3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - J.D. Brookhart
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Jim Fleming - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Joe Moorhead - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Bill Bleil - Assistant Head Coach - Tight Ends/Tackles
Brian Callahan - Assistant Coach - Offensive Line
Dana Chambers - Assistant Coach - Defensive Line
Mike Dawson - Assistant Coach - Linebackers
Reno Ferri - Assistant Coach - Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator
Emmanuel McDaniel - Assistant Coach-Cornerbacks
Mauro Monz - Assistant Coach-Wide Receivers
Markus Alleyne - Graduate Assistant-Operations
Carmen Bricillo - Graduate Assistant-Offense
Nick Caley - Graduate Assistant-Defense
Don Smith - Student Assistant Coach
Official School Bio - J.D. Brookhart
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Jim Fleming - Defensive Coordinator/Safeties
Joe Moorhead - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Bill Bleil - Assistant Head Coach - Tight Ends/Tackles
Brian Callahan - Assistant Coach - Offensive Line
Dana Chambers - Assistant Coach - Defensive Line
Mike Dawson - Assistant Coach - Linebackers
Reno Ferri - Assistant Coach - Running Backs/Recruiting Coordinator
Emmanuel McDaniel - Assistant Coach-Cornerbacks
Mauro Monz - Assistant Coach-Wide Receivers
Markus Alleyne - Graduate Assistant-Operations
Carmen Bricillo - Graduate Assistant-Offense
Nick Caley - Graduate Assistant-Defense
Don Smith - Student Assistant Coach
Recruiting
Starters Returning: 15 (Offense 5, Defense 8, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Returning: 44 (Offense 20, Defense 22, Special Teams 2)
Notable Returners:
Jabari Arthur WR, Chris Kemme RT, Kris Kasparek TE, Joe McDaniel FB, Dennis Kennedy RB, Jared Cecchetti DT, Brion Stokes SAM, Kevin Grant MIKE, Doug Williams BANDIT, John Mackey ROVER, Reggie Corner FCB, Andre Jones FS, Davanzo Tate BCB, John Stec P, Matt Domonkos KO
Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 6, Defense 3, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Lost: 18 (Offense 10, Defense 6, Special Teams 2)
Notable Losses:
Tim Crouch LT, Mike Donaldson LG, Andy Wills C, Andy Alleman RG, Luke Getsy QB, D avid Harvey WR, Jermaine Reid DE, Kiki Gonzalez NOSE, Jason Nedd SS, Jason Giachetti LS, Jonathan McClain PK
Incoming Recruits:
2004 Commits
WR Brandon Williams (Chamberlain Senior HS) Tampa, FL
RB Andre Walker (Reynoldsburg HS) Reynoldsburg, OH 5-10/185
**RB Jamail Jackson (Oil City SHS) Oil City, PA 5-11/215
RB Joe McDaniel (Woodland Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 5-11/205
**WR Johnny Long (Princeton HS) Cincinnati, OH 6-1/170
**WR Gary Frisby (Grand Blanc Community HS) Grand Blanc, MI 6-0/165
TE Eric Lively (Dematha Catholic HS) Hyattsville, MD 6-2/255
OL Jared Cecchetti (Kane Area HS) Kane, PA 6-2/258
**OT Garrett Brewster (Franklin Area HS) Franklin, PA 6-4/270
**DT Jesse Arntz (Perry HS) Massillon, OH 6-6/260
DE Doug Williams (Chamberlain Senior HS) Tampa, FL 6-2/241
LB Ray Siler (Perry HS) Perry, OH 6-1/220
LB Brion Stokes (David W Butler HS) Matthews, NC 5-11/210/4.40
LB Kevin Grant (Herndon HS) Herndon, VA 6-2.5/232/4.70
**S Chris Brown (St. Francis DeSales HS) Columbus, OH 5-9/200
**QB Kurt Shoemaker (Anderson HS) Cincinnati, OH 6-3/195/4.72
**CB Dante Cloud (Glenville HS) Cleveland, OH 5-11/200/4.41
S Stephon Fuqua (Glenville HS) Cleveland, OH 6-1/185
**LB Jemall Benjamin (Glenville HS) Cleveland, OH 6-1/210
**TE Doug Fife (Peters Twp HS) McMurray, PA 6-5/240/4.85
QB Brian Flaherty (Stow-Munroe Falls HS) Stow, OH 6-5/210
** No longer with program
Fun Facts:
The class of 2004 was highlighted by a trio of Glenville athletes in Dante Cloud, Jemall Benjamin, and Stephon Fuqua, who were all rated as 2-star prospects by Scout.com. Fuqua is the only one that still remains with the team ...
TE Brian Flaherty's father, Tim, was the offensive line coach for Akron in the 70's and 80's and his uncle Tim played for the Zips in the late 80's ...
RB Joe McDaniel was a teammate of current Buckeye WR Devon Lyons at Woodland Hills H.S. in Pennsylvania ...
Class of 2005
**WR David Harvey (Penn Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-0/175
**DT Antwon Hight (McKinley HS) Canton, OH 6-3/285
TE Jose Cruz (Bishop McCort HS) Johnstown, PA 6-5/231
CB Brandon Anderson (Hargrave Military Academy/Pulaski HS) Dublin, VA 5-11/160
**TE Clarence McPherson (Miami Edison Sr. HS) Miami, FL 6-2/225
QB Chris Jacquemain (Mentor HS) Mentor, OH 6-2/200
RB Bryant McMillon (Hughes Center HS) Cincinnati, OH 5-10/193
RB Alex Allen (Ursuline HS) Youngstown, OH 6-0/195
OL Chris Kemme (Upper Arlington HS) Columbus, OH 6-6/260
LB Michael Alphonse (Miami Norland HS) Miami, FL 6-0/233
**S DeAndre DeScott (South HS) Cleveland, OH 6-0/185
S Rodney Etienne (Blanche Ely HS) Pompano Beach, FL 6-2/183
QB Carlton Jackson (Blanche Ely HS) Pompano Beach, FL 6-3/190
**DT Joshua Kiner (Central Dauphin East SHS) Harrisburg, PA 6-2/260
**WR J. Sharps (Westerville South HS) Westerville, OH 6-6/200
**LB Kevin Garner (West Mifflin Area HS) West Mifflin, PA 6-2/220
OL Zack Anderson (Interboro SHS) Prospect Park, PA 6-6/265
**TE Scott Uziel (Franklin Regional SHS) Murrysville, PA 6-4/245
TE Merce Poindexter (Ellwood City JSHS) Ellwood City, PA 6-4/220
LB Al-Teric Balaam (New Brunswick HS) New Brunswick, NJ 6-0/210
OL Elliott Bates (Chartiers-Houston JSHS) Houston, PA 6-3/285
OL Keith Huebner (Baldwin SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-7/290
**DE Terricko Marshall (Maple Heights Senior HS) Maple Heights, OH 6-3/240
**WR Jermaine Lindsay (Forestville HS) Forestville, MD 5-10/150
RB Joe Tuzze (Lakeland JSHS) Jermyn, PA 5-11/220
Fun Facts:
2005 saw Akron land the top-rated class in the MAC, coming in at #69 in Scout.com's team rankings ...
The class headliners for the Zips were 4* David Harvey (who would pick the Zips over offers from Penn St., Iowa, and Pittsburgh), 3*'s Carlton Jackson (who garnered Buckeye interest as an ATH), Antwon Hight, and Zack Anderson. Harvey and Hight are no longer with the program ...
QB Carlton Jackson and S Rodney Etienne were H.S. teammates of University of Florida (and BP favorite) OL Ronnie "Taz" Wilson ...
OL Zack Anderson's brother Brian played OL at the University of Pittsburgh from 1998-2002 and for 3 years in the NFL with the Chicago Bears ...
TE Jose Cruz was rated the #36 TE in the country by Rivals.com ...
