaa (both DBs). I would be surprised if anyone who was committed prior to the early signing period, who did not end up signing, will end up making their way on the roster. I don't believe DeShields will count against the 25 (somebody previously posted something about a walk on being in the program 2 years and being offered a scholly doesn't count). I believe we signed 25 last year, whether it was officially announced or not. I also believe you can't rollover unused schollies from the prior year, but i may be wrong there.

     

    With that said, my best guess is we still have 3 scholarships to give out this year. There have been rumors of Andre Williams potentially rejoining the team. I hope he doesn't count against our numbers since he was on scholly last year prior to leaving. I hope we can fill the class with some higher-rated players to get excited about.

     

    Tyrik McDaniel goes to the same high school as Dimarco Johnson. We are recruiting him and he is uncommitted. https://247sports.com/player/tyrik-mcdaniel-46085272 

     

    Deandre Butler is very highly rated (probably too high for us). But he is uncommitted at this point and actually signed with Arth & Chattanooga out of HS, though I don't believe he ever actually made it to campus. https://247sports.com/player/deandre-butler-46052396

    Thanks for the update.  You cannot rollover unused schollies, but based on the timing of early enrollees, they can apply to the prior year.  I am not an expert, but there are rules that allow this to happen.  

     

    Regarding the additional commits, thanks.  I see them on 247.  I also see that Zack Leininger is a 3 star transfer at TE.  I am also curious about the following that are listed as Zip Hard Commits: Bass, Rosser, Green, and White.  Are there enrollment issues?  If these all were to sign, the DB signings would be substantial.  As I stated originally, I would still love to see some JUCO's that can start immediately.  At a minimum, I would love to see one OL and one DL signee that could step in and bolster the lines for the next two years and help get us some wins in 2020.  

    • Like 1

  7. (Late) National Signing Day

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    We are about 2 weeks away from the (Late) National Signing Day.  Has anyone heard any news about additional players that the Zips may sign?  As I go through the 247 website, there are a lot of potential players in the transfer portal that would look good in an Akron uniform.  Also, there are surprisingly many 3+ star players that have yet to sign.  

     

    The way I see it is that Akron has about 7 scholarships that they can give during this late period, if they find qualified student athletes.  Per GOZIPS, they signed 20 players in December, and there is the limit of 25, so my great Akron education tells me that leaves 5 additional players that can sign.  Also, last year they signed 23, so that leaves 2 more scholly's for this year, if they had early signees, which they did have several.  In addition, with several Zips in the transfer portal, they should have the scholarship numbers.  As I look at the roster, there are few talented Juniors and Seniors.  I would like to see the Zips sign 7 more Juco's who have talent that can step in and play.  This will also allow the youngsters to mature for a year and let those 3 star recruits step in and add depth and play next year.  

     

    I am looking for any comments to keep Akron football relevant until the spring game.  

    • Like 1

  10. Assessing Coach Arth (and his staff)

    in Akron Zips Football

    Posted

    On 10/28/2019 at 1:12 PM, 94zipgrad said:

    I ?% agree, you would have to see his post in totality,  I believe the moderators have moved & created a nicer thread.  He came in trying to start problems.  I’m all for talking & hearing opinions but every week he starts it all over again, trust me, I feel the pain just as everyone does.  Rather you agree with firing & hiring there isn’t anything we can do.  You never see a firing within the first year of a coach that is coming into a mess, we were on a downward trend with nothing in the cupboards.  Finding a coach isn’t easy & once you make the decision you gotta give him a chance.  I was for keeping Bowden & getting a new OC & maybe even getting some younger coaches so we could do a better job on the recruiting trail.  Ultimately that is where it all starts.  But once they made the decision I wanted Getsy because he was a QB here,  was on Green Bay staff & is a current SEC OC & makes $600,000 as an OC & we would of had to pay more than what I think the University was willing to pay but it maybe would have been worth it as doing this bad is costing more than the $500k we are paying Arth.  Lastly Getsy has D1 playing & coaching experience.  Arth had neither & his learning curve is bigger & I think we see that now.

     

    I am open to the posters opinions & thoughts, some posters are not honestly here to share thoughts & opinions but to stir the pot

     

    I was a Bowden fan, but wanted him to fire the OC.  However, the expectations were higher his last couple of years and he did not produce.  I, like most fans, agreed with his dismissal at the time it happened.  Now, there is back pedaling across the board.  He is gone now so he is not an option, and we need to focus on the current situation and move on.  

