Hustle Belt - National Signing Day 2014: Mid-American Conference Football Recruiting CoverageMAC Football, MAC Basketball, MAC Recruiting, MAC Baseball and all of the other #MACtion hijinks in between - hustlebeltblog@gmail.comhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50387/hustle-fav.png2014-02-07T19:44:21-05:00http://www.hustlebelt.com/rss/stream/51402492014-02-07T19:44:21-05:002014-02-07T19:44:21-05:00How Does the MAC's Recruiting Stack Up Nationally?
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<img alt="Bowling Green won the MAC Championship, but was middle of the pack in recruiting this year." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p9oGikjeDejuuZZ9SWJMnCo8nok=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28267503/20131206_ads_aa1_180.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bowling Green won the MAC Championship, but was middle of the pack in recruiting this year. | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The MAC celebrated its best individual recruiting class ever this season with WMU's star-studded group, but how is the conference as a whole recruiting compared to other conferences? Let's take a look.</p> <p>On Wednesday, Western Michigan did something no one expected it could actually do: Dominate the Mid-American Conference on National Signing Day coming off a miserable 1-11 season. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5381278/western-michigan-2014-national-signing-day-results-recap-news">The Broncos signed 27 players in what is being called the greatest recruiting class in the history of the MAC</a>.</p>
<p>It is a truly impressive class. T<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/6/5387402/mid-american-conference-football-2014-recruiting-class-rankings-how">he scouting services all have it as the clear cut leader</a> in a year of MAC recruiting that feels rather strong. But, as pleased as some of us may be about the state of MAC recruiting in 2014, is there evidence to support those feelings? Has the MAC's recruiting actually improved? Are MAC schools really bringing in better talent than ever before?</p>
<p>There's no denying the MAC has reached new levels of national exposure in recent years. Back-to-back Top-10 Heisman finishes by Jordan Lynch, a BCS bowl appearance, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2013/4/23/4259398/eric-fisher-2013-nfl-draft-profile-central-michigan">No. 1 player taken in the 2013 NFL Draft</a>,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ubbullrun.com/2014/2/6/5388166/khalil-mack-the-no-1-overall-pick"> and a shot at repeating again in 2014</a> have all helped raise the conference to a new stage. But, after two straight disappointing bowl-seasons, including an 0-5 debacle to end the 2013 season, it begs the question: Is all this attention paying off for the MAC, or is it publicity for publicity's sake?</p>
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<p>One way we judge things such at this is by looking at recruiting classes. Successful programs have better luck recruiting. It's why schools such as Alabama and Ohio State, perennial Top 10 teams, always seem to have Top 10 recruiting classes. But success, is only one part of the recipe. You can win 10 games a year, but if no one know you're going it, it's unlikely those wins will have a substantial effect on your recruiting. This is where the national exposure, such as that provided by the MAC's weeknight football games, as well as the formerly listed achievements, comes in. Winning factored with attention, keeps programs on the minds of recruits, and can be the deciding factor in a player's decision for college. After all, everyone loves the spotlight, and when it comes to non-AQ football, the spotlight doesn't get much brighter than it is on the MAC.</p>
<p>But, even with P.J. Fleck signing the best class this conference has ever seen, there were still some head-scratching classes. Bowling Green, coming off a MAC Championship, was more towards the middle of the pack than the top. Northern Illinois, coming off it's fourth consecutive MAC Championship appearance, once again fell short of putting together the conference's top class. Schools such as Ohio and Akron, which feature great facilities and legendary coaches with past BCS-level success, still aren't separating themselves from the majority of the conference, which unfortunately featured <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24310274/the-best-worst-ten-the-final-standings" target="_blank">four of the nation's worst teams this past season</a>.</p>
<p>So, despite what feels like a great success on the recruiting trail, if we actually look at the national recruiting class rankings we can see that more than half of the MAC's teams finished with classes ranked an average of 100, or worse. In fact, the Conference champs have an average recruiting class ranking of 102nd in the country. Northern Illinois, the darlings of Mid-America, did just slightly better, with an average score of the 94st best class in 2014. Both of those teams featured some dynamic players, one of which had more than 40 standing Division I (FBS) offers. Even Western Michigan's amazing class failed to make it into the Top 50 in any service's rankings, finishing with an average ranking of 61.</p>
<table border="0" width="100%">
<caption><b>MAC RECRUITING CLASSES NATIONAL RANKINGS</b></caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>TEAM</b></td>
<td><b>247SPORTS</b></td>
<td><b>SCOUT</b></td>
<td><b>RIVALS</b></td>
<td><b>AVG</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>56</td>
<td>60</td>
<td>61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toledo</td>
<td>90</td>
<td>84</td>
<td>91</td>
<td>88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td>103</td>
<td>80</td>
<td>98</td>
<td>93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>98</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>83</td>
<td>94</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>104</td>
<td>77</td>
<td>110</td>
<td>97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>104</td>
<td>101</td>
<td>102</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>96</td>
<td>106</td>
<td>113</td>
<td>105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Central Michigan</td>
<td>118</td>
<td>113</td>
<td>102</td>
<td>111</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Miami</td>
<td>122</td>
<td>105</td>
<td>120</td>
<td>115</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UMass</td>
<td>115</td>
<td>125</td>
<td>115</td>
<td>118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Akron</td>
<td>116</td>
<td>127</td>
<td>115</td>
<td>119</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastern Michigan</td>
<td>126</td>
<td>122</td>
<td>111</td>
<td>119</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td>123</td>
<td>120</td>
<td>118</td>
<td>120</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p> </p>
<p>Northern Illinois didn't even come close to matching the classes assembled by fellow Illinois schools Northwestern and Illinois, despite being the best program in the state for more than a decade running. It makes one wonder then, while we like to think the MAC is on the come up as a football conference, and we may have felt it was the second best Non-AQ conference in college football, is it recruiting like such? The answer is no, which might also shed some light on why the conference has been embarrassed in two straight post-seasons. For all the success, and attention that the MAC has had over the past two seasons, it's still recruiting near the bottom of the FBS conferences.</p>
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<table border="0" width="100%"><tbody>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th colspan="11" style="text-align: center;">Scout 2014 Conference Recruiting Rankings</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rnk</td>
<td>Conf.</td>
<td>Avg Commits</td>
<td>Leader</td>
<td>Top 100</td>
<td>5-Star</td>
<td>4-Star</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>HS</td>
<td>JC</td>
<td>Avg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>SEC</td>
<td>24.6</td>
<td>1. Alabama</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>121</td>
<td>173</td>
<td>308</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>3.38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Big 12</td>
<td>24.8</td>
<td>13. Oklahoma</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>158</td>
<td>196</td>
<td>52</td>
<td>2.99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Pac-12</td>
<td>21.9</td>
<td>10. USC</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>51</td>