Class of 2006
DE Deni Odofin (Union Endicott HS) Endicott, NY 6-4/240
**RB Sheldon Dennis (George W. Jenkins HS) Lakeland, FL 6-3/210
**WR D.J. Henderson (Potter's House Christian Academy) Jacksonville, FL
OL Mike Ward (St. Johns College HS) Washington, D.C. 6-3/294
**LB Mikey Baker (Dodge City JC) Dodge City, KS 6-0/225
WR Curtis Brown (Glades Central HS) Belle Glade, FL 5-11/180
OL Corey Woods (Exeter Twp SHS) Reading, PA 6-5/255
**DT Jerrel Stoudemire (Lake Wales Sr. HS) Lake Wales, FL 6-5/290
**DE Tevlin Petit-Frer (North Miami Sr. HS) North Miami, FL
DE Blake Smith (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Greenbelt, MD 6-2/223
**LB Jacquian Williams (Riverview HS) Riverview, FL
LB Mitchell Magloire (Cardinal Gibbons HS) Ft. Lauderdale, FL 6-1/217
S Amin Kabir (Warrensville Heights HS) Warrensville Heights, OH 6-1 190
S Dante Barnes (Kempsville HS) Virginia Beach, VA 6-1/180
S Wayne Cobham (Charles W. Flanagan HS) Pembroke Pines, FL 6-2/195
**OL Mark Jackson (Brookhaven HS) Columbus, OH 6-5/300
**RB Aaris Reed (Westlake HS) Waldorf, MD 5-10/185
**CB Delvin Davis (Charles W. Flanagan HS) Pembroke Pines, FL 6-0/180
**DT Dantley Cline (Tri-Cities HS) East Point, GA 6-0/270
**RB Andre Boone (Frank W. Cox HS) Virginia Beach, VA 5-11/205
**QB Sean Hakes (Nolan Catholic HS) Ft. Worth, TX 6-3/195
**LB Derron Smith (Woodland Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-2/220
K Igor Iveljic (Mentor HS) Mentor, OH 6-0/180
Fun Facts:
The 2006 class was headlined by 3* Aaris Reed and 2*,s Sean Hakes, Mark Jackson, and Derron Smith, none of whom are currently with the team ...
OL Mark Jackson enrolled in Prep School and is currently on the roster for the University of Illinois ...
WR Curtis Brown was a H.S. teammate of current Buckeye WR Albert Dukes at Belle Glades H.S. in Florida ...
Class of 2007
LB Almondo Sewell (Hargrave Military Acad./Trenton Central HS) Trenton, NJ 6-0/235
**DE Ryan Simpson (Xenia HS) Xenia, OH 6-1/275
LB Brian Brikowski (Freehold Twp HS) Freehold, NJ 6-4/215
LB Odeni Odofin (Valley Forge Military Acad.) Wayne, PA 6-4/230
**WR Vince Hill (Friendly HS) Fort Washington, MD 5-10/175
DT Dan Marcoux (Don Bosco Prep) Ramsey, NJ 6-4/250
RB Bryan Williams (Valley Forge Military/Buchtel HS) Akron, OH 6-0/197
LB Matt Little (CE Jordan HS) Durham, NC 6-3/200
DL Marquinn Davis (Rayen HS) Youngstown, OH 6-6/265
S Sean Fobbs (Miamisburg HS) Miamisburg, OH 6-1/200
CB Miguel Graham (Coffeyville JC) Coffeyville, KS 5-9/162
LB Aaron Williams (Penn Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-2/205
DE Shane Shead (Hargrave Military Acad./West HS) Plano, TX 6-5/225
OL Casey Estrada (Sacramento JC/Folsom HS) Folsom, CA 6-5/280
DT Jake Anderson (McDowell SHS) Erie, PA 6-5/290
WR Jalil Carter (St. John's Jesuit HS) Toledo, OH 6-1/173
DE Joe Rash (Penn Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-4/250
OL Dan Ronsman (Lakes Community HS) Lake Villa, IL 6-3/250
OL Paul Simkovich (Greater Latrobe SHS) Latrobe, PA 6-5/285
**CB Da'von Moore (Brentwood SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 5-11/205
OT Zac Kasparek (New Brighton Area HS) New Brighton, PA 6-6/300
QB Matt Rodgers (Seton-Lasalle HS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-3/180
WR Gary Pride (Colerain HS) Cincinnati, OH 5-9/180
WR Jerome Royal (Cleveland Heights HS) University Hts, OH 6-2/180
Fun Facts:
Akron landed the 2nd highest rated class in the MAC according to Scout.com and the 77th rated class in the nation (Miami, OH was 76th) ...
The class was headlined by 3* prospects Almondo Sewell, Vince Hill, Aaron Williams, Casey Estrada, Paul Simkovich, and Da'von Moore. Moore and Hill have since enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy ...
WR Gary Pride was a HS teammate of current Buckeyes Connor Smith, Tyler Moeller, and Eugene Clifford at Colerain HS in Cincinnati ...
RB Brian Williams provided a 1-2 punch with former Buckeye RB Antonio Pittman at Buchtel HS in Akron ...
Current commits for the class of 2008:
S Nathan Schuler (Springfield HS) Akron, OH
QB Jordan Miller (New Philadelphia HS) New Philadelphia, OH 6-3/211
DT Jarvis Givins (Gulliver Prep School) Miami, FL 6-2/295
Impact Transfers:
RB Dennis Kennedy (originally signed with Ohio St.)
DL Ryan Bain (transferred from Iowa)
WR Jeremy Bruce (transferred from West Virginia)
PK Matt Domonkos (transferred from Wisconsin)
RB Andrew Johnson (transferred from Miami, FL)
DL Nate Robinson (transferred from Rutgers)
OL Jason Sekinger (transferred from Minnesota)
CB Davonzo Tate (transferred from West Virginia)
Fun Facts:
Akron has made good on recent transfers by landing potential All-Conference performers in Dennis Kennedy, Davonzo Tate, and a quality back-up in Nate Robinson ...
Ryan Bain, Andrew Johnson, and Jeremy Bruce will be eligible in 2008 ...
Bain was a US Army All-American in 2004 and was offered a scholarship by Ohio St. ...
Johnson was offered and hotly pursued by many big-name schools in the country, including Ohio St. ...
Letterman Returning: 44 (Offense 20, Defense 22, Special Teams 2)
Notable Returners:
Jabari Arthur WR, Chris Kemme RT, Kris Kasparek TE, Joe McDaniel FB, Dennis Kennedy RB, Jared Cecchetti DT, Brion Stokes SAM, Kevin Grant MIKE, Doug Williams BANDIT, John Mackey ROVER, Reggie Corner FCB, Andre Jones FS, Davanzo Tate BCB, John Stec P, Matt Domonkos KO
Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 6, Defense 3, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Lost: 18 (Offense 10, Defense 6, Special Teams 2)
Notable Losses:
Tim Crouch LT, Mike Donaldson LG, Andy Wills C, Andy Alleman RG, Luke Getsy QB, D avid Harvey WR, Jermaine Reid DE, Kiki Gonzalez NOSE, Jason Nedd SS, Jason Giachetti LS, Jonathan McClain PK
Incoming Recruits:
Aaron Williams - LB/RB 6-0 200 Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hill HS
Casey Estrada - OL 6-5 285 Folsom, Calif./Sacramento City College/Folsom HS
Almondo Sewell - LB 6-2 235 Trenton, N.J./Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy/Trenton Central
Jake Anderson - OL 6-4 280 Erie, Pa./McDowell HS
Brian Brikowski - LB 6-4 215 Freehold Township, N.J./Freehold Township HS
Jalil Carter - DB 6-1 175 Toledo, Ohio/St. John's Jesuit HS
Marquinn Davis - DL 6-6 265 Youngstown, Ohio/Youngstown Rayen HS
Sean Fobbs - LB 6-1 205 Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg HS
Miguel Graham (So.) - DB 5-9 160 Rock Hill, S.C./Coffeyville (Kan.) CC/Rock Hill HS
Vincent Hill - WR 5-11 175 Fort Washington, Md./Friendly HS
Zac Kasparek - OL 6-6 300 New Brighton, Pa./New Brighton HS
Matt Little - LB 6-2 200 Durham, N.C./C. E. Jordan HS
Dan Marcoux - DL 6-3 260 Ramsey, N.J./Don Bosco Prep HS
