The 2015 Football Commitment List

[Captain Kangaroo]

Regarding Ray Ray Smith - Per Bowden, he has some "ACT work" to do in order to be eligible.

He was the most electric player of all those shown at the press conference. I could see him becoming the game-breaking kick returner we've lacked since...Andre Jones. Hope he can get eligible.

All 11 players on Tyler Shipman's State Champ defense got D1 scholarships? I thought that was an impressive feat.

[Blue & Gold]

Moving Van to the Middle American Conference

Edwards rushed for 1,018 yards and 14 touchdowns in his senior season. He liked the idea of playing in a spread offense in the high-scoring Middle American Conference, where he'll frequently play on Tuesday nights in front of a national audience on ESPN.

...in front of a national audience and an empty InfoCision Stadium...

"It's going to be weird and take some getting used to," Edwards said.

...Yeah, join the club...

[Jrship35]

Actually Captain .... 9 of the 11 starters were seniors and signed ..... Of the 2 junior starters, one is committed to FSU and the other is leaning towards Alabama ..... And 4 of the non starters in the rotation signed D1's yesterday

Best high school defense I have personally ever seen ....... No bias, real talk

[UAZipster0305]

Throw the stars out the window. How many D1 offers a recruit gets tells the story on their percieved worth right?

I know there are plenty of examples of successful players who were only offered by one school.and busts that were offered by 15 but those examples are exceptions not the rule. One way you can gauge the Zips' recruiting health is by the number of times you win the recruiting battle for kids with multiple MAC offers.

And how are we doing? I really have no idea. It would be appreciated if a few ZNO members could elaborate on this point.

[zipsoutsider]

Truthfully, this whole business of ranking recruiting classes is silly. Some schools will need more recruits than others from losing kids to graduation. Second out of the thousands of kids who play high school sports, a couple of recruiting websites are entrusted with telling coaches who the best players are? Those websites don't give kids in smaller schools the time of day and size of the school might determine the quality of the program, but not the talent and athleticism of the kid. The Lemming Report was the go-to source before the era of web-based recruiting, but honestly, good coaches know what they need and what kind of player is the right fit for their team and systems, and even then, the chemistry between the coaches and players can make or break a recruit of any star level. It is not all the different front he NFL draft. How many teams go after these high dollar players only to have them bust? Look at a successful NFL team, like the Steelers and see how many MAC players they have on the roster: a bunch of them.

This year seems like a very nice follow up to last year. It seemed to me that there was more of a sense of urgency and fire into he belly when Coach Bowden spoke yesterday and he seemed quite confident in the recruiting class.The breadth of his knowledge about our conference and the types of kids we can land and should land is reassuring. Our classes will improve as our record improves. He has done a very good job selling the, "be part of the Akron turn-around story" and he made mention of rebuilding generally being a 3-4 year process and the difference is very noticeable in that fourth season.

It seemed, and perhaps it was just because they did a better job of marketing, that Coach Bowden himself was more involved in recruiting this year. He is the best salesman we have. One thing you hear from current players and recruits over and over is that they believe the coaches at Akron genuinely care about the kids. I think that speaks well of the program and if it is true, they are building a reputation of that within the schools where they are recruiting.

And let me throw this out there about the uniforms and Tuesday nights - both are for the kids first, and the fans second. I get that we agreeing to build a fan base and the Tuesday nights really stunk for most people. However, when you recruit from FL and a kid can tell his friends and family they can watch his games on cable vs. ESPN 3, it makes a difference. RE: uniforms, we are all going to have our preferences and be convinced we are right, but it is really a matter of what the kids like and the coaches are pretty in tune with that, probably more than most of us are. If you have seen, both last year and recently when the pictures of the new uniforms and helmets hit Twitter, they generated a ton of buzz, pretty much all positive. For a school without a ton of money, I think they are doing a pretty good job making the most with what they have to make the kids happy and generate interest. What recruit doesn't want to Tweet a picture of a uniform considered cool by his peers?

[Dr Z]

I thought it was interesting yesterday that coach Bowden mentioned how Doc Holliday has reached success through his recruiting. Seems both have a little something in common as to the area. I hope we continue to look into playing Marshall and UCF. Seems like former MAC members Marshall and UCF are getting mentions for having a good day yesterday.

Here is a list of where our offers ended up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXTQ2172zKg&feature=youtu.be

[UAZipster0305]

I thought it was interesting yesterday that coach Bowden mentioned how Doc Holliday has reached success through his recruiting. Seems both have a little something in common as to the area. I hope we continue to look into playing Marshall and UCF. Seems like former MAC members Marshall and UCF are getting mentions for having a good day yesterday.