     

    I would have liked Getsy as the head coach, but that did not happen.  The statement above that 'Getsy has D1 playing and coaching experience. Arth has neither' is correct.  However, Arth played in the NFL.  He was not a star, but he made an NFL team.  That is much so better than D1.  He was also endorsed by Bernie Kosar and Peyton Manning, two of the smartest NFL players ever.  These facts make it evident that Arth has very high football smarts.  Now, that does not prove that he can recruit or coach.  He has to prove that he can.

     

    Also, the talent level that Bowden left was pretty low.  Pre-season analytics had the Zips losing each game, but they were predicted at a 1-2 win level based on statistics that they could have pulled off a couple of wins.  Based on these facts, Arth is meeting expectations.  Also, Arth's recruiting ratings last year were good considering the fact that he had a late start.  In fact, many on this nation said it was better than any recruiting class in the Bowden era.  Also, in 247 recruiting, he has all 3 star prospects to date this year.  So, I have faith that he is brining in talent.  With most of Bowden's classes, the recruits had only one offer, that from Akron.  That appears to be improving as many of last year's recruits and this year's commits have more than one offer.  

     

    I am disappointed and frustrated about the Zips season.  However, Arth should never be compared to Ianello regarding football knowledge, who did not play college ball (I could not find any stats that he played).  Arth has a high football IQ as evident by his experience.  Now, he needs some time to get the right staff and players and make a push toward having a successful season.  I will be at the next two home games, and I will try to follow today's game if I can find it on air.  I will always remain a faithful Zip with expectations of a much better 20 season and a good 21 season.  Go Zips!!!

    • Like 3

  12. Class of '20 Verbal Commits

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    11 hours ago, Blue & Gold said:

    Good catch, @bigjim.  Here is Janirr Wade's hudl profile, from which I took my information.

     

    But FWIW, on Janirr's twitter page, he lists himself as a DE (he doesn't list DT).  280 would be awfully heavy for a DE.  So your question definitely still stands.

    If you watch his highlights, it is very obvious the position he plays in high school.  He played either the Nose or Tackle, and never on the outside in his mid season highlights.  He did not seem very dominant or quick, but if he was, he would be going big time.  However, he plays at a position of need, the DL.  I hope that he keeps his commitment and becomes a Zip.  

    • Like 1

  18. Game 4: Troy Trojans @ Akron – 3 pm (ESPN+)

    in Akron Zips Football

    Posted

    33 minutes ago, bigjim said:

    I agree that the o and d lines need a lot of help and there is no short term solution.  Who do they beat this year?  I think there are two possibilities: UMass and BGSU.  I originally thought that Kent was a chance, but I have changed my mind.  Regarding a big RB, why isn't Keyondre White or Peter Hayes-Patrick playing?  They were both 3 stars out of high school.

    Also, why didn't Burkhart play today?  Any inside information would be great.  

    To support my comments that the Zips have a chance against UMass and BGSU, I looked up the rankings.  Of the 130 FBS teams, the Zips were ranked 126th going into the weekend.  UMass was 125th and BGSU was 124.  We have a chance to win a couple of games.  If you look at the rankings of Central, Illinois, and Troy, they are not very high and they blew out the Zips.  I still have faith.  We will win the two games this year.

  19. Game 4: Troy Trojans @ Akron – 3 pm (ESPN+)

    in Akron Zips Football

    Posted

    The thing that is bothering me the most is the apathetic feeling at the tail gates and at the games.  The lots are no where near full for tailgating, and these lots are in prime locations.  Also, the responses on this forum are sparse.  If there was a lot of interest, there would be many comments, even if they were thoughtless and negative.  Also, I counted less than 100 students in the student section during the first half.  Many left at half time.  We used to go to the Rubber Bowl for every game.  How much fun would it have been to have football on campus.  We could tap the keg, drink, go to the first half, go back to the dorm, finish the keg, and come back for the second half.  There is no interest for Zips football.  If you are a student or an alum, I do not understand it.  OK, go ahead and rip me but we need to get interest in the University of Akron Zips.

    • Like 1

  20. Game 4: Troy Trojans @ Akron – 3 pm (ESPN+)

    in Akron Zips Football

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Lee Adams said:

    Look fans. This will be no worse than a Bowden or Ianello first season. Was at the game early. Nothing has changed with the O-line,the run game or the pass rush. All garbage. my guess is but only a guess is that Arth will let Kelley start at QB sometime real soon. Had him in early today. Nelson is not the QB of the future here. Neither is Kelley but Arth is not likely to burn a red shirt on a QB he recruited this season. That said, there are way too many 'coaching' issues rearing their ugly heads for the 4th game of the season. Until they come up with a big RB,a consistent pass rush and some people who can actually play the O-line, as Mountain once said,'travellin' in the dark,can't see a thing'.