Da-Von Moore - Ath. 5-11 200 Pittsburgh, Pa./Brentwood HS
Deni Odofin - DL 6-4 230 Endicott, N.Y./Valley Forge (Pa.) Military Acad./Union-Endicott HS
Gary Pride - Ath. 5-9 180 Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain HS
Joe Rash - DL 6-2 260 Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hills HS
Matt Rodgers - QB 6-2 195 Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton LaSalle HS
Dan Ronsman - OL 6-3 280 Antioch, Ill./Lakes Community HS
Jerome Royal - WR 6-2 180 Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights HS
Shane Shead - DL 6-5 225 Plano, Texas/Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy/West HS
Paul Simkovich - OL 6-4 300 Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe HS
Ryan Simpson - DL 6-2 270 Xenia, Ohio/Xenia HS
Bryan Williams - RB 6-0 195 Akron, Ohio/Valley Forge (Pa.) Military Acad./John R. Buchtel HS
Casey Estrada - OL 6-5 285 Folsom, Calif./Sacramento City College/Folsom HS
Almondo Sewell - LB 6-2 235 Trenton, N.J./Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy/Trenton Central
Jake Anderson - OL 6-4 280 Erie, Pa./McDowell HS
Brian Brikowski - LB 6-4 215 Freehold Township, N.J./Freehold Township HS
Jalil Carter - DB 6-1 175 Toledo, Ohio/St. John's Jesuit HS
Marquinn Davis - DL 6-6 265 Youngstown, Ohio/Youngstown Rayen HS
Sean Fobbs - LB 6-1 205 Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg HS
Miguel Graham (So.) - DB 5-9 160 Rock Hill, S.C./Coffeyville (Kan.) CC/Rock Hill HS
Vincent Hill - WR 5-11 175 Fort Washington, Md./Friendly HS
Zac Kasparek - OL 6-6 300 New Brighton, Pa./New Brighton HS
Matt Little - LB 6-2 200 Durham, N.C./C. E. Jordan HS
Dan Marcoux - DL 6-3 260 Ramsey, N.J./Don Bosco Prep HS
Da-Von Moore - Ath. 5-11 200 Pittsburgh, Pa./Brentwood HS
Deni Odofin - DL 6-4 230 Endicott, N.Y./Valley Forge (Pa.) Military Acad./Union-Endicott HS
Gary Pride - Ath. 5-9 180 Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain HS
Joe Rash - DL 6-2 260 Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hills HS
Matt Rodgers - QB 6-2 195 Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton LaSalle HS
Dan Ronsman - OL 6-3 280 Antioch, Ill./Lakes Community HS
Jerome Royal - WR 6-2 180 Cleveland Heights, Ohio/Cleveland Heights HS
Shane Shead - DL 6-5 225 Plano, Texas/Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy/West HS
Paul Simkovich - OL 6-4 300 Latrobe, Pa./Greater Latrobe HS
Ryan Simpson - DL 6-2 270 Xenia, Ohio/Xenia HS
Bryan Williams - RB 6-0 195 Akron, Ohio/Valley Forge (Pa.) Military Acad./John R. Buchtel HS
2004 Commits
WR Brandon Williams (Chamberlain Senior HS) Tampa, FL
RB Andre Walker (Reynoldsburg HS) Reynoldsburg, OH 5-10/185
**RB Jamail Jackson (Oil City SHS) Oil City, PA 5-11/215
RB Joe McDaniel (Woodland Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 5-11/205
**WR Johnny Long (Princeton HS) Cincinnati, OH 6-1/170
**WR Gary Frisby (Grand Blanc Community HS) Grand Blanc, MI 6-0/165
TE Eric Lively (Dematha Catholic HS) Hyattsville, MD 6-2/255
OL Jared Cecchetti (Kane Area HS) Kane, PA 6-2/258
**OT Garrett Brewster (Franklin Area HS) Franklin, PA 6-4/270
**DT Jesse Arntz (Perry HS) Massillon, OH 6-6/260
DE Doug Williams (Chamberlain Senior HS) Tampa, FL 6-2/241
LB Ray Siler (Perry HS) Perry, OH 6-1/220
LB Brion Stokes (David W Butler HS) Matthews, NC 5-11/210/4.40
LB Kevin Grant (Herndon HS) Herndon, VA 6-2.5/232/4.70
**S Chris Brown (St. Francis DeSales HS) Columbus, OH 5-9/200
**QB Kurt Shoemaker (Anderson HS) Cincinnati, OH 6-3/195/4.72
**CB Dante Cloud (Glenville HS) Cleveland, OH 5-11/200/4.41
S Stephon Fuqua (Glenville HS) Cleveland, OH 6-1/185
**LB Jemall Benjamin (Glenville HS) Cleveland, OH 6-1/210
**TE Doug Fife (Peters Twp HS) McMurray, PA 6-5/240/4.85
QB Brian Flaherty (Stow-Munroe Falls HS) Stow, OH 6-5/210
** No longer with program
Fun Facts:
The class of 2004 was highlighted by a trio of Glenville athletes in Dante Cloud, Jemall Benjamin, and Stephon Fuqua, who were all rated as 2-star prospects by Scout.com. Fuqua is the only one that still remains with the team ...
TE Brian Flaherty's father, Tim, was the offensive line coach for Akron in the 70's and 80's and his uncle Tim played for the Zips in the late 80's ...
RB Joe McDaniel was a teammate of current Buckeye WR Devon Lyons at Woodland Hills H.S. in Pennsylvania ...
Class of 2005
**WR David Harvey (Penn Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-0/175
**DT Antwon Hight (McKinley HS) Canton, OH 6-3/285
TE Jose Cruz (Bishop McCort HS) Johnstown, PA 6-5/231
CB Brandon Anderson (Hargrave Military Academy/Pulaski HS) Dublin, VA 5-11/160
**TE Clarence McPherson (Miami Edison Sr. HS) Miami, FL 6-2/225
QB Chris Jacquemain (Mentor HS) Mentor, OH 6-2/200
RB Bryant McMillon (Hughes Center HS) Cincinnati, OH 5-10/193
RB Alex Allen (Ursuline HS) Youngstown, OH 6-0/195
OL Chris Kemme (Upper Arlington HS) Columbus, OH 6-6/260
LB Michael Alphonse (Miami Norland HS) Miami, FL 6-0/233
**S DeAndre DeScott (South HS) Cleveland, OH 6-0/185
S Rodney Etienne (Blanche Ely HS) Pompano Beach, FL 6-2/183
QB Carlton Jackson (Blanche Ely HS) Pompano Beach, FL 6-3/190
**DT Joshua Kiner (Central Dauphin East SHS) Harrisburg, PA 6-2/260
**WR J. Sharps (Westerville South HS) Westerville, OH 6-6/200
**LB Kevin Garner (West Mifflin Area HS) West Mifflin, PA 6-2/220
OL Zack Anderson (Interboro SHS) Prospect Park, PA 6-6/265
**TE Scott Uziel (Franklin Regional SHS) Murrysville, PA 6-4/245
TE Merce Poindexter (Ellwood City JSHS) Ellwood City, PA 6-4/220
LB Al-Teric Balaam (New Brunswick HS) New Brunswick, NJ 6-0/210
OL Elliott Bates (Chartiers-Houston JSHS) Houston, PA 6-3/285
OL Keith Huebner (Baldwin SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-7/290
**DE Terricko Marshall (Maple Heights Senior HS) Maple Heights, OH 6-3/240
**WR Jermaine Lindsay (Forestville HS) Forestville, MD 5-10/150
RB Joe Tuzze (Lakeland JSHS) Jermyn, PA 5-11/220
Fun Facts:
2005 saw Akron land the top-rated class in the MAC, coming in at #69 in Scout.com's team rankings ...
The class headliners for the Zips were 4* David Harvey (who would pick the Zips over offers from Penn St., Iowa, and Pittsburgh), 3*'s Carlton Jackson (who garnered Buckeye interest as an ATH), Antwon Hight, and Zack Anderson. Harvey and Hight are no longer with the program ...
QB Carlton Jackson and S Rodney Etienne were H.S. teammates of University of Florida (and BP favorite) OL Ronnie "Taz" Wilson ...
OL Zack Anderson's brother Brian played OL at the University of Pittsburgh from 1998-2002 and for 3 years in the NFL with the Chicago Bears ...
TE Jose Cruz was rated the #36 TE in the country by Rivals.com ...
