johnnyzip84 Posted November 29, 2008 Report Share Posted November 29, 2008 Having been born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, I take annual interest in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's selection of its "Fabulous 22" over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's basically this publication's opinion on the best 22 HS FB players in the Pittsburgh region during a given year. Since I've been a Zip alum and fan for many years, I mostly peruse this list for potential UA recruits. Well upon reading this year's list, I initially wasn't going to even bother posting the link (below) since there in no mention of Akron at all in any of these kid's profiles. Typically, the Zips get one or two of these players. For instance, I believe Matt Rodgers, Marvase Byrd, Aaron Williams, and Joe Rash were all selections during their senior seasons. In general, Western PA has been BERRY, BERRY good to the Zips over the years.Now I realize that we're a little light on available schollys this year and that UA recruiting often peaks well after the season, but this makes me nervous about this year's class. I suppose this might also expose JD's hand a little. A very common approach for a HC on the hot seat is to eschew HS recruits for a barrage of JC transfers, in the hopes of having that "one big season" to get the heat off of him. With the talent coming back next year, that might not be a bad approach, particularly if a few playmakers on the defensive side can be found.Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Link Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Kangaroo Posted December 1, 2008 Report Share Posted December 1, 2008 My grandparents were originally from Wilkinsburg, then moved to Butler once they got married. My grandfather was a pretty good athlete back-in-the-day, and got a basketball scholarship to IUP. Prior to WWII he played in the Pittsburgh Industrial Leagues, which were pretty much the NBA of that era. He was always a huge sports fan, especially when it came to WPIAL football and college sports. He'd have LOVED following Zeke's career.He also pretty much adopted whatever college his kids and grandkids attended. My Aunt went to Maryland, Uncle to the Naval Academy, mom to Youngstown State, me to UA, my cousin to Drexel. Any time we visited, and this was pre-internet era, the guy could talk as intelligently about any of those programs as their biggest "local" fans. He was a great guy and a huge influence on me.Where am I going with this? When I was at UA (84 - 89) he would mail me any related UA athletics clippings that appeared in the Post Gazette. My favorite time of year was the announcement of the "Fabulous 22." UA would always have a few recruits on the team, and he'd send me the list along with his hand-written notes regarding which ones he thought were the better players. Even then, I always had the "inside scoop" on Zips recruiting! I think there was also a "Fantastic 44" list from another paper (maybe the Tribune?). I always like when the Fabulous 22 list comes out. Brings back good memories for me. (me and my grandfather sharing a beer and talking sports). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyzip84 Posted December 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted December 1, 2008 I'm pretty sure the old Fabulous 44 was picked by the now defunct Pittsburgh Press. The Press, an evening paper, was actually the leading Steel City daily when, during a newpaper strike in the early 90's, the Press was sold to the owners of the Post-Gazette (a morning paper at the time) who promptly ceased its existence. The Post-Gazette has been the leading PGH paper ever since, although the burb-oriented Trib-Review has also gained a following in recent years.On a positive note, I notice a few of this year's selections have interest from BG and Miami. Perhaps these guys might change their minds with the firings? This underscores the importance of Mack making a strong statement regarding next season, one way or another, ASAP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rd&twenty Posted December 2, 2008 Report Share Posted December 2, 2008 Maybe LeBron can help JD recruit. See Paul Jones, QB. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Z Posted December 2, 2008 Report Share Posted December 2, 2008 I don't need to see any film on Tyrone Ezell, I want him. He looks like he will reek havoc on a QB.After Wanny is fired, I hope he transfers here. I also like his choice what he will do with his million. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KentZip Posted December 3, 2008 Report Share Posted December 3, 2008 On a positive note, I notice a few of this year's selections have interest from BG and Miami. Perhaps these guys might change their minds with the firings? This underscores the importance of Mack making a strong statement regarding next season, one way or another, ASAP!Funny you should mention that......... from Scouts.comThe coaching shake-up at Bowling Green could cost the Falcons one of their prized recruits as quarterback Patrick Nicely is rumored to be visiting a rival MAC school this weekend. The rumored school is the U of A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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