    Who do they beat this year? Any fearless forecasts?

    I agree that the o and d lines need a lot of help and there is no short term solution.  Who do they beat this year?  I think there are two possibilities: UMass and BGSU.  I originally thought that Kent was a chance, but I have changed my mind.  Regarding a big RB, why isn't Keyondre White or Peter Hayes-Patrick playing?  They were both 3 stars out of high school.

    Also, why didn't Burkhart play today?  Any inside information would be great.  

  23. Game 2: UAB Blazers @ Akron – 12 pm

    in Akron Zips Football

    Posted

    19 hours ago, Captain Kangaroo said:

    After one week of watching the Zips get manhandled by a Big10 program, I will offer the following thoughts regarding this week's match up with the Blazers -

     

    • I don't think the Blazers are good. You don't give up 19 points to Alabama State, and get shut out in the second half of your home game against Alabama State, if you're good.
    • You also don't get 39,000 people to show up at your home opener, and build a 172 million dollar new stadium (opening next year) if you completely suck. I would expect a much better effort out of both the Zips and Blazers this week.
    • Looking forward to watching Bubba this week. He was the one guy that repeatedly played with the speed and aggression to win the Illinois game. Other guys had their moments, but in an absolutely unwatchable game, Bubba almost made it worth watching.
    • We need the three Week 1 "non-travelling" Zips seniors to travel to InfoCision on  Saturday.  If we don't have those guys we can lose to anybody. Council + Brown on the o-line will make a world of difference in both the running and passing game. If we only have Council again, look for another Milwee-esque day running the ball.
    • Jest is a handful at nose tackle. No one that we put at nose tackle last week was a handful. 20-or-so snaps from Jest on Saturday would be really nice to see.
    • Alvin Davis almost single-handedly beat Northwestern last season. Last week we replaced him with a true freshman. BIG drop off. Get AD back in the secondary and you'll see an entirely different Zips defense Saturday.
    • Unfortunately, none of our WR's stood out. Boogie was a non-factor. Stewart was "ok." Michael Mathison was a pleasant surprise (hope he's healthy this week).I have to assume that Williams missing the entire spring prompted Arth to ease him into game action Saturday? I expect a heavier dose of Dre Williams on Saturday afternoon. 
    • If I were in the media, I'd be asking about the punting game. Does Wieland get another game to prove he can kick like HS? Or does our Freshman punter make his home debut?

    IMO - our chance to win the game rests on the four non-factor players from last week actually playing (I threw Dre Williams in as a non-player too). A 42-3 shellacking will cause a lot of locals to say "Yep...same old Akron," so Arth and Company need to come out this week with a sense of urgency and try to make a statement. However unfair it might be to Arth's unenviable situation of taking over a 4-8 program, a 31-9 home loss to the Blazers would put Joe Akron in yet another fall coma. 

     

    If the four absentees play this week, Zips win 31-27. 

    If we field the team we fielded @ Illinois - Zips lose 34-16.

    I do not know if the Blazers are good, but what is the point spread?  Although I hope they are wrong, Vegas is usually correct when money is involved.

    I agree that Bubba played well, just like the undersized player he is and how he played in high school.  You cannot measure the size of one's heart.  

    I agree that Brown will make a world of difference.

    Did you watch the games from last year that Jest played in?  He actually did much better a couple of years ago before he left the program.  Last year, he had very few tackles and got pushed around like a 180 lb lineman, not a 300 pounder.  

    AD is fantastic.

    WR's did not stand out, but that was a function of the lack of QB, RB, and OL play .  Also, I question the rotation

    One of my questions was the RB rotation.  Where was Floyd, White, and Hayes Patrick.  Maybe I missed them, but I did not see any production. 

     

    I will be there in full force on Saturday.  Maybe the fact that they are playing at home will spark the adrenaline and enthusiasm.  But my hopes for the season are pretty grim.  The fact that they were ranked 127 out of the approximately 130 FBS teams in the preseason does not show that the program is on the upswing.  Let's hope that Coach Arth turns the Zip fortunes positive.  

     

    Go Zips!!!! 

  25. Which HS Player Do YOU think the Zips Should Recruit?

    in Akron Zips Football Recruiting

    Posted

    12 hours ago, LZIp said:

    We are reportedly 1 of 3 schools to offer him to date.

    https://247sports.com/player/ian-kipp-46076931/

    You are correct with the reportedly.  However, the big schools have been showing great interest.  Michigan and the Suckeyes to say the least.  I cannot reveal my sources, and I do not think the Zips can sign him, but these are the local players that Akron must pursue to the nth degree.  

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