Class of 2006
DE Deni Odofin (Union Endicott HS) Endicott, NY 6-4/240
**RB Sheldon Dennis (George W. Jenkins HS) Lakeland, FL 6-3/210
**WR D.J. Henderson (Potter's House Christian Academy) Jacksonville, FL
OL Mike Ward (St. Johns College HS) Washington, D.C. 6-3/294
**LB Mikey Baker (Dodge City JC) Dodge City, KS 6-0/225
WR Curtis Brown (Glades Central HS) Belle Glade, FL 5-11/180
OL Corey Woods (Exeter Twp SHS) Reading, PA 6-5/255
**DT Jerrel Stoudemire (Lake Wales Sr. HS) Lake Wales, FL 6-5/290
**DE Tevlin Petit-Frer (North Miami Sr. HS) North Miami, FL
DE Blake Smith (Eleanor Roosevelt HS) Greenbelt, MD 6-2/223
**LB Jacquian Williams (Riverview HS) Riverview, FL
LB Mitchell Magloire (Cardinal Gibbons HS) Ft. Lauderdale, FL 6-1/217
S Amin Kabir (Warrensville Heights HS) Warrensville Heights, OH 6-1 190
S Dante Barnes (Kempsville HS) Virginia Beach, VA 6-1/180
S Wayne Cobham (Charles W. Flanagan HS) Pembroke Pines, FL 6-2/195
**OL Mark Jackson (Brookhaven HS) Columbus, OH 6-5/300
**RB Aaris Reed (Westlake HS) Waldorf, MD 5-10/185
**CB Delvin Davis (Charles W. Flanagan HS) Pembroke Pines, FL 6-0/180
**DT Dantley Cline (Tri-Cities HS) East Point, GA 6-0/270
**RB Andre Boone (Frank W. Cox HS) Virginia Beach, VA 5-11/205
**QB Sean Hakes (Nolan Catholic HS) Ft. Worth, TX 6-3/195
**LB Derron Smith (Woodland Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-2/220
K Igor Iveljic (Mentor HS) Mentor, OH 6-0/180
Fun Facts:
The 2006 class was headlined by 3* Aaris Reed and 2*,s Sean Hakes, Mark Jackson, and Derron Smith, none of whom are currently with the team ...
OL Mark Jackson enrolled in Prep School and is currently on the roster for the University of Illinois ...
WR Curtis Brown was a H.S. teammate of current Buckeye WR Albert Dukes at Belle Glades H.S. in Florida ...
Class of 2007
LB Almondo Sewell (Hargrave Military Acad./Trenton Central HS) Trenton, NJ 6-0/235
**DE Ryan Simpson (Xenia HS) Xenia, OH 6-1/275
LB Brian Brikowski (Freehold Twp HS) Freehold, NJ 6-4/215
LB Odeni Odofin (Valley Forge Military Acad.) Wayne, PA 6-4/230
**WR Vince Hill (Friendly HS) Fort Washington, MD 5-10/175
DT Dan Marcoux (Don Bosco Prep) Ramsey, NJ 6-4/250
RB Bryan Williams (Valley Forge Military/Buchtel HS) Akron, OH 6-0/197
LB Matt Little (CE Jordan HS) Durham, NC 6-3/200
DL Marquinn Davis (Rayen HS) Youngstown, OH 6-6/265
S Sean Fobbs (Miamisburg HS) Miamisburg, OH 6-1/200
CB Miguel Graham (Coffeyville JC) Coffeyville, KS 5-9/162
LB Aaron Williams (Penn Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-2/205
DE Shane Shead (Hargrave Military Acad./West HS) Plano, TX 6-5/225
OL Casey Estrada (Sacramento JC/Folsom HS) Folsom, CA 6-5/280
DT Jake Anderson (McDowell SHS) Erie, PA 6-5/290
WR Jalil Carter (St. John's Jesuit HS) Toledo, OH 6-1/173
DE Joe Rash (Penn Hills SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-4/250
OL Dan Ronsman (Lakes Community HS) Lake Villa, IL 6-3/250
OL Paul Simkovich (Greater Latrobe SHS) Latrobe, PA 6-5/285
**CB Da'von Moore (Brentwood SHS) Pittsburgh, PA 5-11/205
OT Zac Kasparek (New Brighton Area HS) New Brighton, PA 6-6/300
QB Matt Rodgers (Seton-Lasalle HS) Pittsburgh, PA 6-3/180
WR Gary Pride (Colerain HS) Cincinnati, OH 5-9/180
WR Jerome Royal (Cleveland Heights HS) University Hts, OH 6-2/180
Fun Facts:
Akron landed the 2nd highest rated class in the MAC according to Scout.com and the 77th rated class in the nation (Miami, OH was 76th) ...
The class was headlined by 3* prospects Almondo Sewell, Vince Hill, Aaron Williams, Casey Estrada, Paul Simkovich, and Da'von Moore. Moore and Hill have since enrolled at Hargrave Military Academy ...
WR Gary Pride was a HS teammate of current Buckeyes Connor Smith, Tyler Moeller, and Eugene Clifford at Colerain HS in Cincinnati ...
RB Brian Williams provided a 1-2 punch with former Buckeye RB Antonio Pittman at Buchtel HS in Akron ...
Current commits for the class of 2008:
S Nathan Schuler (Springfield HS) Akron, OH
QB Jordan Miller (New Philadelphia HS) New Philadelphia, OH 6-3/211
DT Jarvis Givins (Gulliver Prep School) Miami, FL 6-2/295
Impact Transfers:
RB Dennis Kennedy (originally signed with Ohio St.)
DL Ryan Bain (transferred from Iowa)
WR Jeremy Bruce (transferred from West Virginia)
PK Matt Domonkos (transferred from Wisconsin)
RB Andrew Johnson (transferred from Miami, FL)
DL Nate Robinson (transferred from Rutgers)
OL Jason Sekinger (transferred from Minnesota)
CB Davonzo Tate (transferred from West Virginia)
Fun Facts:
Akron has made good on recent transfers by landing potential All-Conference performers in Dennis Kennedy, Davonzo Tate, and a quality back-up in Nate Robinson ...
Ryan Bain, Andrew Johnson, and Jeremy Bruce will be eligible in 2008 ...
Bain was a US Army All-American in 2004 and was offered a scholarship by Ohio St. ...
Johnson was offered and hotly pursued by many big-name schools in the country, including Ohio St. ...
Behind the Numbers
Pointless Historical Numbers:
28-14: Score of OSU's win over Akron in 2001
20-17: Score of Akron's win in their most recent game against a BCS opponent (NC State)
Fun with Numbers I:
81: Percentage of Akron's passing offense vs. Army accounted for by Jabari Arthur.
2: Number of tackles made last week by the man who will be guarding Jabari on Saturday (Malcolm Jenkins). Both were assists.
What, you might ask, is Behind these Numbers?
Fun with Numbers II:
5.3: Average yards per pass attempt by Akron vs. Army
6.99: Average yards per pass attempt by Army's 2006 opponents
It is possible that Army has somehow started channeling the 1973 Ohio State Pass Defense. It is more likely that the pass offense of which Akron will be missing 81% this Saturday (see above re: Malcolm Jenkins) is not terrific to start with.
3.8: Average yards per rush by Akron vs. Army.
4.78: Average yards per rush by Army's 2006 opponents
It is possible that Army has somehow become the reincarnation of the 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes on Rushing Defense. It is more likely that Akron is in for a long day on the ground as well as through the air.
While the numbers tell a story of probable domination for the Buckeye defense, the analysis of the Akron defense is a bit more complicated ...
Less Fun with Numbers I:
2.0: Average yards per rush by Army vs. Akron
2.5: Average yards per rush by YSU vs. OSU
4.2: Average yards per pass attempt by Army vs. Akron
4.8: Average yards per pass attempt by YSU vs. OSU
It is not only possible, but likely that YSU has a better offense than does Army. It is also true that OSU substituted early and often, to the point that two of their top four tacklers were back-up linebackers.
It nevertheless remains undeniable that the Akron Zips held a Bowls Subdivision (I-A) opponent to fewer yards per rush and pass attempt than Ohio State managed against a Championship Subdivision (I-AA) opponent. This certainly sounds far worse than what it implies, which is next to nothing, but it is worth noting.
It is also worth noting that, while Akron is in for a tough day on offense; their defense is probably quite respectable. They came within a blocked punt (with 38 seconds remaining) of holding a team to single digits for the first time since November of 2005.
Further evidence of Akron's defensive ability is shown by comparing statistics vs. one of the common opponents that Akron and OSU had last year ...