Here is a list of where our offers ended up.

I count a total of 5 recruits who we offered but ended up at OSU. It's a good thing we don't compete with OSU for recruits, huh, Tom W.? #TeamOhio

I like that Coach Bowden offered to a lot of high level recruits even though we lost out to bigger programs. You never know when we might snag one of these top guys, but that only happens if we make the offer.

[Captain Kangaroo]

And how are we doing? I really have no idea. It would be appreciated if a few ZNO members could elaborate on this point.

I will disagree on my esteemed friend Keener's assessment. I think measuring ourselves versus the competition for kids recruited by MAC programs is a minor indicator of recruiting success. Bowden has ties to Florida. That's where he recruits. That's where he knows the high school coaches. And I don't know that you run into MAC schools regularly in Florida. If he were hitting Ohio and Pa harder, then it might be a better indicator.

As much as everyone wants to know TODAY where this recruiting class stands, you can't.

What I do think you can do is look at the retention of the 2014 class. Whether they grey- or red-shirted, 90+% seem to have stuck with the program. That's what Akron needs - Filling the urgent needs with 'mercenary" 1- or 2-year transfers, and building a base of Freshman that will play for 5 years.

Brookhart was a great example of someone who had great "multi-star" recruits, who couldn't stick with the program. His classes in February looked awesome, and by the following February they disappeared. That puts you in a hole. The you have Ianello, and the hole widens exponentially.

Look for the 2014 class to make an impact depthwise this year. And expect that 90% of these 2015 kids will likely {insert color} shirt. If 90+ % of those who "shirt" in 2015 are still with the program and ready to play in 2016, then you know the plan is working.

Bowden knows we need help at WR. He's giving every DB and "athlete" he recruited a crack at the position this year. That will be something to watch closely this spring.

Hopefully Donnell Alexander is the answer at RB. I know that's the expectation.

[UAZipster0305]

Thanks for the insight, CK!

[Blue & Gold]

Do we get Donnell Alexander for one year, or two?

[Balsy]

Do we get Donnell Alexander for one year, or two?

Two years. Check out the roster He hadn't used his redshirt prior to coming to Akron, thus that'd put him as a RS Jr from what I remember.

[Jrship35]

. That's where he recruits. That's where he knows the high school coaches. And I don't know that you run into MAC schools regularly in Florida. If he were hitting Ohio and Pa harder, then it might be a better

Hopefully Donnell Alexander is the answer at RB. I know that's the expectation.

Only one point Sir ..... And I agree with ur entire post, but if Coach TB moves in his statement of NE Ohio and the Pittsburgh area being the "core" recruiting area along with South FLA, we will obviously recruit more against MAC schools

And I also hope Alexander gives us the consistent running threat we need .... !!!

[Balsy]

RE: uniforms, we are all going to have our preferences and be convinced we are right, but it is really a matter of what the kids like and the coaches are pretty in tune with that, probably more than most of us are. If you have seen, both last year and recently when the pictures of the new uniforms and helmets hit Twitter, they generated a ton of buzz, pretty much all positive. For a school without a ton of money, I think they are doing a pretty good job making the most with what they have to make the kids happy and generate interest. What recruit doesn't want to Tweet a picture of a uniform considered cool by his peers?

I agree with most of what you said but I wanted to comment of uniforms. I'm probably one of the youngest ZNO members, closest to current student body anyways, and I'd say I'm in love with the new uniforms. Originally I was against them, but I have to say it gives me a new identity as a zips fan. Most of what other Zips fans might consider an identity: the Rubber Bowl, the Charlie Fryes, the epic MAC games of old' (add your Zips identity here) I and many young fans don't have.

For most of my fandom it always seemed that UA was just going through the motions of having an "identity" rather than actually having one. I'd say it was a cultural problem. UA still has a cultural problem: from it's piss-ass alumni (we aren't grouped in that because we give a damn about our alma-mater) to it's indifferent student body. The student body IS radically changing. It was radically changed from my freshman year to my senior year. Its different from my senior year to now almost 2 years after graduating.

I think efforts like new uniforms and trendy updated helmets are steps in a positive direction. Third consecutive season that UA-football has seemed dedicated to changing the culture. Unlike basketball that seems to have half-assed attempts of creating something cool every year. Creating something new/fresh/engaging should be EVERY year.

