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Today we're releasing the third edition of our monthly Power Rankings. On the 15th of every month HustleBelt.com will rank each MAC school according to their success in the form of verbal commitments during the 2015 recruiting cycle (see what we did there?).
Recently we revealed our new recruiting database which will help fans stay updated with their favorite MAC teams on the recruiting trail all for FREE!
Overall, we saw momentum gained by many teams this month and it will be interesting to see who can maintain that momentum as we head towards the end of summer. Western Michigan seems to be slowing down a bit on the recruiting trail due to a limited amount of scholarships available so it will be interesting to see if anyone in the MAC can catch up to the ridiculous pace they established early this summer.
Well I've kept you waiting long enough so without wasting anymore time, here are the July Power rankings:
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No. 1: WMU | LM: 1 | Commits: 18 |
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Coach Fleck has continued his success on the recruiting trail this month. Even though Abdallah Jaffal and James Gilbert are no longer apart of the Broncos' recruiting class, commitments from Davon Tucker and Davontae Ginwright have helped the Broncos maintain their momentum on the recruiting trail. The Broncos will have to continue reeling in solid prospects to hold off the surging RedHawks and maintain the number one spot in our power rankings. Marquee verbals: (LB) Junior McMullen, (S) Jamal Brown, (OL) John Keenoy, (CB) Richie Kittles, (QB) Jon Wassink, (RB) Davon Tucker, and (DB) Davontae Ginwright. |
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No. 2: Miami | LM: 3
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Almost immediately after we posted last month's power rankings, coach Martin and his staff received their quarterback of the future when Billy Bahl committed to the RedHawks. Just a week after his commitment, Bahl found out he will have some quality tight ends to throw to in Cole Chewins and Nate Vejvoda. Although coach Martin's recruiting momentum was hurt with the de-commitment of OT Colton McKivitz, overall his first recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the MAC. Marquee verbals: (QB) Billy Bahl, (LB) Carter Masek, (OL) Ian Leever, (OT) Ryan Mullen, and (TE) Nate Vejvoda |
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No. 3: Toledo | LM: 2
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Toledo has taken a fall in our Power Rankings this month, however it is not because Toledo has not been active on the recruiting trail. Commitments from under the radar guys like Bryce Harris, LaMarr Davis, and Jordan Fisher could turn out to be diamonds in the rough for the Rockets. At 16 commitments, the Rockets are right up there with Western Michigan when it comes to the number of commitments. Although Toledo has not received commitments from any highly touted recruits lately, it seems that many of these commits are a perfect fit in coach Campbell's system. Marquee verbals: (LB) Tyler Taafe, (OL) Chandler Cotterman, (DL/OT) Bryce Harris, (OT) Cameron Bell, and (QB) Mitchell Guadagni |
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No. 4: NIU | LM: 5
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The Huskies have picked up some solid commitments as of late with Vince Hughes and Steven Lee being some of their most recent pickups. If the Huskies can land 3-star DB Adonis Williamson, they could see themselves take yet another boost in our rankings. When signing day rolls around in February, do not be surprised if the Huskies finish with a top three recruiting class in the MAC. Marquee verbals: (TE) Daniel Crawford, (RB) D.J. Brown, (OT) Vince Hughes, (WR) Steven Lee, and (ATH) Sutton Smith. |
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No. 5: CMU | LM: 4
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Central Michigan has put together a pretty solid recruiting class to date, however over the past month they were not very active. Jamil Sabbagh looks to be a good pickup and could become Jake Johnson's favorite target. Overall, it looks that the Chippewas will be very selective who they offer from here on out since they already have 15 commitments. |
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No. 6: BGSU | LM: 9
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Coach Babers and his Falcons had a huge month on the recruiting trail picking up 4-star quarterback James Morgan. Morgan will be the quarterback of the future and under coach Babers' offensive scheme, Morgan could be a star. After having just two commitments last month, the Falcons now have eight and it is very clear that their focus has been defense. Morgan is the only offensive commitment for the Falcons so far. Marquee verbals: (QB) James Morgan, (DT) Jack Kramer, and (DT) Nico Lautanen |
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No. 7: Ball St | LM: 6
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Ball State had a solid month on the recruiting trail. The Cardinals received some good news when they were able to flip RB James Gilbert who was previously committed to Western Michigan. The momentum did not stop there however, as Ball State was able to pick up talented DB Armani McNulty. Even though Ball State dropped in our rankings they have a lot of momentum right now and will need another marquee commitment to keep it going. Marquee verbals: (RB) James Gilbert, (DB) Armani McNulty (OT) Zac Ricketts, (OG) Andrew Poenitsch, and (TE) Kyle Schrank |
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No. 8: Ohio | LM: 8 | Commits: 8 |
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Ohio picked up a few solid commitments over the last month. Linebacker London Cloud was a solid pickup, however the crowned jewel of this recruiting class so far is running back Trae Williams who has all the tools to be a future star in the MAC. Marquee verbals: (RB) Trae Williams, (LB) London Cloud, (DT) Brian Arp, and (LB) Clayton Glasco |
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No. 9: EMU | LM: 7
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Eastern Michigan has started to gain some momentum lately. The Eagles picked up their quarterback of the future (and possibly punter as well!) in Brian Alsobrooks. Even though a lot of work still needs to be done, it looks that the new coaching staff is starting to assemble a solid recruiting class. Marquee verbals: (QB/P) Brian Alsobrooks, OT Rob Pavletich, and LB Demetrius Colbert |
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No. 10: KSU | LM: 10 | Commits: 4 |
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Kent State picked up a solid commitment from linebacker Nick Faulkner. There isn't much information out there on any of the Kent State commitments, however Faulkner looks like he will be a perfect fit in the Flashes defense. Marquee verbals: LB Nick Faulkner, OL Conor Brumfield, DT Alex Hoag, and LB Troy Dipre |
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T-No. 11: UMass | LM: 11 | Commits: 2 |
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No new commitments from the Minutemen is the reason that they stay put at 11 and also a reason why a few voters had them ranked dead last this month. Look for UMass to make a serious run at some guys in the next month before the season starts. Marquee verbals: DT Diasjon Robinson and OT Joe Parsons |
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T-No. 11: Buffalo | LM: 13
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Buffalo picked up four commitments over the last month and prior to that they had just one commitment. So in comparison, the Bulls had a very busy month on the recruiting trail. Not much is known about any of their commitments, however, not much was known about Khalil Mack coming out of high school. Marquee verbals: WR Brandon Smiley, CB Cameron Lewis, DT Duke Hwang, DE Alex Curtis, and TE Matt Seybert |
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No. 13: Akron | LM: 12
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Akron had an interesting month on the recruiting trail. They lost their only commit, Wayne Clarington, but then recovered a bit by gaining a verbal from defensive end Tyler Shipman. When we interviewed Shipman he was very excited to be a Zip so hopefully that excitement can spread to other recruits as coach Bowden continues his work on the recruiting trail. Marquee verbals: DE Tyler Shipman |