Less Fun with Numbers II:
282: Penn State yards vs. Akron in 2006
248: Penn State yards vs. OSU in 2006
As you can see, Akron's performance was not that far off from what the Buckeye's accomplished in that one game. This is not to suggest that this is the most meaningful comparison between the two defenses; but only to point out that Akron has it in them, and a game in The Horseshoe will probably bring it out of them.
But then...
424: Cincinnati yards vs. Akron in 2006
212: Cincinnati yards vs. OSU in 2006
Yes, Akron also has this in them. Allowing a common opponent twice as many yards as was allowed by the OSU defense in 2006 isn't exactly a shameful thing. But it does have the ring of mediocrity to it.
59: Akron's Scoring Defense Rank in 2006 against a MAC schedule that included the aformentioned PSU, NCSU and Cincinnati as well as North Texas. The same North Texas that was shut out by MTSU and held to a field goal by La. Monroe. That's a pretty weak schedule to have a perfectly mediocre ranking against.
And speaking of mediocre, I wouldn't worry too much about Akron's ball-hawking secondary...
2: Number of interceptions by Akron against Army
2: Average number of interceptions by Army's 2006 opponents
Uh, yeah. Army had the dubious distinction of being the only Div. I-A school last year to cough up an even two dozen interceptions. Looks like they're at it again.
Conclusion:
So what's really behind the numbers this week? A tale of two teams: Defensively, the Buckeyes may well keep a second straight opponent out of the end zone. Offensively, it may depend on which Zips defense shows up. The guess here is that Akron's unusual formations and coverages will hold Boeckman and Co. in check for a quarter or so. But once the Bucks get rolling, the numbers will begin to pile up. Just the way I like it.
28-14: Score of OSU's win over Akron in 2001
20-17: Score of Akron's win in their most recent game against a BCS opponent (NC State)
Fun with Numbers I:
81: Percentage of Akron's passing offense vs. Army accounted for by Jabari Arthur.
2: Number of tackles made last week by the man who will be guarding Jabari on Saturday (Malcolm Jenkins). Both were assists.
What, you might ask, is Behind these Numbers?
One of Malcolm's tackles was on a running play.
The other was on a screen pass ... for a one-yard-gain.
When a cornerback's only tackle on a pass play is assisted by a Defensive Tackle (Denlinger), it's safe to say that his side of the field has effectively been erased. We can therefore surmise that, unless Jabari Arthur is far more special than previously thought, 81% of Akron's passing offense will be erased this Saturday.
The other was on a screen pass ... for a one-yard-gain.
When a cornerback's only tackle on a pass play is assisted by a Defensive Tackle (Denlinger), it's safe to say that his side of the field has effectively been erased. We can therefore surmise that, unless Jabari Arthur is far more special than previously thought, 81% of Akron's passing offense will be erased this Saturday.
Fun with Numbers II:
5.3: Average yards per pass attempt by Akron vs. Army
6.99: Average yards per pass attempt by Army's 2006 opponents
It is possible that Army has somehow started channeling the 1973 Ohio State Pass Defense. It is more likely that the pass offense of which Akron will be missing 81% this Saturday (see above re: Malcolm Jenkins) is not terrific to start with.
3.8: Average yards per rush by Akron vs. Army.
4.78: Average yards per rush by Army's 2006 opponents
It is possible that Army has somehow become the reincarnation of the 1973 Ohio State Buckeyes on Rushing Defense. It is more likely that Akron is in for a long day on the ground as well as through the air.
While the numbers tell a story of probable domination for the Buckeye defense, the analysis of the Akron defense is a bit more complicated ...
Less Fun with Numbers I:
2.0: Average yards per rush by Army vs. Akron
2.5: Average yards per rush by YSU vs. OSU
4.2: Average yards per pass attempt by Army vs. Akron
4.8: Average yards per pass attempt by YSU vs. OSU
It is not only possible, but likely that YSU has a better offense than does Army. It is also true that OSU substituted early and often, to the point that two of their top four tacklers were back-up linebackers.
It nevertheless remains undeniable that the Akron Zips held a Bowls Subdivision (I-A) opponent to fewer yards per rush and pass attempt than Ohio State managed against a Championship Subdivision (I-AA) opponent. This certainly sounds far worse than what it implies, which is next to nothing, but it is worth noting.
It is also worth noting that, while Akron is in for a tough day on offense; their defense is probably quite respectable. They came within a blocked punt (with 38 seconds remaining) of holding a team to single digits for the first time since November of 2005.
Further evidence of Akron's defensive ability is shown by comparing statistics vs. one of the common opponents that Akron and OSU had last year ...
Less Fun with Numbers II:
282: Penn State yards vs. Akron in 2006
248: Penn State yards vs. OSU in 2006
As you can see, Akron's performance was not that far off from what the Buckeye's accomplished in that one game. This is not to suggest that this is the most meaningful comparison between the two defenses; but only to point out that Akron has it in them, and a game in The Horseshoe will probably bring it out of them.
But then...
424: Cincinnati yards vs. Akron in 2006
212: Cincinnati yards vs. OSU in 2006
Yes, Akron also has this in them. Allowing a common opponent twice as many yards as was allowed by the OSU defense in 2006 isn't exactly a shameful thing. But it does have the ring of mediocrity to it.
59: Akron's Scoring Defense Rank in 2006 against a MAC schedule that included the aformentioned PSU, NCSU and Cincinnati as well as North Texas. The same North Texas that was shut out by MTSU and held to a field goal by La. Monroe. That's a pretty weak schedule to have a perfectly mediocre ranking against.
And speaking of mediocre, I wouldn't worry too much about Akron's ball-hawking secondary...
2: Number of interceptions by Akron against Army
2: Average number of interceptions by Army's 2006 opponents
Uh, yeah. Army had the dubious distinction of being the only Div. I-A school last year to cough up an even two dozen interceptions. Looks like they're at it again.
Conclusion:
So what's really behind the numbers this week? A tale of two teams: Defensively, the Buckeyes may well keep a second straight opponent out of the end zone. Offensively, it may depend on which Zips defense shows up. The guess here is that Akron's unusual formations and coverages will hold Boeckman and Co. in check for a quarter or so. But once the Bucks get rolling, the numbers will begin to pile up. Just the way I like it.
The Lighter Side
Well, week one could not have gone much better. First, Ohio State took care of Youngstown State. No surprises. Overall a pretty vanilla effort. There was some good, (Freshman Wideouts), some bad (Lawrence Wilson's injury), and some ugly, (not being able to power it in from inside the 5 with ease). But, pound for pound, a decent work-out and a nice win to kick off the year. Second, Notre Dame took a pounding. I won't say much about this since most people should have expected Georgia Tech to beat up the Domers. I mention it because a home beating (33 - 3) should have the effect of sending some of the program's more vocal idiots back in to the woodwork, and that, to me, is a huge plus. Finally, Michigan lost. What's even better, Michigan lost to a friggin Division I-AA team. It wasn't even luck. Michigan flat out got beat. The "big 3" of Hart, Henne, and Long, all forgoing NFL paychecks for a National Title, now have to suffer through a whole year of people laughing in their faces. I figure after a loss to Oregon this week, should it happen, the wheels just fall off. Oh, Michigan will still be good enough to beat Notre Dame, but that game should serve as little more than unintentional comedy.
Up next on the toasted pastry road to 8 and 0 is in state MAC foe, Akron. I stopped on by a Zip board expecting the usual, and naturally, the bitter small Ohio School fan did not disappoint. To illustrate: A 3 post exchange between a couple of Zippers on a thread called "Suckeyes Are Next." Bobbyake declares: "What happend to Michigan is going to happen to OSU on Sep 8!!" To which uakronkid notes, "NOW's the time to talk smack. OSUcks!" The thread concludes with the confounding, "There is no way OSU dropped us from their schedule and replaced us with App State." Lets get a couple things out of the way here. First, "Suckeyes?" How played is this one? I mean, for the love of BF Goodrich, at least say "$uckeyes," Booby-cake. Next, I get that some folks make overstatements devoid of analysis in times like these, but can anyone make sense of the third remark I've quoted above? Truly, I'm at a loss. I sorta see where he's going with the remark, but I think he inadvertently said App. State would be a better opponent for the Buckeyes than the Rubbertown Clothing Closers. Anyway, I digress. Just strikes me as the same odd-ball smack I see from PSU Fans (i.e., "Ohio is not even a real State.")
