Top Drawer's Top 100

[Z.I.P.]

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...D=10800#results

I'm not sure what these are based upon, frankly (pro potential??). The thing that amazes me, from the Akron perspective is how Chad Barson can be ranked that far down - #64. The two guys just in front of Chad (Luthy and Restrepo) aren't too shabby either. Barson and Valentin are pretty much inseparable in ability if you ask me. I think Korb and Nanchoff are ahead of some other Akron players just because of their experience as senior/junior, but the others behind are liable to pass them -- if they stay long enough.

What do people think?

[UAZipster0305]

http://www.topdrawersoccer.com/college-soc...D=10800#results

I'm not sure what these are based upon, frankly (pro potential??). The thing that amazes me, from the Akron perspective is how Chad Barson can be ranked that far down - #64. The two guys just in front of Chad (Luthy and Restrepo) aren't too shabby either. Barson and Valentin are pretty much inseparable in ability if you ask me. I think Korb and Nanchoff are ahead of some other Akron players just because of their experience as senior/junior, but the others behind are liable to pass them -- if they stay long enough.

What do people think?

Honestly, I think we are so deep and talented that all 11 starters and a few bench players are potentially worthy of this distinction. However, to be fair and interesting to other programs, our representation may be limited. Yes, I know we have many more players than the next most represented program, but I feel we really are that good individually.

I too have no idea what the ranking is based on. I assume it is 100% subjective and only represents one writer's opinion. It sure is good exposure for the program and University though!

[yazan07]

I think this is great and really speaks volumes for our team and our players. The more things I see like this (and like the trip to NC two weeks ago) the more it becomes apparent that our team really is the front funner by a long shot. I can't believe we have twice as many players on that list as Maryland, who itself was the only team with five players. This also speaks a lot about the talent on our bench. I have to imagine most of the other players on that list start for their teams, but Scotty doesn't usually start and even Speas has come off the bench a few times this year, yet they are still designated as being in the top 100 players in the nation.

Another thing this list made me think of is something that I think we try not to think about...who (besides the seniors) will be leaving us next year? Having so many players ranked so high makes me think that it's almost inevitable that a few of them are going to get swept up by generation adidas again this year.

[MDZip]

The biggest surprise to me is Ampai rated #1. I think he is a very good player, but there was some discussion about the level of his game being elevated last year because of Gavin and Zemanski. I'd have no problem at all if he was our second straight Hermann winner.

[Z.I.P.]

I think this is great and really speaks volumes for our team and our players. The more things I see like this (and like the trip to NC two weeks ago) the more it becomes apparent that our team really is the front funner by a long shot. I can't believe we have twice as many players on that list as Maryland, who itself was the only team with five players. This also speaks a lot about the talent on our bench. I have to imagine most of the other players on that list start for their teams, but Scotty doesn't usually start and even Speas has come off the bench a few times this year, yet they are still designated as being in the top 100 players in the nation.

Another thing this list made me think of is something that I think we try not to think about...who (besides the seniors) will be leaving us next year? Having so many players ranked so high makes me think that it's almost inevitable that a few of them are going to get swept up by generation adidas again this year.

This has been discussed a bit on here, but I think it's pretty likely that Valentin is gone. Sarkodie, ditto. I keep thinking -- maybe the guy with the highest ceiling, who has only begun to scratch the surface of his talent, is Ben Speas. Speas and Caldwell will be the Gavin and Zemanski of 2011. Ben and Perry Kitchen are capable of scoring goals from the midfield, no doubt about it. As good as this team is this year, 2011...Mmmmm, mmmmm, Good!

[yazan07]

I think this is great and really speaks volumes for our team and our players. The more things I see like this (and like the trip to NC two weeks ago) the more it becomes apparent that our team really is the front funner by a long shot. I can't believe we have twice as many players on that list as Maryland, who itself was the only team with five players. This also speaks a lot about the talent on our bench. I have to imagine most of the other players on that list start for their teams, but Scotty doesn't usually start and even Speas has come off the bench a few times this year, yet they are still designated as being in the top 100 players in the nation.

Another thing this list made me think of is something that I think we try not to think about...who (besides the seniors) will be leaving us next year? Having so many players ranked so high makes me think that it's almost inevitable that a few of them are going to get swept up by generation adidas again this year.

This has been discussed a bit on here, but I think it's pretty likely that Valentin is gone. Sarkodie, ditto. I keep thinking -- maybe the guy with the highest ceiling, who has only begun to scratch the surface of his talent, is Ben Speas. Speas and Caldwell will be the Gavin and Zemanski of 2011. Ben and Perry Kitchen are capable of scoring goals from the midfield, no doubt about it. As good as this team is this year, 2011...Mmmmm, mmmmm, Good!

Yeah I figure Kofi, maybe Zarek, and possibly Darlington too. And while I agree that players like Speas and Kitchen are only going to get better and make the 2011 season great; the thing that I worry about for that year, is that if both Zarek and Kofi leave early, and Chris Korb graduates, there goes 3/4 of this unstoppable back line. And while we currently have a lot of depth in the midfield and up front, we really don't have too many defenders on the bench right now. The only thing that makes it seem as though this might not be a huge problem, is that little detail that we have the best team in the country and Porter really has top picks at new guys, to some degree. Even if we do restock with the best prospects in the country, I still don't feel like that completely replaces the experience and coherence this line of defenders have built. Oh well, only time shall tell. And if all else fails, we have Meves in the net, and he's a beast.

[jem101]

Yeah I figure Kofi, maybe Zarek, and possibly Darlington too. And while I agree that players like Speas and Kitchen are only going to get better and make the 2011 season great; the thing that I worry about for that year, is that if both Zarek and Kofi leave early, and Chris Korb graduates, there goes 3/4 of this unstoppable back line.

