Zips Blips for July 2006

[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.

[zff]

Good Work Capn'Glad to hear good news on Bates. I saw him wlaking to class in the morning for the last few weeks and he look to still be favoring his knee.

[TXZipFan]

OL Mark Jackson going to Prep School has me a little bit nervous he might go else where after completing his year there... anyone else worried about this?

[liljc]

Does going to a prep school release you from your LOI? I thought he signed one. Does anyone know?

[gozips19]

i too am worried about jackson.... a few more questions for you capt. is any one else a non-qualifier? i still haven't seen lemon on akron's roster.... also any word on how the back up qb's are doing? any wrod on robinson and his weight and grade issues?can't wait for the start of the season!!!!!

[Captain Kangaroo]

i too am worried about jackson.... a few more questions for you capt. is any one else a non-qualifier? i still haven't seen lemon on akron's roster.... also any word on how the back up qb's are doing? any wrod on robinson and his weight and grade issues?can't wait for the start of the season!!!!!

I don't know of any other non-qualifiers. I do know Lemon is already on campus, working out.I hear Robinson's grades are ok. His weight is as good as it is going to get. The combination of Robinson, Reid and Gonzales will be as imposing a from three as there's been in the MAC in some time. From what I hear, Robinson's playing time will be proportional to how hard he works. He needs to bust his butt and keep his ego in check and he will be fine. Can he do that? Beats me. We'll see in September.

[zff]

Lemon most likely will redshirt. And if they know a guy is going ot redshirt sometimes they do not put them on the roster for the first season. Also I want to say you are only allowed some many plaers on the pre season camp roster but once the season starts you can add more. Don't quote but I think that is correct.To answer the Jackson question yes he can go any where he wants now. Even if you sign the letter of intent it is void if you go to prep school. Emory Moore was a DL from Massillon and he signed with Penn State but went to prep school and then went on to Kentucky for college. I am a little worried to but hopefully he will stay committed.

[fear the brown roo]

a player told me that robinson "needs to step it up". this is about the most negative remark i've ever heard a zip comment on a fellow player. watch out for junior jared cacchetti who played as a true freshman and has gotten a lot of playing time the past two season on the d-line. he's a bit under sized but is very smart and plays hard. if only robinson had this kid's drive.