Now then ... I must confess, I don't see how "NOW" is the time to talk smack, Akronfan. I mean, yeah, it's better to talk smack before a game than it is to do so after you've had your Firestone's handed to you, but I'm fairly sure you were making some sort of silent comment on the App. State beating of Michigan, as Poster Numero Uno had done. Let's be clear about something here. The fact that Michigan sucks is well known to Buckeye fans. We don't harbor the same small time conference unity bull that you do. So, when Michigan gets their asses handed to them by a team like App. State, we laugh and laugh. And then, we laugh some more. Sure a #1 v. #2 Ohio State Michigan game is great, but so is seeing Michigan getting embarrassed. Point is this, we're not all of a sudden worried about Akron because of Michigan's woes. Michigan's getting beat has nothing to do with next week's game, any more than does the typical MAC logic about how the Zips beating Temple in 1975 shows you're ready to compete with the big boys. You're coming to the Shoe to get a pay day and a beat down. Clear? Regardless of all that, if I sound dismissive, the fact of the matter is Jim Tressel overlooks no team, including Zippy. Be happy. Fact is, your program is going to make more money on Saturday than you will the rest of the year. I should warn you, if you're not coming to the Shoe, be prepared to pay $1.10 to watch it. Evil Genius Jim Delany hates you.
But, in a Lighter Side exclusive, I've learned that Jim Delany does in fact have the best interests of the Big 10 in mind. Something didn't sit well with me as I watched Corey Lynch block a last second field goal try. Don't get me wrong, I was pumped. But, when the dust settled, I realized something. How interesting that the day that Michigan, the self styled "most storied program of all time," gets utterly embarrassed they're saved the misery of having been on, say CBS or ABC or ESPN 2. I mean, fact is, the number of people who witnessed this joy were relatively few. If the game had been on ESPN 2, it would have been available to just about everyone. And, I think we can agree that people watching other games on other channels would have tuned in for the final few minutes assuming they were aware of the crawl at the bottom of the screen. So, as I said, how interesting that this game was all but hidden from view. So, I called Delany up and told him my theory. I said, "Jim, listen, I know you've taken a lot of heat for this Big Ten Network. But, I think I've realized that this beast was not born of greed but necessity. This is what I think. I think you have "the sight" or know someone who does. I think you created this channel to hide the biggest embarrassment to your conference imaginable. The team predicted to win the conference, getting beat by a one-double A school ... let's face it Jim, that's pretty much the same as having Cassius Clay treat your sack like a speed bag."
"Well, you're right," he said, "fact is I became aware early last year that this unfortunate event was going to take place. I had been reading a lot of Nostradamus and after a while, I started being able to make sense of his quatrains. I imagine it was something like what Charles Manson felt when he realized the Beatles were talking to him by recording the White Album. Maybe not the best example. Anyway ... What happened was this, I read this quatrain ... I even have it memorized, it moved me so much ...
The dark-headed Neers will inflict upon the blue capped
As much evil as France has done them good:
Upon shoulder was he, the great one, who hung on the branch
Who shook the pretend King asunder.
... and I realized, holy smokes, Michigan is going to lose to Appalachian State and some kid named "Lynch" will have a pivotal role. Michigan hadn't even put A-State on their schedule yet, and I knew they were doomed. So, I quite naturally called up Bill Martin and told him, Bill, we've got a real problem. Whatever you do, do NOT schedule Appalachian State for a football game. Bill says to me, 'Funny, I was just thinking of who we'd get to play us for the new open date because of the twelve game schedule. Who better than A-State. I mean, they're a pretty good double A team ...' I broke in and said, Bill listen to me. I'm not playing around here, if you play them, you're going to lose. He, as I would have him, I supposed, laughed at me and made some comment about me drinking too much. Obviously, that wasn't going anywhere. Worse, I inadvertently gave him the idea to even schedule the Mountaineers. So, after much thinking, I decided, well I guess the best I can do is make my own network and get this atrocity off the national airwaves, may as well make a little coin while I'm at it."
Genius. "Jim," I said, "I still don't agree with your decision here. I would much rather if you'd have left well enough alone and not taken at least two games from me, an Ohio State fan. But, I guess I can kind of understand your position. I mean, I love it when the Vulvarines get shown up, it makes me laugh. But, you ... you've got the whole conference to worry about. So, I guess I get that. But, here's something to think about. Now that the games are off the airwaves, there's less exposure. Less exposure, means less recruits, means less talent, means ... well ... I'll put it to you as softly as I can, Big East." I could feel him shuddering as he spoke, "Damn. I didn't think that one all the way through. It was a pressured situation you understand. Well, no harm no foul. We can always drop our price to something reasonable. I'll get Ruppert on the phone here and see if he's satisfied with the number of people we've sent to Direct TV. I gotta tell you, for the Anti-Christ, he's pretty reasonable." OK ... Genius was perhaps not descriptive enough. "Evil Genius" it is.
Up next on the toasted pastry road to 8 and 0 is in state MAC foe, Akron. I stopped on by a Zip board expecting the usual, and naturally, the bitter small Ohio School fan did not disappoint. To illustrate: A 3 post exchange between a couple of Zippers on a thread called "Suckeyes Are Next." Bobbyake declares: "What happend to Michigan is going to happen to OSU on Sep 8!!" To which uakronkid notes, "NOW's the time to talk smack. OSUcks!" The thread concludes with the confounding, "There is no way OSU dropped us from their schedule and replaced us with App State." Lets get a couple things out of the way here. First, "Suckeyes?" How played is this one? I mean, for the love of BF Goodrich, at least say "$uckeyes," Booby-cake. Next, I get that some folks make overstatements devoid of analysis in times like these, but can anyone make sense of the third remark I've quoted above? Truly, I'm at a loss. I sorta see where he's going with the remark, but I think he inadvertently said App. State would be a better opponent for the Buckeyes than the Rubbertown Clothing Closers. Anyway, I digress. Just strikes me as the same odd-ball smack I see from PSU Fans (i.e., "Ohio is not even a real State.")
Now then ... I must confess, I don't see how "NOW" is the time to talk smack, Akronfan. I mean, yeah, it's better to talk smack before a game than it is to do so after you've had your Firestone's handed to you, but I'm fairly sure you were making some sort of silent comment on the App. State beating of Michigan, as Poster Numero Uno had done. Let's be clear about something here. The fact that Michigan sucks is well known to Buckeye fans. We don't harbor the same small time conference unity bull that you do. So, when Michigan gets their asses handed to them by a team like App. State, we laugh and laugh. And then, we laugh some more. Sure a #1 v. #2 Ohio State Michigan game is great, but so is seeing Michigan getting embarrassed. Point is this, we're not all of a sudden worried about Akron because of Michigan's woes. Michigan's getting beat has nothing to do with next week's game, any more than does the typical MAC logic about how the Zips beating Temple in 1975 shows you're ready to compete with the big boys. You're coming to the Shoe to get a pay day and a beat down. Clear? Regardless of all that, if I sound dismissive, the fact of the matter is Jim Tressel overlooks no team, including Zippy. Be happy. Fact is, your program is going to make more money on Saturday than you will the rest of the year. I should warn you, if you're not coming to the Shoe, be prepared to pay $1.10 to watch it. Evil Genius Jim Delany hates you.
But, in a Lighter Side exclusive, I've learned that Jim Delany does in fact have the best interests of the Big 10 in mind. Something didn't sit well with me as I watched Corey Lynch block a last second field goal try. Don't get me wrong, I was pumped. But, when the dust settled, I realized something. How interesting that the day that Michigan, the self styled "most storied program of all time," gets utterly embarrassed they're saved the misery of having been on, say CBS or ABC or ESPN 2. I mean, fact is, the number of people who witnessed this joy were relatively few. If the game had been on ESPN 2, it would have been available to just about everyone. And, I think we can agree that people watching other games on other channels would have tuned in for the final few minutes assuming they were aware of the crawl at the bottom of the screen. So, as I said, how interesting that this game was all but hidden from view. So, I called Delany up and told him my theory. I said, "Jim, listen, I know you've taken a lot of heat for this Big Ten Network. But, I think I've realized that this beast was not born of greed but necessity. This is what I think. I think you have "the sight" or know someone who does. I think you created this channel to hide the biggest embarrassment to your conference imaginable. The team predicted to win the conference, getting beat by a one-double A school ... let's face it Jim, that's pretty much the same as having Cassius Clay treat your sack like a speed bag."