<td>162</td>
<td>233</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>3.06</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>ACC</td>
<td>23.4</td>
<td>3. Florida State</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>46</td>
<td>208</td>
<td>319</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>2.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Big Ten</td>
<td>21.9</td>
<td>5. Ohio State</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>183</td>
<td>286</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>2.96</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Indep</td>
<td>34.5</td>
<td>6. Notre Dame</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>136</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2.43</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>AAC</td>
<td>23.8</td>
<td>46. South Florida</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>85</td>
<td>240</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>2.32</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>MWC</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>66. Boise State</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>58</td>
<td>232</td>
<td>56</td>
<td>2.19</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Conf USA</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>65. Marshall</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>43</td>
<td>262</td>
<td>50</td>
<td>2.14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>MAC</td>
<td>20.3</td>
<td>56. Western Michigan</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>53</td>
<td>251</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>2.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Sun Belt</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>89. Louisiana</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>189</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>2.05</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Only the Sun Belt ranked lower in recruiting as a Conference, than the MAC (according to Scout's conference recruiting rankings). Despite having an individual team finish with a higher rated class than the Mountain West and Conference-USA, the MAC still finished below both. The MAC's recruits typically ranked higher on Scout, averaging a score of 2.2 compared to the MWC's 2.19 and C-USA's 2.14, but as you can tell by looking at the average national rankings chart above, Scout was the more favorable service towards MAC schools in general. I couldn't find any conference vs. conference rankings on Rivals or 247Sports, but I'm willing to bet that if I could the MAC would have finished even further below the MWC and C-USA in both services. Actually, if you look at Scouts' ratings for previous years, the MAC took a step back in 2014, <a href="http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&view=2&yr=2013" target="_blank">finishing one spot below where it finished in 2013's class rankings.</a></p>
<p>**Part of the problem with the MAC recruiting classes this season, at least for the worst classes, was that even of the 3-star talent those classes signed, there were few players that were actually highly regarded by other schools. Central Michigan, for example, only signed two players with competing FBS offers, and each only carried one other FBS offer. EMU, Kent State and Miami and Ohio all carried similar trends: less than 40 percent of their signees carried another offer according to 247Sports. This includes FCS offers. Western Michigan's class bucks the overall trend of the MAC in this regard, with 77 percent of the signings carrying competing offers, all from the FBS level and plenty from BCS schools, but the Broncos' class is clearly the statistical outlier in terms of MAC recruiting. It's not even close to representing any sort of a trend or average for the Conference at large.</p>
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<table border="0" width="100%">
<caption><b>MAC Recruits With Other Offers</b></caption>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Team</b></td>
<td><b>Total Recruits</b></td>
<td><b>Qty with other offers</b></td>
<td><b>% with other offers</b></td>
<td><b>Additional Offers</b></td>
<td><b>FBS</b></td>
<td><b>FCS</b></td>
<td><b>(BCS)</b></td>
<td><b>(MAC)</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Akron</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>0.54</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>0.55</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>16</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0.53</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>36</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0.43</td>
<td>38</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Central Michigan</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>0.22</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastern Michigan</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>0.29</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>0.3</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Massachusetts</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>0.42</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Miami (OH)</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0.35</td>
<td>47</td>
<td>29</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>0.5</td>
<td>99</td>
<td>81</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>23</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>0.38</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Toledo</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>0.52</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>0.77</td>
<td>78</td>
<td>78</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>30</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.ubfan.com/board/index.php?topic=15122.msg172458#new">h/t to 121Merrimac for this data</a>)</p>
<p>Sure, the MAC's greatest players ever have almost all been 2-stars or lower. This is a fact that cannot be argued, and yes, plenty of those players turned into not only fantastic college players, but elite NFL players. Hell, Eric Fisher, who made history by going No. 1 overall to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013, probably shouldn't have even been rated 2-stars coming out oh high school, and yet he turned out to be an elite level player. The MAC has developed a skill for maximizing the potential in otherwise undervalued recruits, and it's a great thing to see. But at what point do we, as fans of this great mid-major conference, start expecting to see some improvement in recruiting. I don't think any of use are asking for multiple 4-star recruits, or Top 25 recruiting classes, because that is a pipe dream. But, is it too much to ask to see the MAC recruit better than FCS teams? Is it too much to expect the majority of our teams to not wind up with some of the worst ranked recruiting classes year in and year out?</p>
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<p> </p>
<p>With the way the conference has garnered attention, and shown it can compete (even with the last two bowl seasons going less than ideal) it's frustrating to see that we're not at least pulling in a few bigger named talents each year. One would like to see the success translate into a few improvements in caliber of recruits. Maybe it's something that will never change. Maybe the MAC is just poorly located (cold weather) and not sexy enough to ever out-recruit the likes of the Mountain West or the AAC. But, then again, maybe Fleck and WMU are more than just a statistical outlier. Maybe, just maybe, the Kalamazoo boat rower is on to something, and maybe we will start to see the NIU's and Bowling Green's of the MAC start to compete on the recruiting trail with the mid-level BCS schools they beat on the field.</p>
<p>We'll just have to wait and see.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">—————</p>
<p><i>**Thanks to 121Merrimac of UBFan.com, here is a break down of the offers every MAC recruit received this season (using 247Sports information). I've compiled it into a Google Spreadsheet for easier viewing.</i></p>
<p><iframe src="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/pub?key=0Aj1qMAJ_uyy3dHo1VzRyalhoVUl3WGo2VjVGV1hkLVE&output=html&widget=true" frameborder="0" height="300" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/7/5390058/2014-mac-football-recruiting-classes-rankings-national-signing-dayBryan M. Vance2014-02-06T18:02:48-05:002014-02-06T18:02:48-05:00Recruiting Services Rank the Recruiting Classes