You have to remember, last year we had three freshmen on the back line and made it to the College Cup. I'm confident Porter will bring in freshmen next year that fit right in.

I'm not to worried about losing Nagbe. I think that the Jamaicans will be able to step up and fill his shoes pretty well. Enough about next year though! Let's focus on this year and becoming Go Zips!

[zoomtime]

I think this is great and really speaks volumes for our team and our players. The more things I see like this (and like the trip to NC two weeks ago) the more it becomes apparent that our team really is the front funner by a long shot. I can't believe we have twice as many players on that list as Maryland, who itself was the only team with five players. This also speaks a lot about the talent on our bench. I have to imagine most of the other players on that list start for their teams, but Scotty doesn't usually start and even Speas has come off the bench a few times this year, yet they are still designated as being in the top 100 players in the nation.

Another thing this list made me think of is something that I think we try not to think about...who (besides the seniors) will be leaving us next year? Having so many players ranked so high makes me think that it's almost inevitable that a few of them are going to get swept up by generation adidas again this year.

This has been discussed a bit on here, but I think it's pretty likely that Valentin is gone. Sarkodie, ditto. I keep thinking -- maybe the guy with the highest ceiling, who has only begun to scratch the surface of his talent, is Ben Speas. Speas and Caldwell will be the Gavin and Zemanski of 2011. Ben and Perry Kitchen are capable of scoring goals from the midfield, no doubt about it. As good as this team is this year, 2011...Mmmmm, mmmmm, Good!

Yeah I figure Kofi, maybe Zarek, and possibly Darlington too. And while I agree that players like Speas and Kitchen are only going to get better and make the 2011 season great; the thing that I worry about for that year, is that if both Zarek and Kofi leave early, and Chris Korb graduates, there goes 3/4 of this unstoppable back line. And while we currently have a lot of depth in the midfield and up front, we really don't have too many defenders on the bench right now. The only thing that makes it seem as though this might not be a huge problem, is that little detail that we have the best team in the country and Porter really has top picks at new guys, to some degree. Even if we do restock with the best prospects in the country, I still don't feel like that completely replaces the experience and coherence this line of defenders have built. Oh well, only time shall tell. And if all else fails, we have Meves in the net, and he's a beast.

I think defense will be fine next year, Perry will move back in the middle with Chad and Eric Stevenson will play one of the outside positions, leaving only one opening at this point with new people coming in next year. Should be some good years to come!!!

[w00t]

USMNT-er Bryan Gallego will arrive and I believe he can play right back, so defense will be fine as zoomtime noted. Starting MF would likely be Speas, Trapp, Nanchoff, and Caldwell. The dynamic duo of Jamaicans would play up front. That's a solid starting 11 before Caleb reaches into his bag of tricks (who had any idea that Mattocks and Tulloch would be here this year?) The cupboard will be far from bare after losing what looks like FOUR first round draft picks. Incredible.

That being said, I do think this is the strongest team we have put out, or will put out in the near future. I would expect that there are no less than ten players on this roster who will play in the MLS someday.

[zip37]

With the master, Coach Caleb Porter at the helm, things are going to be just fine, with the best facility in the nation and a sensational coach, as Alfred E. newman would say: 'What, me worry?' And Coacch Porter, this is for you

[MDZip]

Top Drawer also released their list of the Top 100 freshman. We had three, Kitchen (#3), Mattocks (#15) and Stevenson (#77). I also think some of our excellent freshman (Ontiveros, Tulloch, Genovesi and Brenes) just aren't getting visibility because of all of the upperclass talent in front of them on their own team. Pretty good class once again.

[Zip_ME87]

Top Drawer also released their list of the Top 100 freshman. We had three, Kitchen (#3), Mattocks (#15) and Stevenson (#77). I also think some of our excellent freshman (Ontiveros, Tulloch, Genovesi and Brenes) just aren't getting visibility because of all of the upperclass talent in front of them on their own team. Pretty good class once again.

Unless I missed it, I don't believe that Genovesi or Brenes have seen any regular season playing time (redshirts?).

[yazan07]

Top Drawer also released their list of the Top 100 freshman. We had three, Kitchen (#3), Mattocks (#15) and Stevenson (#77). I also think some of our excellent freshman (Ontiveros, Tulloch, Genovesi and Brenes) just aren't getting visibility because of all of the upperclass talent in front of them on their own team. Pretty good class once again.

Unless I missed it, I don't believe that Genovesi or Brenes have seen any regular season playing time (redshirts?).

I don't think any of the other freshmen have played besides Perry, Mattocks, Tulloch, and Ontiveros. I too was wondering if any of the others were redshirting.

*edit* I just looked at the list, and saw that Perry was #3 and Darren was #15. I'm almost certain that if our other freshmen were getting significant minutes we would be seeing a few more of them on this list, and their absence from the top 100 is in no way a reflection of their lack of talent.

[Z.I.P.]

Top Drawer also released their list of the Top 100 freshman. We had three, Kitchen (#3), Mattocks (#15) and Stevenson (#77). I also think some of our excellent freshman (Ontiveros, Tulloch, Genovesi and Brenes) just aren't getting visibility because of all of the upperclass talent in front of them on their own team. Pretty good class once again.

Unless I missed it, I don't believe that Genovesi or Brenes have seen any regular season playing time (redshirts?).

I don't think any of the other freshmen have played besides Perry, Mattocks, Tulloch, and Ontiveros. I too was wondering if any of the others were redshirting.

What you right is write. The others are red-shirting. The cupboard will never be bear.