[Ham]

Actually Captain .... 9 of the 11 starters were seniors and signed ..... Of the 2 junior starters, one is committed to FSU and the other is leaning towards Alabama ..... And 4 of the non starters in the rotation signed D1's yesterday

Best high school defense I have personally ever seen ....... No bias, real talk

At least one on the O can be added to this list. RB Joshua Thomas has signed with Iowa State. Tyler should get a shot at him In '18 in Ames and in '19 at the Info.

[K92]

I will disagree on my esteemed friend Keener's assessment. I think measuring ourselves versus the competition for kids recruited by MAC programs is a minor indicator of recruiting success. Bowden has ties to Florida. That's where he recruits. That's where he knows the high school coaches. And I don't know that you run into MAC schools regularly in Florida. If he were hitting Ohio and Pa harder, then it might be a better indicator.

As much as everyone wants to know TODAY where this recruiting class stands, you can't.

We offered plenty of kids from Ohio. Just didn't land any that we were competing with other schools for.

You are so correct about everyone wanting to know TODAY where we rank in recruiting. We live in a TODAY society. All things on-demand 24/7.

I have come to this conclusion: Data be damned! Any attempts to quantify this class will be met with ridicule and scorn. There is one factor and one factor only that determines how a Zips fan feels about recruiting.

Faith in Bowden. Period.

There are many members of the flock who are bought in 100% attending services not only on Sunday mornings but also Sunday School, Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, Tuesday Deacon's meeting, Choir Practice on Thursday night along with the monthly Bible Study at the Parsonage. To these members of the flock, recruiting is healthy as a bull moose.

But, those among us with the unwavering faith, if you have noticed, some of the parishioners that used to sit down the pew from you haven't been showing up as much lately. Winning might get them back into the fold, though. Let's call them The Doubting Thomases.

[Jrship35]

At least one on the O can be added to this list. RB Joshua Thomas has signed with Iowa State. Tyler should get a shot at him In '18 in Ames and in '19 at the Info.

You are correct Sir ... Best friends going at it !! Also has a good friend headed to Buffalo and another already there .... Great stuff

[johnnyzip84]

I voted “somewhat satisfied” on K92’s exit poll, mainly because of the 3 o-linemen who are vital to the future of the program IMHO. I would have liked to have seen more enticing individual at WR, although I hold out some hope that a “diamond in the rough” will emerge from Wilson, Means, Cooper, Coney, etc. (I agree with CK that Ray Ray has the look, but having him eligible in 2015 seems to be unlikely – just a hunch based on TB’s comments).

But just because I’m somewhat satisfied with this class, doesn’t mean I don’t have significant concerns for this year. The “super six” had better contribute in a big way in 2015 or it might not matter how much HS talent there is in the 2014-2015 classes, at least as far as TB’s tenure at UA is concerned. I’m not saying he’s on the hot seat in 2015, but I am saying that I believe his window of opportunity for success at Akron hinges (did you see what I did there?) upon a winning record in 2015. If you don’t get the snowball rolling at some point, there’s no hope for Frosty.

The dearth of Ohio Players in this year’s class is directly related to the 2014 squad plunging down the Love Rollercoaster mid-season culminating in the Fire at Dix. Until the Zips ever put a few winning seasons together, the better MAC-caliber players in the area simply aren’t going to buy. It’s much easier, and more fruitful, at this stage to target other HS football hotbeds, particular ones with which the staff has extensive ties.

[Captain Kangaroo]

I’m not saying he’s on the hot seat in 2015, but I am saying that I believe his window of opportunity for success at Akron hinges (did you see what I did there?) upon a winning record in 2015. If you don’t get the snowball rolling at some point, there’s no hope for Frosty.

I dunno...I look at the hole the guy has had to crawl out from, and I think he gets whatever time he needs to get the job done. The schedule is set for a winning season, and I expect 6-6 as a worst case scenario. But if he went 5-7 again, he should, without hesitation, get another year.

Bowden's proven he can win. He's retaining players. He's played competitively against upper D1 competition. He's a great "face" for the program, and enthusiastic about UA. He has too much going for him to not succeed. It's just such a damn big hole...

Hopefully the offense takes a big leap forward in 2015 and the rest will take care of itself. Lots of promising new faces on that side of the ball. The defense will be fine.

[Balsy]

I dunno...I look at the hole the guy has had to crawl out from, and I think he gets whatever time he needs to get the job done. The schedule is set for a winning season, and I expect 6-6 as a worst case scenario. But if he went 5-7 again, he should, without hesitation, get another year.