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/BW_GdtTkDtv1SddsEZM4SCL2G64=/0x190:3415x2467/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28202075/20130921_lbm_av3_121.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sport</figcaption>
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<p>We <a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/6/5386082/national-signing-day-2014-rmid-american-conference-rankings-results-haha-akron" target="new">power ranked the recruiting classes ourselves</a>, now it's time to see how the expert scouting services view the 2014 MAC recruiting classes.</p> <p>The 2014 National Signing Day was an important day for the Mid-American Conference. Western Michigan put together the greatest class ever (on paper) by a MAC school. The Broncos pulled in 28 total (27 signed) recruits, with more than a dozen being of the high 3-star caliber. WMU signed several players regarded as Top 25 players at their position, and snatched up multiple recruits that the bigger BCS schools were clamoring for.</p>
<p>Of course Western Michigan didn't have all the fun. Per usual, Toledo had a strong recruiting class, and Northern Illinois signed one of the more sought after cornerbacks in the nation. Bowling Green signed a former 4-star recruit (long story) and a safety who is regarded as a 4-star by Rivals.</p>
<p>We already <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/6/5386082/national-signing-day-2014-rmid-american-conference-rankings-results-haha-akron">power ranked the MAC 2014 recruiting classes ourselves</a>, but, admittedly, we're not the paid experts who obsessively read over 100s of scouting reports and watch tens of hours of highlight tapes a week to rank the players. That's what sites such as 247Sports, Rivals and Scout are for. Let's take a look at how each of the major scouting services rank the 2014 MAC recruiting classes, starting off with 247Sports:</p>
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<th colspan="7">
<h4>247Sports MAC Football Recruiting Rankings</h4>
</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>RNK</b></td>
<td><b>TEAM</b></td>
<td><b>TOTAL</b></td>
<td><b>3-STAR</b></td>
<td><b>AVG</b></td>
<td><b>POINTS</b></td>
<td><b>NAT'L</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>27</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>80.27</td>
<td>153.7</td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Toledo</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>78.47</td>
<td>117.53</td>
<td>90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>23</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>77.61</td>
<td>111.24</td>
<td>97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>4</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>31</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>75.09</td>
<td>109.96</td>
<td>99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>77.46</td>
<td>105.13</td>
<td>103</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>77.98</td>
<td>104.9</td>
<td>104</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>7</td>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>75.97</td>
<td>102.45</td>
<td>105</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Massachusetts</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>76.31</td>
<td>90.2</td>
<td>115</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Akron</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>76.67</td>
<td>89.14</td>
<td>116</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Central Michigan</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>76.9</td>
<td>86.37</td>
<td>118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>11</td>
<td>Miami (OH)</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>74.52</td>
<td>81.99</td>
<td>122</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>74.69</td>
<td>81.79</td>
<td>123</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Eastern Michigan</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>75.51</td>
<td>76.39</td>
<td>126</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>For the most part, <a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Season/2014-Football/CompositeTeamRankings?Conference=MAC">247Sports' rankings</a> hold up with ours. WMU is by far the leader in their MAC rankings. Remember, 247Spots uses composite rankings to make up these lists, those same composite rankings we used in our recruiting reports. They have Buffalo at No. 3 instead of No. 4, which makes sense because the Bulls did sign more 3-star commits than NIU, and some fantastic ones at that.</p>
<p>Besides that, there's some major difference between how 247Sports views the classes and how we did. Eastern Michigan came in dead last, partially punished for its smaller sized class. The Eagles had a higher average recruit ranking than the likes of Miami (No. 11), Kent State (No. 12) and NIU (No. 4), but with just 16 being reported on 247Sports, it isn't enough to raise them out of the bottom.</p>
<p>This also presents the problem with these rankings. The site doesn't accurately list some of the classes. EMU signed 17, not 16. Akron signed 13, not 16. Part of the problem is the site is still listing players who committed to the teams, but didn't sign. There's no telling if the site will ever update that, because if the players didn't sign elsewhere, or announce a de-commitment, they are technically still committed to the schools.</p>
<p>Overall though, I think this shows a glaring problem, and that is that 247Sports just didn't know much about many of the MAC signees. Take for example, Ohio's Maleek Irons. This is a player, out of Canada, that Canadian scouting services considered the No. 1 prospect in the country. Yet until Signing Day, there was nothing about him on 247Sports, not even a listing. This of course isn't a problem solely isolated to 247Sports. The fact is there are hundreds of thousands of high school players out there, it's impossible for the scouting sites to accurately scout each and every one of them. Even the ones that do get scouted, the sites can have varying opinions. Such is the case with WMU's Lonnie Johnson. 247Sports ranks him a 4-Star recruit, but they're the only service that does.</p>
<p>
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<table class="tableizer-table"><tbody>
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<th colspan="8">Scout MAC Football Recruiting Rankings</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>NATL</b></td>
<td><b>School</b></td>
<td><b>Commits</b></td>
<td><b>Points</b></td>
<td><b>3-Star</b></td>
<td><b>Off</b></td>
<td><b>Def</b></td>
<td><b>Avg</b></td>
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<td>55</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>1504</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>2.54</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>77</td>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>26</td>
<td>883</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>2.15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>80</td>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>811</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>2.42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>85</td>
<td>Toledo</td>
<td>25</td>
<td>766</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>2.12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>102</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>594</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>2.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>104</td>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>585</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>5</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>2.25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>105</td>
<td>Miami (Oh)</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>582</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>12</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>2.09</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>106</td>
<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>579</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>2.14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>110</td>
<td>Central Michigan</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>545</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>2.24</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>118</td>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>460</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>11</td>
<td>2.05</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>121</td>
