July 2006 Zips Football Update

[Captain Kangaroo]

Zips Blips for July 2006Dry in JulyNot much going on football-wise for the Zips at this time. Things will begin to heat up when camp opens in early August. Here are the answers to a few questions several of us have posed over the past few weeks.Comings and GoingsOn the way out are Frank Berchie and Josh Kiner. Berchie, a Lee Owens recruit, wasn’t satisfied with his spot on the RB depth chart. Last I heard, Kiner is transferring to Villanova with designs on their Architecture program. I don’t know whether or not he’ll play football. On the way in are preferred walk-ons Demetrius Benjamin (LB) from Steubenville and AJ Harris (DB) from Columbus Brookhaven. Benjamin played in the Ohio North/South game.Also on the way in is Johnny Peyton, who will likely transfer from South Florida to Akron. It looks pretty much like a done deal.2006 HS Recruits On-campus in July Include:Aaris Reed (already taking classes), David Harvey, Dantley Kline, Mickey Baker, Delvin Davis, Igor Iveljic, Smith, Lemmon and AJ Harris. There may be others, but that’s who I know at this time.2006 OL recruit Mark Jackson will attend a prep school this fall. As stated elsewhere on ZipsNation, Jerrel Stoudemire is a non-qualifier. He is expected to be on campus in a couple weeks. Zips fans should cross their fingers regarding his commitment to the books, because the DL in 2007 will be pretty thin without him.2007 RecruitsNot to belabor the point, but Vincent Hill is a solid verbal for the 2007 class. He had offers from Maryland and UConn, amongst others.Three Zips are already confirmed for the 2007 recruiting class (Royal, Hill and Pride). The Zips expect one…maybe two additional recruit verbals by summer’s end. Injury FrontChevin Pace, Jemall Benjamin, Elliot Bates and Chris Brown’s injuries are all healing well and all are expected to be good-to-go in September.Bad News/Good NewsHulking Minnesota transfer Jason Sekinger (OL) was not granted eligibility for 2006. However, he will have 4 full years to play beginning in 2007.Wide Receiver SituationJabari is obviously the clear #1 WR. Johnny Long goes into summer camp as a leading candidate for #2. However, Jermaine Lindsay and David Harvey will push hard for playing time. Lindsay and Harvey are thought to be the two most talented freshman on the Zips roster, regardless of position. Look for an early, immediate impact from one or both of these guys.That’s all for today, Zips fans.