"Well, you're right," he said, "fact is I became aware early last year that this unfortunate event was going to take place. I had been reading a lot of Nostradamus and after a while, I started being able to make sense of his quatrains. I imagine it was something like what Charles Manson felt when he realized the Beatles were talking to him by recording the White Album. Maybe not the best example. Anyway ... What happened was this, I read this quatrain ... I even have it memorized, it moved me so much ...
The dark-headed Neers will inflict upon the blue capped
As much evil as France has done them good:
Upon shoulder was he, the great one, who hung on the branch
Who shook the pretend King asunder.
... and I realized, holy smokes, Michigan is going to lose to Appalachian State and some kid named "Lynch" will have a pivotal role. Michigan hadn't even put A-State on their schedule yet, and I knew they were doomed. So, I quite naturally called up Bill Martin and told him, Bill, we've got a real problem. Whatever you do, do NOT schedule Appalachian State for a football game. Bill says to me, 'Funny, I was just thinking of who we'd get to play us for the new open date because of the twelve game schedule. Who better than A-State. I mean, they're a pretty good double A team ...' I broke in and said, Bill listen to me. I'm not playing around here, if you play them, you're going to lose. He, as I would have him, I supposed, laughed at me and made some comment about me drinking too much. Obviously, that wasn't going anywhere. Worse, I inadvertently gave him the idea to even schedule the Mountaineers. So, after much thinking, I decided, well I guess the best I can do is make my own network and get this atrocity off the national airwaves, may as well make a little coin while I'm at it."
Genius. "Jim," I said, "I still don't agree with your decision here. I would much rather if you'd have left well enough alone and not taken at least two games from me, an Ohio State fan. But, I guess I can kind of understand your position. I mean, I love it when the Vulvarines get shown up, it makes me laugh. But, you ... you've got the whole conference to worry about. So, I guess I get that. But, here's something to think about. Now that the games are off the airwaves, there's less exposure. Less exposure, means less recruits, means less talent, means ... well ... I'll put it to you as softly as I can, Big East." I could feel him shuddering as he spoke, "Damn. I didn't think that one all the way through. It was a pressured situation you understand. Well, no harm no foul. We can always drop our price to something reasonable. I'll get Ruppert on the phone here and see if he's satisfied with the number of people we've sent to Direct TV. I gotta tell you, for the Anti-Christ, he's pretty reasonable." OK ... Genius was perhaps not descriptive enough. "Evil Genius" it is.
Traditions & Opponent Perspective
The Ohio State University has a football program with many rich traditions, many other teams do not. I can't imagine what it would be like to follow a team so lacking in traditions but unfortunately to some fans this is their reality. The University of Akron is no exception. After visiting UA message boards I actually felt sorry for them; so many fans, so little traditions! I find "Zips" to be one of the funniest names in college football.
A post from a member on the zipsnation message board, "But the cool thing for us Akron fans is that with a brand new stadium in the works, and renewed interest in our program, we have the opportunity to create and build on our own traditions right now. Or even rediscover some of the lost tradition." Good luck with the (re)birth of traditions surrounding your football program.
Zippy Selected to All-America Mascot Team - Go Zips
- The University of Akron's storied Athletics history dates back nearly 130 years.
- One of the most important dates in Zips Athletics History was June 26, 1991. On this date The University of Akron Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept an invitation to join the Mid-American Conference. The University's Athletics program took the long anticipated step by joining the MAC for the 1992-93 academic year.
- The evolution of Zippy, The University of Akron's mascot, began 54 years ago when the student council, under president Dave Frye, decided the University needed a mascot.
- "Zippy" the kangaroo was officially declared UA's mascot on May 1, 1953. Dick Hansford, UA student council advisor, recommended the kangaroo and it was approved by the council.
- "I got the idea from a comic strip that I think was called Kicky, the fighting kangaroo, that was popular at the time," said Hansford.
- The selection of the kangaroo for a mascot brought forth the wrath of The Buchtelite and the Akron Beacon Journal. The Buchtelite suggested that the issue be voted upon by the entire student body in the next campus election.
- No one recalls who made the arrangements for the first costume, but a paper-mache head was produced along with a brown furry uniform that zipped up the back.
- Pete Demming debuted Oct. 1, 1955, at the second-annual Acme-Zip Game - not as "Zippy" but as "Mr. Zip."
- The first known printed reference to the mascot as "Zippy" was a 1965 Zip football press brochure. The Buchtelite's first use of the name "Zippy" came Sept. 24, 1965, in an identification of a photo of the cheerleaders listing "Mascot - 'Zippy' - Charles Huettner."
- At the crescendo moment of the Zips fight song, when throngs of Akron fans madly croon, "Zip go the Zippers," the student section stands in unison, turns to the feverishly frenzied crowd, and unzips and re-zips their zippers.
A post from a member on the zipsnation message board, "But the cool thing for us Akron fans is that with a brand new stadium in the works, and renewed interest in our program, we have the opportunity to create and build on our own traditions right now. Or even rediscover some of the lost tradition." Good luck with the (re)birth of traditions surrounding your football program.
Zippy Selected to All-America Mascot Team - Go Zips
Historical Data
The University of Akron (Akron, OH) Founded in 1870
Football 1st Season: 1891
Stadium: Rubber Bowl
Constructed: 1940
Seating Capacity: 31,000
Playing Surface: AstroPlay
Conference: Mid-American Athletic Conference (MAC)
Colors: Blue and Gold
Mascot: Kangaroo "Zippy"
College Classification: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IA) or equivalent since 1987. Previously 1937-72 NCAA College Division (Small College), 1973-79 NCAA Division II and 1980-86 NCAA Division I-AA.
Conference Championships: 1 - 2005 MAC Championship
Consensus All-Americans: 0
College Hall-of-Famers: 1 - John Heisman (Coach in 1893 ... wow, should have hung on to him!)
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 0
Award Winners: 0
National Championships: 0
Number of final rankings: None in major polls
Stadium: Rubber Bowl
Constructed: 1940
Seating Capacity: 31,000
Playing Surface: AstroPlay
Conference: Mid-American Athletic Conference (MAC)
Colors: Blue and Gold
Mascot: Kangaroo "Zippy"
College Classification: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (formerly D-IA) or equivalent since 1987. Previously 1937-72 NCAA College Division (Small College), 1973-79 NCAA Division II and 1980-86 NCAA Division I-AA.
Conference Championships: 1 - 2005 MAC Championship
Consensus All-Americans: 0
College Hall-of-Famers: 1 - John Heisman (Coach in 1893 ... wow, should have hung on to him!)
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 0
Award Winners: 0
National Championships: 0
Number of final rankings: None in major polls
Records
All Time: 474-450-36 (.513)
Bowl Games: 0-1-0 (0.000) Most recently a 38-31 loss to Memphis (TN) in the 2005 Motor City Bowl
College Division Games: 1-2-0 (.333) Most recently a 24-13 loss to Montana St. in the Pioneer Bowl - Division II Championship Game
All Time vs the BigTen: 1-15-0 (.063)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 1-5-0 (.167) Most recently a 28-14 loss to OSU in 2001, the only game vs. Ohio State since 1895. The only win was a 12-6 victory in 1894.