<td>Eastern Michigan</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>433</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>8</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>2.06</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>126</td>
<td>Akron</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>334</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>127</td>
<td>Massachusetts</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>283</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>7</td>
<td>1.47</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://recruiting.scout.com/a.z?s=73&p=9&c=14&view=2&yr=2014">Scout's rankings</a> are the most different from ours. The service thinks UMass had the worst class by far, but again, it's not accurately listing all of the Minutemen's signings. The service also has the Zips at No. 12, and well bellow the EMU Eagles. Interestingly enough, the site is high on Ohio and Ball State, giving them seven, and eight 3-star recruits respectively; but the service is also incredibly low on Buffalo.</p>
<p>The Bulls come in at eight on Scout's rankings, down five from 247Sports'. Miami is way higher on Scouts, coming in at No. 7, while our rankings and 247Sports' ranking had them at 11.</p>
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<th colspan="6">Rivals 2014 MAC Football Recruiting Class Rankings</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>Nat'l Rank</b></td>
<td><b>School</b></td>
<td><b>Total</b></td>
<td><b>3-Star</b></td>
<td><b>Avg</b></td>
<td><b>Points</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>60</td>
<td>Western Michigan</td>
<td>28</td>
<td>14</td>
<td>2.5</td>
<td>1200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>83</td>
<td>Northern Illinois</td>
<td>35</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2.09</td>
<td>855</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>91</td>
<td>Toledo</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2.13</td>
<td>780</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>99</td>
<td>Ball State</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>705</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>101</td>
<td>Bowling Green</td>
<td>16</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>2.19</td>
<td>690</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>102 (tied)</td>
<td>Central Michigan</td>
<td>18</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>675</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>111</td>
<td>Ohio</td>
<td>24</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2.08</td>
<td>600</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>112</td>
<td>Eastern Michigan</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2.18</td>
<td>585</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>114</td>
<td>Buffalo</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>3</td>
<td>2.16</td>
<td>540</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>116 (tied)</td>
<td>Massachusetts</td>
<td>22</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>2.1</td>
<td>480</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>116 (tied)</td>
<td>Akron</td>
<td>13</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>2.31</td>
<td>480</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>118</td>
<td>Kent State</td>
<td>17</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>465</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>119</td>
<td>Miami (OH)</td>
<td>21</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>2</td>
<td>435</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>Lastly, there's Rivals, which again, isn't accurately listing all of the signings, but for the most part are close in the numbers. Again though,<a target="_blank" href="http://sports.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/teamrank/2014/MIDAM/all"> Rivals' rankings </a>vary from ours. Miami, which actually has 26 signings, is the last class in the MAC according to these rankings, by a decent margin. We had them at No. 11. Kent State, out last place class, is No. 12, but is missing four signings.</p>
<p>Again, Buffalo's class isn't highly regarded here. The Bulls come in at No. 9, but were No. 4 in our rankings. Central benefits the most here, listed as the sixth best class in the MAC, while we felt it was the twelfth best class in the league this year.</p>
<p>Looking at all of these rankings together we can see one thing, it's generally the successful MAC schools with the best ranked recruiting classes. Northern Illinois' class is never ranked lower than fifth in the conference. Bowling Green's class, admittedly ranked lower in our rankings than anywhere else, is hovering at about the fifth best class in the conference. Schools such as Miami, EMU and UMass, all of which have struggled on the field and are transitioning over to new coaches, have poorly rated classes by the scouting services. It all stands to hold up the idea that success on the field begets success on the recruiting trail, for the most part. Of course WMU breaks that hypothesis with its class that is unanimously considered the top class in the MAC.</p>
<p>Of course none of this is a science, and in our rankings I tried to look past just size or player rankings, but also at how a class filled its needs, which these rankings can't do. But, it's interesting to note how these scouting services view the talent level of MAC recruits in order to get a sense of just how well the MAC's classes stack up nationally.</p>
<p>We'll discuss what these 2014 classes show about the MAC on a national stage next.</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/6/5387402/mid-american-conference-football-2014-recruiting-class-rankings-howBryan M. Vance2014-02-06T14:30:44-05:002014-02-06T14:30:44-05:00MAC Football Recruiting Class Power Rankings
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The dust has settled and the classes have been signed, now it's time to take a look at the winners, and losers, in the MAC on National Signing Day.</p> <p>National Signing Day 2014 has came, conquered, left grown men crying in the corner of their rooms from exhaustion, and went. So, now it's time to start examining what all these new faces mean. Not just on a team by team basis, but also on a conference perspective.</p>
<p>One way to make sense of stuff like recruiting classes, is to think of them as a competition, a race if you will. All races, or football seasons, have final standings, and so that's what we're here to do today, break down the MAC football standings, and see how the classes stack up. Rather than trying to achieve all of that in one mega post, we're doing several takes on the recruiting class rankings, starting with our own HUSTLE BELT MID-AMERICAN CONFERENCE FOOTBALL RECRUITING POWER RANKINGS!</p>
<p>*A little disclaimer: I'm not using things such as Rivals, Scout or 247Sports recruiting class rankings right now, I'm going off our own recaps, and my judgements about these classes*</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5382928/national-signing-day-2014--kent-state-golden-flashes-football-results-recap-news/in/5140249" target="_blank">13) Kent State</a></h4>
<p>The Golden Flashes put together a decent sized recruiting class with 20 signees, but overall it feels underwhelming. There's a real lack of name power, which I understand is a slightly ridiculous thing to say considering this is MAC recruiting, but if you actually follow MAC recruiting, it feels like a forced class. There are a lot of unknowns; players who could be good, but we just don't know anything about. While we've seen time and time again where a low-ranked player goes on to do great things in the MAC, we hardly ever say it about an UNRANKED player, and there's just too many of those in this class.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/4/5376208/national-signing-day-2014-mid-american-conference-football-recruiting-commits-news">
<h2>2014 National Signing Day Coverage</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28059187/snip20140204_16.0_cinema_500.0.png"></a> <span>Looking for Signing Day news for your favorite MAC team? Look no further. We've got class breakdowns, recaps, and highlights all in one place.</span>
</div>
<p> </p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5381800/central-michigan-2014-national-signing-day-results/in/5140249" target="_blank">12) Central Michigan</a></h4>