Bowden's proven he can win. He's retaining players. He's played competitively against upper D1 competition. He's a great "face" for the program, and enthusiastic about UA. He has too much going for him to not succeed. It's just such a damn big hole...

Hopefully the offense takes a big leap forward in 2015 and the rest will take care of itself. Lots of promising new faces on that side of the ball. The defense will be fine.

+1. For Bowden to be on the hotseat in 2015 would be the end of Akron football. We might as well shut down operations, throw up our hands and admit that infocision stadium IS a white elephant. If Bowden can't turn this program around, no-one ever will be able to. He's our guy, he will get it done.

The offense needs to take a giant leap forward this year. But there's going to be a chance for some of these new comers (both new and transfer) to prove themselves on the offense. I have a feeling we're going to see a faster, run focused offense this year.

[Jrship35]

I dunno...I look at the hole the guy has had to crawl out from, and I think he gets whatever time he needs to get the job done. The schedule is set for a winning season, and I expect 6-6 as a worst case scenario. But if he went 5-7 again, he should, without hesitation, get another year.

Bowden's proven he can win. He's retaining players. He's played competitively against upper D1 competition. He's a great "face" for the program, and enthusiastic about UA. He has too much going for him to not succeed. It's just such a damn big hole...

Hopefully the offense takes a big leap forward in 2015 and the rest will take care of itself. Lots of promising new faces on that side of the ball. The defense will be fine.

Aahhhh ........ It's refreshing to read logic

#returnoftheROO

[Ham]

Bowden year 1: D1AA (backup) transfer QB--O put up big numbers

2: KP16--O struggled to do anything/ didn't help D

3: KP/TW--O improved minimally/ still didn't help D

4: New QB emerges--O returns to putting up big numbers/ helps D

I just don't think we are that far away. Just think what we could have done in year 1 if we would of had last years D! Everyone agrees that our D should be solid again next year. I believe that between Chapman and Kinked we will have the answer at QB. Neither has played a down, but I think both of them are capable of propelling our O to new heights. I wouldn't be surprised to see both of them on the field together at times. April 18 will bring much clarity to our prospects for the fall.

[johnnyzip84]

I dunno...I look at the hole the guy has had to crawl out from, and I think he gets whatever time he needs to get the job done. The schedule is set for a winning season, and I expect 6-6 as a worst case scenario. But if he went 5-7 again, he should, without hesitation, get another year.

First, I emphasized (or tried to) the fact that I don't think his job is in jeopardy. I DO believe his chances for ever truly turning the program around become much thinner if the Zips don't win in 2015. There's a big difference between that and him getting canned if they don't produce next year.

We all know 2014 was a step backwards, regardless of the 5-7 repeat. This program needs to gain momentum in 2015. I'll save my thoughts as to whether I think they'll accomplish this or not until after I see some spring ball.

[Zipgrad01]

I was one of the ones that said that I was extremely concerned and it is for a very simple reason. If you can not get anyone worthwhile from your core recruiting area , NE Ohio or simply Ohio in general, to commit to your program then it is a major red flag!

Bowden has stated that his core areas are Ohio, SE Michigan, western PA and Florida. We recruited almost exclusively from Florida. That is not good when you can't pull any players from 3 of your 4 hotbed areas. People can make excuses all they want, but the fact is offers were out there for kids in all these areas and we came away empty handed.

Every school in the country recruits Florida. If we think that we are going to build classes by picking through the Florida leftovers then we are insane. Several of the kids that we got from Florida had no other offers, or if they did they were not from traditionally successful programs. The offer sheets matter more to me than the stars. But, when you scroll through our classes offer list you quickly see one of two things...

1. Not many other programs thought these guys were worthy of offering.

2. Bowden is just that much "smarter" than every other coach in America.

i guess I can be considered one of the doubting thomases.

[Zips Win!]

It's just such a damn big hole...

That damn big hole can be defined by two letters. QB. We were 4-2 and favored in our final 6 games. Other than QB, can the hole really be that damn big if the pollsters had us favored in every game?

To steal Zipgrad01's thunder, we really need to get in front of B. Miller for twenty minutes. He needs to understand that two words- former buckeye- is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars for the rest of his adult life. If he transfers to another power school and wins, that becomes tens of thousands.

If he becomes a Zip, we win and he will profit. Team Akron.

[zipsoutsider]

Correct me if I am wrong, but don't players from other schools have to approach us, versus us approaching them?

I think the point is sort of moot. I don't see B. Miller leaving OSU for Akron. If he leaves, it will be for another Power 5 school. He could probably start at any school in the country.