Coach's Reord: J.D. Brookhart, 2004-current, 18-18-0 (.500)
2006 Season: 5-7-0 (.417)
Sep 2 - L at Penn State, 16-34
Sep 9 - W at NC State, 20-17
Sep 16 - L at Central Mich, 21-24
Sep 23 - W vs. North Texas, 33-13
Sep 30 - L at Kent State, 15-37
Oct 7 - L at Cincinnati, 14-20
Oct 21 - W vs. Miami-Ohio, 24-13
Oct 28 - L at Toledo, 20-35
Nov 4 - W vs. Bowling Green, 35-28
Nov 9 - W vs. Buffalo, 31-16
Nov 16 - L at Ohio U, 7-17
Nov 24 - L vs. Western Mich, 0-17
2007 Schedule
Sep 1 - vs. Army, 7:00 PM
Sep 8 - at Ohio State, 12:00 PM
Sep 15 - at Indiana, 12:00 PM
Sep 22 - vs. Kent State, 12:00 PM
Sep 29 - at Connecticut, 12:00 PM
Oct 6 - at Western Mich, 7:00 PM
Oct 13 - vs. Temple, 6:00 PM
Oct 20 - Open
Oct 27 - at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Nov 2 - at Bowling Green, 7:30 PM
Nov 7 - vs. Ohio U, 7:30 PM
Nov 14 - at Miami-Ohio, 7:35 PM
Nov 23 - vs. Central Mich, 11:00 AM
Bowl Games: 0-1-0 (0.000) Most recently a 38-31 loss to Memphis (TN) in the 2005 Motor City Bowl
College Division Games: 1-2-0 (.333) Most recently a 24-13 loss to Montana St. in the Pioneer Bowl - Division II Championship Game
All Time vs the BigTen: 1-15-0 (.063)
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 1-5-0 (.167) Most recently a 28-14 loss to OSU in 2001, the only game vs. Ohio State since 1895. The only win was a 12-6 victory in 1894.
Coach's Reord: J.D. Brookhart, 2004-current, 18-18-0 (.500)
2006 Season: 5-7-0 (.417)
Sep 2 - L at Penn State, 16-34
Sep 9 - W at NC State, 20-17
Sep 16 - L at Central Mich, 21-24
Sep 23 - W vs. North Texas, 33-13
Sep 30 - L at Kent State, 15-37
Oct 7 - L at Cincinnati, 14-20
Oct 21 - W vs. Miami-Ohio, 24-13
Oct 28 - L at Toledo, 20-35
Nov 4 - W vs. Bowling Green, 35-28
Nov 9 - W vs. Buffalo, 31-16
Nov 16 - L at Ohio U, 7-17
Nov 24 - L vs. Western Mich, 0-17
2007 Schedule
Sep 1 - vs. Army, 7:00 PM
Sep 8 - at Ohio State, 12:00 PM
Sep 15 - at Indiana, 12:00 PM
Sep 22 - vs. Kent State, 12:00 PM
Sep 29 - at Connecticut, 12:00 PM
Oct 6 - at Western Mich, 7:00 PM
Oct 13 - vs. Temple, 6:00 PM
Oct 20 - Open
Oct 27 - at Buffalo, 1:00 PM
Nov 2 - at Bowling Green, 7:30 PM
Nov 7 - vs. Ohio U, 7:30 PM
Nov 14 - at Miami-Ohio, 7:35 PM
Nov 23 - vs. Central Mich, 11:00 AM
Links
Official Sites:
Official School Site - The University of Akron
Student Newspaper - The Buchtelite
Official Athletic Site - GoZips
Official Conference Site - MAC Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Zips Nation (Independent)
Message Board - U of A Zips - Roo Zoo (Independent)
Message Board (MAC) - NCAA BBS(Independent)
Message Board (MAC) - MAC Fans Online (Independent)
Message Board - Akron Insider (Scout)
Blog - Rasor on the Zips (Independent)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - AOL
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - ATSH2H
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Akron Beacon Journal - Local News
Cleveland Plain Dealer - Local News
MAC Report Online - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Offensive Preview - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Defensive Preview - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Football Depth Chart - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Football Recruiting - CFN
2006 Akron Zips Football Preview - CFN
Akron Team Report - CSTV/Sports Xchange (Link to previous reports)
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Athlon
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - CNN/SI
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - The Sports Network
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - College Football Poll (Cosgrave)
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Sporting News
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Dispatck/BuckeyeExtra
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - H2DN
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Vandelay Sports
2007 Akron Zips Recruiting Analysis - Vandelay Sports
2007 MAC Football Preview Recap - MAC-Sports
2007 MAC Football Preview (PDF) - MAC Report Online
Breaking down the MAC - ESPN
2007 MAC Football Preview - College Football Poll (Cosgrave)
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2007 Roster - GoZips
2007 Two Deep - GoZips
2007 Media Guide (Links to PDF files) - GoZips
2007 MAC Recruiting Analysis - MAC Report Online
2007 MAC Recruiting Analysis - Vandelay Sports
Travel:
Home Game
Official School Site - The University of Akron
Student Newspaper - The Buchtelite
Official Athletic Site - GoZips
Official Conference Site - MAC Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Zips Nation (Independent)
Message Board - U of A Zips - Roo Zoo (Independent)
Message Board (MAC) - NCAA BBS(Independent)
Message Board (MAC) - MAC Fans Online (Independent)
Message Board - Akron Insider (Scout)
Blog - Rasor on the Zips (Independent)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - AOL
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - ATSH2H
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Akron Beacon Journal - Local News
Cleveland Plain Dealer - Local News
MAC Report Online - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Offensive Preview - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Defensive Preview - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Football Depth Chart - CFN
2007 Akron Zips Football Recruiting - CFN
2006 Akron Zips Football Preview - CFN
Akron Team Report - CSTV/Sports Xchange (Link to previous reports)
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Athlon
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - CNN/SI
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - The Sports Network
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - College Football Poll (Cosgrave)
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Sporting News
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Dispatck/BuckeyeExtra
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - H2DN
2007 Akron Zips Football Preview - Vandelay Sports
2007 Akron Zips Recruiting Analysis - Vandelay Sports
2007 MAC Football Preview Recap - MAC-Sports
2007 MAC Football Preview (PDF) - MAC Report Online
Breaking down the MAC - ESPN
2007 MAC Football Preview - College Football Poll (Cosgrave)
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2007 Roster - GoZips
2007 Two Deep - GoZips
2007 Media Guide (Links to PDF files) - GoZips
2007 MAC Recruiting Analysis - MAC Report Online
2007 MAC Recruiting Analysis - Vandelay Sports
Travel:
Home Game
Preseason Rankings
52. CCR (Projected Finish)
95. CFN
98. Chicago Tribune (Teddy Greenstein)
101. Athlon
95. CFN
98. Chicago Tribune (Teddy Greenstein)
101. Athlon
Preseason Watch Lists
Fred Biletnikoff Award - David Harvey
Preseason Accolades
2007 MAC Media Days
by MAC News Media Association
EAST
1. Ohio (15)
2. Kent State (13)
3. Akron (6)
4. Miami (1)
5. Bowling Green
6. Temple (1)
7. Buffalo
WEST
1. Western Michigan (15)
2. Central Michigan (10)
3. Toledo (6)
4. Ball State (4)
5. Northern Illinois (1)
6. Eastern Michigan
MAC Championship Game Winner
1. Western Michigan 11
2. Central Michigan 10
3. Ohio 6
4. Toledo 5
5. Kent State 2
6. Akron 1
7. Temple 1
2007 Preseason All-MAC Teams
2007 Preseason All-MAC Football Team - MAC Report Online
2007 Preseason All-MAC Football Team - Vandelay Sports
2007 National Football Foundation National Honor Society
Tim Crouch - Akron
Luke Getsy - Akron
Mark Groza - Akron
2006 FWAA Freshman All-American Team
KR David Harvey - Akron
2007 MAC Players of the Week (1)
CB Reggie Corner - Akron - MAC East Division Defensive Player of the Week
by MAC News Media Association
EAST
1. Ohio (15)
2. Kent State (13)
3. Akron (6)
4. Miami (1)
5. Bowling Green
6. Temple (1)
7. Buffalo
WEST
1. Western Michigan (15)
2. Central Michigan (10)
3. Toledo (6)
4. Ball State (4)
5. Northern Illinois (1)
6. Eastern Michigan
MAC Championship Game Winner
1. Western Michigan 11
2. Central Michigan 10
3. Ohio 6
4. Toledo 5
5. Kent State 2
6. Akron 1
7. Temple 1
2007 Preseason All-MAC Teams
2007 Preseason All-MAC Football Team - MAC Report Online
2007 Preseason All-MAC Football Team - Vandelay Sports
2007 National Football Foundation National Honor Society
Tim Crouch - Akron
Luke Getsy - Akron
Mark Groza - Akron
2006 FWAA Freshman All-American Team
KR David Harvey - Akron
2007 MAC Players of the Week (1)
CB Reggie Corner - Akron - MAC East Division Defensive Player of the Week
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data