<p>CMU's class is another interesting one to look at. The Chippewas class isn't awful, really no class was, but I wouldn't call it a good one either. Central signed 17, almost all of which are 2-Stars. So it's not that their aren't talented players here, but it would have been nice to see a few more talented players. Cooper Rush is CMU's quarterback, but would have going after a solid 3-Star option back there as well? The Chips did sign a 2-Star dual-threat QB in Zach Oakley, but with Alex Niznak leaving (which I'm sure the coaches at least had an idea of since giving Rush the job in the fall) bringing in more competition can only help, not hurt, Rush.</p>
<p>The Chips did add one of the more intriguing athletic prospects in this class, a 6-foot-8, 3-star defensive end named Alex Neering, but again, a few more impact players are required to get CMU up higher.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5383764/national-signing-day-2014-miami-redhawks-football-recruiting-results-recap-news/in/5140249" target="_blank">11) Miami</a></h4>
<p>Chuck Martin put together another class with a lot of bulk. At 26 players deep (if you include transfers) it's not small, and there are players who can come in and play right away, but it still feels underwhelming. There is an insane amount of tight ends in the class, some of whom will have to slide over and learn to play line, but that is part of my issue with this class. Why not just sign offensive lineman? Yes, Chuck Martin had limited time to work, and Don Treadwell did him no favors, but a more balanced class would have been nice to see for a team that can use a little bit of everything coming off an 0-12 season.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2014/2/5/5381694/eastern-michigan-2014-national-signing-day-results/in/5140249" target="_blank">10) Eastern Michigan</a></h4>
<p>I could have listed 12, 11, 10 and 9 a staggered tie for ninth place, because in some ways I feel like that's what it is, but that's cheating. We don't cheat. So, at the risk of pissing some people off, I opted to go with a tie breaker by looking at the number of 3-star players signed. EMU's class isn't large. But it isn't small either; and considering my comments about Martin, what Creighton was able to do is a damn near miracle. He started with just four players, and was hired later than Martin, and still managed to sign some of Michigan's better talent. Ka'John Armstong and Kyle Rachwal are two high-end Michigan products that should come in and contribute early on, or at least push the people ahead of them. Both have fantastic upside as well.</p>
<p>There's also Shaq Vann and Kenny Jones, two top-level prospects from Indiana who can come in and help the Eagle's offense by providing it with some playmakers, which it sorely lacked in 2013. But, the class could have used some high-level talent on the defensive line. EMU gets a bump for what Creighton did in a short time, but the class is far from perfect.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2014/2/5/5383656/national-signing-day-2014-akron-zips-football-recruiting-results-recap-news/in/5140249" target="_blank">9) Akron</a></h4>
<p>Akron's class is a head-scratcher, that's for sure. With just 13 players signed to Letter's of Intent, its the smallest one in the MAC right now. But, Terry Bowden is no chump. Surely he has some mater plan at work that we just don't see yet. It could be that Akron, unlike most of the other schools on this list, isn't including graduate transfers. It could also be that it hasn't finalized those transfers yet. Either way, there will be more new faces than what we see listed now, but we have to wait and see. But still, even with it's small size, Bowden managed to pack in some impact players. I really like Anthony Clark, a big defensive end, who is also a local product and could help Bowden establish a better track record of brining in Northeastern Ohio players.</p>
<p>Chandler Kincade has the tools to develop into a good quarterback, and could provide some competition for Kyle Pohl in a year. Brock Bozen is another bid body on the defensive line, an area the Zips needed help at, that can make an impact early. Overall it's about as solid of a 13-man signing class as you can expect, and while having a few more players in the fold at this point would have been nice to see, the players there are a good mix of talent and potential, especially at areas Akron needed to add help.</p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5383292/umass-2014-national-signing-day-umass-results-recap/in/5140249">8) Massachusetts</a></h4>
<p>Mark Whipple is another one of those coaches who had adverse circumstances surrounding the recruiting process, but managed to put together a good class nonetheless. UMass added a lot of depth on its defensive line, and four quarterbacks. That's right, FOUR OF THEM. For a school that has had so many issues under center, bringing in that much competition could be just what it needs. One of those four is a transfer from Marshall who may end up being the starter by the start of the 2014 season.</p>
<p>Whipple managed to pull in four 3-star players, including J.T. Blyden, a Top-50 running back. Whipple's class has more size than the likes of EMU, Akron and Central, while also bringing in more talent top-level MAC talent than Miami or Kent State. It's a great first class for the second Whipple era, and one the will hopefully allow the Minutemen to finally start making strides in the FBS.</p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5381918/bowling-green-2014-national-signing-day-results-babers-era-begins/in/5140249">7) Bowling Green</a></h4>
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<p>Before you pull out your pitchforks and raid my home, hear me out. Bowling Green being seventh isn't a knock on the Falcons class, so much as it is a testament to how good the next few classes are. The Falcons signed one the the MAC's top two, or three players in the 2014 class with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/4/5379088/2014-bowling-green-football-recruiting-nilijah-ballew-interview">Nilijah Ballew</a>, a high 3-star safety that was once committed to Louisville. They also added Roger Lewis, a one-time 4-star WR who had legal issues and years past and had to put his college football dreams on hold. Lewis may very well be the best freshman in the MAC if he still holds the talent that once had him offers from Ohio State and other big time schools.</p>
<p>Cody Galloway is a nice 3-star dual-threat QB, and Clint Stephens give BGSU another WR option for Dino Baber's high-octane offense. But, there was a lack of overall 3-star caliber guys. Granted BG brings back a lot of talent. But on the defensive side of things, the Falcons are losing some long standing pieces, and with a MAC Championship in their pocket, it would have been nice to see another two or three players along the likes of Ballew and Lewis. If Babers can convert the offense with little hiccups and keep BG at the top of the MAC in 2014, his 2015 class should be loaded with athletes.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5383808/2014-national-signing-day-ball-state-cardinals-football-recruiting-results-recaps-news" target="_blank">6) Ball State</a></h4>
<p>Again, 7-5 are incredibly close. The classes were all successful for various reasons, and in the end the real deciding factor is sheer size of the class. Ball State signed 19 to its 2014 class, two more than Bowling Green. Pete Lembo's class is actually an interesting one for the sheer number of athletes in it. I'm not talking about big guys, I mean actual players listed as athletes. The kind of signings who typically go on to become offensive weapons. Players with speed, hands, and vision, who can line up behind the quarterback, in the slot, or out wide.</p>
<p>The Cardinals signed seven of those type players in all, headlined by 3-star WR Jordan Hogue. In a few years time, these players could be the base of an insanely up-temp, whirlwind offense that would make anyone dizzy. But, it's also the less sexy players they signed that make this class stand out. The Cardinals went hard after Indian's top talent and it paid off. Kevin Willis, one of the states top offensive lineman, is a great grab for Ball State. David Morrison, a 3star QB out of Fort Wayne, Ind. is another great pickup. The Cardinals had one of the more balanced classes, getting a little something from everywhere, while still managing to focus hard on key positions. It's an impressive haul in what will likely be Lembo's last class in Muncie, Ind..</p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5378878/national-signing-day-2014-ohio-bobcats-football-recruiting-results-recap-news/in/5140249">5) Ohio</a></h4>
