Zips get a DL

[Captain Kangaroo]

West Mifflin defensive end-linebacker Kevin Garner (6-2, 225), a member of the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22, committed to Akron. But Garner said he most likely won't be on the Zips' team next season because he hasn't scored high enough on his SAT to be eligible as a freshman. He hopes to play in 2006.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Garner headed to Akron

By Kevin Gorman <mailto:kgorman@tribweb.com>

TRIBUNE-REVIEW

Monday, January 31, 2005

West Mifflin star Kevin Garner made a verbal commitment to Akron on Sunday, making him the Zips' fifth WPIAL recruit from the Class of 2005.

The 6-2, 225-pound Garner chose Akron over Can't State after receiving early offers from Toledo and West Virginia.

"For a while, it was real quiet," Garner said. "Akron gave me a call and said they wanted me to visit. It was nice. I liked it a lot. They have great new facilities."

Garner, a four-year starter, recorded 15 sacks to lead West Mifflin on its Cinderella run through the playoffs to the WPIAL Class AAA final. The Titans finished the regular-season 4-5 but upset Franklin Regional, Canon-McMillan and West Allegheny before losing to Thomas Jefferson.

Garner also is a four-year starter in basketball and ran on the Titans' 400-meter relay team in track. He said Akron told him he could play outside linebacker or defensive end.

"I see myself playing defensive end, if I can get to 250 and maintain my speed," said Garner, who has yet to qualify academically and is a red-shirt candidate. "I use my quickness to make tackles on the other side of the field."

[Guest ***GUEST_RadioZip***]

Word out of Canton McKinley is that Hight will be a Zip after sitting a year due to grades. This would be a 4-star recruit for the Zip staff.