<p>There's no denying that Ohio put together a fantastic class this season. They grabbed players from almost every position, including a punter and kicker. The 'Cats hauled in a 3-star quarterback who could develop into a fantastic multi-year starter with the signing of Joey Duckworth. Running back was a main focus, and Ohio nabbed three players with immense upside, led by a Canadian power back (Maleek Irons) with stats, size and speed that video game players dream of.</p>
<p>It was yet another great year of offensive line pickups for the Bobcats as well. Jared McCray and Joe Lowrey are high 3-star tackles. Brennan Dudziak, Jake Pruhes and Steve Langenkamp are are all slightly rougher prospects that make a solid 5-man offensive line class with good potential. Potentially the best singing of this class though it Mitch Bonnstetter, the punter. Ohio's special teams was painful to watch for most of 2013, especially the punting. Bonnstetter brings in a a powerful leg, with accuracy, and should make an immediate impact on Ohio's special teams.</p>
<h4><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ubbullrun.com/2014/2/6/5385772/final-thoughts-on-the-buffalo-recruiting-class">4) Buffalo</a></h4>
<p>Clearly linebacker was an area of key concern for Buffalo with its 2014 class. The Bulls not only went hard after the position, they owned by signing three 3-star linebacking prospects at the top of their class. Mix in a fourth linebacker, a 2-star from Rochester, New York, and it's clear Jeff Quinn meant business. William White and Gary Hosey, teammates from Cass Technical in Detroit, are fantastic grabs. As is Corey Henderson from King George, Virginia. The three could form a dominate linebacking corps here in the near future.</p>
<p>Elsewhere, Buffalo also signed a pair of quarterbacks. 3-star pro-style prospect Chris Merchant (a Canadian product) and 2-star dual-threat QB J.R. Zazzara (that name is fantastic, by the way). These two offer plenty to be excited over, and it's always nice to bring in quarterbacks of various styles to allow your offense some flexibility in the future. The Bull Run guys came away impressed with this class, and for good reason. It's solid from top to bottom. A running back or two would have been great additions, but weren't necessarily required. Unlike most of the MAC, this class was heavily defensive focused, which in itself sets the Bulls' class apart.</p>
<h4>3<a target="_blank" href="http://%20http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5383032/northern-illinois-2014-national-signing-day-results-recap-commits-news/in/5140249">) Northern Illinois</a>
</h4>
<p>On our podcast I said NIU's class was my No. 2, but like the recruits themselves, I'm allowed to flip and flop. I've since re-examined the classes, and feel that the Huskies' 2014 haul is better suited for No. 3. With the largest class in the MAC (31), NIU landed one of he top recruits in the conference with 3-star CB Deion Hallmon, a player that had more than 40 FBS offers. The Huskies also signed 3-star CB Mayomi Olootu, another defensive back with great upside.</p>
<p>With a class this large, you're bound to have a little bit of everything, and NIU did just that. Landon Root, a 3-star quarterback, headlines a nice group of offensive players, that include an excellent offensive lineman in Shane Evans. Wide receiver and the secondary were the two main focuses, and NIU added plenty of players in both areas. I personally think Ezra Saffold can be a great future weapon in the Huskies offense.</p>
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<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5382732/toledo-2014-national-signing-day-results-replacing-fluellen-and-reedy/in/5140249" target="_blank">2) Toledo</a></h4>
<p>For the first time in what feels like forever, Toledo didn't have the top recruiting class in 2014. It wasn't for a lack of effort. The Rockets signed 22 to a class that is widely considered the second best in the MAC. Per usual, Matt Campbell and the Rockets had great success getting players out of Florida, and signing wide receivers. Defense was a main focus with this class as well, and Toledo went hard after impact players at several defensive positions. The Rockets signed six defensive backs, led by 3-star safety Marcus Whitfield, and 3-star cornerback Dedric Brinson, both of whome can have immediate impacts, and should develop into fantastic players. Toledo also added five linebackers, headlined by the class's top recruit, high 3-star outside linebacker prospect Anthony Davis.</p>
<p>Seven three stars were signed this year, according to 247Sports. While the class lacked the one true gem that 2013 had (4-star WR Rodney Adams) it certainly doesn't lack in talent. There are some concerns about the lack of a quarterback and punter in this class. Surely had Toledo been able to keep 3-star QB Travis Smith, this class would have been a fantastic one, but it's still a class that in any other year would likely have finished tops in the MAC. Dav'ion Riley, Mykale Rogers and Jon Vae' Johnson can all make immediate impacts in the passing game.</p>
<p>There's also several players in the secondary who could make some kind of impact in 2014. Players such as Noah Speilman carry some name recognition (yes, he's the son of former Buckeye Chris Speilman) that Toledo fans have come to expect.</p>
<h4><a href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5381278/western-michigan-2014-national-signing-day-results-recap-news/in/5140249" target="_blank">1) Western Michigan</a></h4>
<p>Well, P.J. Fleck did it. The Kalmazoo Magician rowed his boat to what is being heralded as the greatest signing class in MAC history, at least on paper. Fleck, as he said on Signing Day, went after Big 10 caliber recruits, and not only got them to commit to WMU, but got them to sign to the Brown and Gold. Sure, Western Michigan as awful in 2014, and a lot of that is on him, but Fleck made up for it with this class.</p>
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<p>Sixteen 3-star recruits. Several players at the top of their states. WMU signed the No. 3 inside linebacker, the No. 5 wide receiver, the No. 12 inside linebacker, the No. 25 quarterback, the No. 34 safety, the No. 32 running back, the No. 58 defensive end, the Np. 64 tight end, and a top 70 offensive tackle that was receiving strong offers from schools such as Ohio State in the final days. Not a single one of his commits deflected on Signing Day. All told he signed 27, with another player opting to greyshirt for a season.</p>
<p>The names to look out for are endless. Lonnie Johnson, a 4-star safety on 247Sports, headlines this class and will undoubtedly play right away. Actually, don't be surprised to see 11 to 12 of these players starting for WMU next fall. Not just playing, actually starting. Chance Stewart will compete for the quarterback position. Javonte Seaburry and Jay Harris join a stable of receiving options that already features some of the best mid-major wide outs in the nation. Jamauri Bogan could wind up with the starting running back position. JaKevin Jackson will get time at outside linebacker, along with Nathan Braster at defensive end, Jason Sylva at middle backer and Kenny Finley at defensive tackle. These players came to WMU to help build something, and they're going to get the opportunity to contribute from day 1.</p>
<p>The Broncos you new in 2013 will look noticeably different in 2014, and it's because of this class. Talent issues are no longer an excuse. Fleck has the weapons. If he can win four or more games in 2014, he should be able to repeat this recruiting success and have WMU competing for MAC Championships by 2015. If not, this class could be a one-hit wonder. But honestly, there's no reason for WMU fans to feel pessimistic. Fleck talked the talk on the recruiting trail and backed it up. He's on another level in terms of MAC recruiting, that even Terry Bowden and Frank Solich, coaches who had immense success at powerhouse programs such as Auburn and Nebraska, can't compete with him on the recruiting trail. That's something to be incredibly proud of Broncos' fans.</p>
<p>Next up, we'll take a look at how the scouting sites rank these classes, and how they compare nationally.</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/6/5386082/national-signing-day-2014-rmid-american-conference-rankings-results-haha-akronBryan M. Vance2014-02-06T12:04:00-05:002014-02-06T12:04:00-05:00HIS NAME IS LION KING
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<p>Yesterday, the internet was 50 shades of crazy when everybody found out that Eastern Michigan's 17th Letter of Intent came in from a fellow named Lion King.</p>
<p>We all initially knew him as Lion King Conaway, but apparently, it's just Lion King.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Also, EMU athletics informs me that Lion King Conaway has legally changed his name to simply Lion King</p>
— Kyle Austin (@kylebaustin) <a href="https://twitter.com/kylebaustin/statuses/431135871480233984">February 5, 2014</a>
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<p>He's always liked his name. Even early on in high school, he just pimped it out with the upmost amount of swagger.</p>
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<p><span>"I like my name," says Lion King, who played on the freshman basketball team this year. On or off the court, his name attracts as much attention as a wildebeest in a pack of hyenas. When he meets new people, "They always say, ‘What? Are you serious? Is that your real name?' And then I say, ‘Yes.'"</span></p>
<p>(source: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2013/6/10/4415292/lion-king-conaway-football-hakuna-matata" target="_blank">SB Nation</a>)</p>
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<p>That quote goes way back to his earliest of years in high school: the dreaded freshman year. You know, life as a freshman in high school would have been a lot easier if my mom and dad would've given me a name like that. Like, Buzz-Light Year Alvarado would've been nice, but even that came out three years after I was born, and I would've been stuck with "Dumbo" or something like that.</p>
<p>But still, that's got to be the coolest thing ever, right? Way to embrace your name like that, kid. Hakuna Matata.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/6/5386152/his-name-is-lion-kingAlex Alvarado2014-02-06T11:19:08-05:002014-02-06T11:19:08-05:00PODCAST: Breaking Down National Signing Day 2014
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<img alt="No Travis Smith, but Toledo still hauls in a good class." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4eWuXl6DvWDIMYFp0H3C4_B0-RI=/0x110:2830x1997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28178637/20131112_ajl_ai5_490.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>No Travis Smith, but Toledo still hauls in a good class. | Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This one's a doozie. But hey, National Signing Day only comes once a year, and this one was one remember.</p> <p>National Signing Day was huge for the MAC. PJ Fleck brings in probably the greatest class in conference history and NIU has 31 guys that they get to be excited about. Alex and Bryan break down each school's signing day class with a few highlights from the day. Also, find out what Lion King's real name is!</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/2014/2/6/5386210/podcast-mid-american-hustle-episode-6Alex Alvarado2014-02-05T21:29:00-05:002014-02-05T21:29:00-05:00Miami Signs 26 to 2014 Recruiting Class
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<img alt="Notre Dame transfer Andrew Hendrix is among the 26 members of Miami's recruiting class." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7coy1a5UJd2AWtkYDPMl_WbIt9A=/0x36:630x456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28136967/20120421_jla_sc5_155.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Notre Dame transfer Andrew Hendrix is among the 26 members of Miami's recruiting class. | Matt Cashore-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Chuck Martin and his staff brought in 26 players for their first class in Oxford. We take a closer look.</p> <p>Chuck Martin had a tough row to hoe when he became head coach of the Miami RedHawks. The team was coming off seasons of 4-8, 4-8, and 0-12, and once <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36690/zac-dysert" class="sbn-auto-link">Zac Dysert</a> left for the Broncos, it was painfully obvious that one of the best quarterbacks in school history was about the only thing standing between four wins and zero those first two years. And recruiting had largely been at a standstill since Don Treadwell's dismissal after week five. Despite those obstacles, Martin and his staff hit the ground running, bringing in a class of 26 players after two months on the recruiting trail. Here they are:</p>
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<th>Name</th> <th>Position</th> <th>Height</th> <th>Weight</th> <th>Hometown (Previous School)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ikeem Allen</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>Charlotte, NC (Mallard Creek)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Deion Cineus</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>Miami Beach, FL (Miami Beach)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sam Connolly</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>220</td>
<td>Chicago, IL (Mount Carmel)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelvin Cook</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>5-10</td>
<td>170</td>
<td>Colerain, OH (Colerain)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Demers</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>270</td>
<td>Tipp City, OH (Tippecanoe)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mack Duffin</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>220</td>
<td>Avon, IN (Avon)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Bradley Earnest</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>210</td>
<td>Atlanta, GA (Lakeside)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113575/andrew-hendrix" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Hendrix</a></td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>226</td>
<td>Cincinnati, OH (Moeller) (Notre Dame)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Hovey</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>235</td>
<td>Eden Prairie, MN (Eden Prairie)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris Hudson</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-6</td>
<td>235</td>
<td>Hazard, KY (Hazard)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trey Knes</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>225</td>
<td>Chesterfield, MO (Parkway Central)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Sam Martin</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td>180</td>
<td>Boulder, CO (Fairview)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Matt Merimee</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>200</td>
<td>Cleveland, OH (Benedictine)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Paul Moses</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-0</td>
<td>220</td>
<td>Toledo, OH (Toledo Central Catholic)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mitch Palmer</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>275</td>
<td>St. Louis, MO (De Smet Jesuit)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Nate Patterson</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>230</td>
<td>Perrysburg, OH (Perrysburg)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Gus Ragland</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-1</td>
<td>200</td>
<td>Cincinnati, OH (Moeller)</td>
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<td>Jordan Rigg</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>250</td>
<td>Springboro, OH (Springboro)</td>
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<tr>
<td>Richard Schoen</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>180</td>
<td>Riverside, IL (Fenwick)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Smith</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-5</td>
<td>240</td>
<td>Oak Park, IL (Fenwick)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alonzo Smith</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>200</td>
<td>Palm Beach Gardens, FL (Dwyer)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Zach Swarts</td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>275</td>
<td>Ft. Wayne, IN (Homestead)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daryus Thompson</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td>192</td>
<td>Powder Springs, GA (McEachern)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113594/alex-welch" class="sbn-auto-link">Alex Welch</a></td>
<td>Power</td>
<td>6-4</td>
<td>251</td>
<td>Cincinnati, OH (Elder) (Notre Dame)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113579/lo-wood" class="sbn-auto-link">Lo Wood</a></td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>5-11</td>
<td>194</td>
<td>Apopka, FL (Apopka) (Notre Dame)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenny Young</td>
<td>Skill</td>
<td>5-10</td>
<td>182</td>
<td>Tallahassee, FL (Godby)</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<p>(Note: Miami's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.muredhawks.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=26100&ATCLID=209396490">official release</a> on the class identifies players only as "power" and "skill," and not by position. More on this below.)</p>
<h3>IMMEDIATE TRANSFER HELP</h3>
<p>The news about this class that's gotten the most nationwide news is the addition of three Notre Dame transfers -- Andrew Hendrix, Alex Welch, and Lo Wood -- who have already graduated and enrolled at Miami. The three of them came to South Bend highly touted, especially Welch, but injuries and the vagaries of college competition meant they didn't live up to the promise they showed as 18-year-olds. But that is no matter when it comes to Miami. With Hendrix, Welch, and Wood, Chuck Martin has three players he trusts a great deal (why would he have let them transfer otherwise?) and three players who can make an immediate difference in terms of team leadership. I have no idea if any of these three will start -- though you'd expect immediate lineup help from them, because why transfer otherwise -- but they can certainly provide a locker room presence that seems to have been sorely lacking last season, apart from the injured <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116678/austin-boucher" class="sbn-auto-link">Austin Boucher</a>.</p>
<h3>STANDOUT FRESHMEN</h3>
<p>When it comes to the freshmen who may be able to make an impact right away, my thought is that the impact will be most felt on the lines. While other recruits may have gotten more stars, anyone who has watched Miami football the past few years knows that the team's biggest problem has been losing the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball. And it's here that guys like Ikeem Allen, Deion Cineus, and Zac Swarts may see a chance to contribute right away: they already have the size to play in college, and based on their pedigrees, they have the talent on paper. Another recruit who may step into a role from day one is Paul Moses, who turned down an offer from Nebraska to be a running back for Miami.</p>
<h3>REBUILDING THE LINES</h3>
<p>As I noted above, Miami's release about the recruiting class doesn't list players by position. It simply says whether they are "power" or "skill." If you've been following Miami's recruiting closely (and who hasn't?), you'd know that Martin and his staff have recruited approximately eleventy-twelve tight ends. The vast majority of these guys are listed as "power" players. What this suggests to my untrained eye is that Miami recruited a number of "tight ends" who will redshirt, put on 75 pounds, and end up as linemen. There simply aren't enough openings at tight end for all of these guys to play that position in college. But I'm also not worried -- Miami has a long tradition of bulking up bigger tight ends and turning them into linemen, and it looks like that's something Martin plans to revive.</p>
<h3>OVERALL</h3>
<p>I'm admittedly a totally biased writer, but I am <i>very </i>happy with this class. At the beginning of Chuck Martin's tenure, it looked like Miami would end up with a class the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/2014/2/5/5383656/national-signing-day-2014-akron-zips-football-recruiting-results-recap-news">size of Akron's</a>. Instead, Miami hauled in 26 players (three of whom are transfers, and thus don't count against the 25-freshmen-per-year rule), many of whom turned down offers from BCS programs to come to Oxford. (For example, Paul Moses -- admittedly a Treadwell commit -- chose Miami over Nebraska, Sam Martin spurned Rutgers, and Zac Swarts picked Miami over Duke, Illinois, and Indiana.) This class is far above and beyond what I expected, especially when we're talking about an 0-12 program and two months' recruiting work. I give the RedHawks' incoming class a solid A: perhaps not an A graded on an absolute scale, but definitely an A on a curve that takes into account the team's state in late 2013.</p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5383764/national-signing-day-2014-miami-redhawks-football-recruiting-results-recap-newsthechuck_21122014-02-05T20:12:24-05:002014-02-05T20:12:24-05:00Ohio Gets Back To Its Roots, Sign 24 To 2014 Class
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<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a few seasons of underwhelming recruiting classes, Ohio may have turned out it's best recruiting class since Frank Solich landed in Athens, with a balanced group that dips into several positions across the depth chart.</p> <p>Ohio fans have been clamoring for a recruiting class they can truly get excited about for years. But despite sustained success, and a legendary coach, the 'Cats have hovered around the middle of the MAC, or even the bottom of the barrel, for years in recruiting. But, Wednesday the Bobcats put together a deep 24-man class that hit several of Ohio's needs, while bringing in a handful of top mid-level recruits.</p>
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<table class="tableizer-table"><tbody>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th colspan="6">OHIO BOBCATS 2014 CLASS</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="6"><b>OFFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>PLAYER</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>HOMETOWN (SCHOOL)</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>POS</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>RATING</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>HT/WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>HIGHLIGHTS</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boland, Brennan</td>
<td>Highland, Kan. (Highland Community College)</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'5''/250lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/393312/highlights/61515375" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brown, Connor</td>
<td>Miamisburg, Ohio (Miamisburg)</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'6''/225lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/442294/highlights/37221388" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brunis, Herman</td>
<td>Fairfield, Ohio (Fairfield)</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>NR</td>
<td>6'0''/170lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Duckworth, Joey</td>
<td>Louisville, Ohio (Louisville)</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'3''/215lb</td>
<td><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Joey-Duckworth-21737/Videos?Institution=18268" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dudziak, Brennan</td>
<td>Pickerington, Ohio (Pickerington Central)</td>
<td>OT</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'6''/265lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2613939/highlights/63931478" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Irons, Maleek</td>
<td>Abbotsford, BC, Canada</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>#1 Player in Canada</td>
<td>6'1''/205lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/648981/highlights/35285431" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jones, Tyler</td>
<td>West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West)</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'1''/185lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/282620/highlights/92615375" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kuhar, Kyle</td>
<td>Avon Lake, Ohio, (Avon Lake)</td>
<td>TE/DE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'4''/245lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/340195/highlights/32622427" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Langenkamp, Steve</td>
<td>Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller)</td>
<td>OG</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'4''/280lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lowery, Joe</td>
<td>Tallmadge, Ohio (Tallmadge)</td>
<td>OT</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'6''/280lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/757829/highlights/35914381" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>McCreay, Jared</td>
<td>Minford, Ohio (Minford)</td>
<td>OT</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'4''/303lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2101871/highlights/75975375" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meyer, Andrew</td>
<td>Pickerington, Ohio (Pickerington Central)</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'1''/190lb</td>
<td><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Andrew-Meyer-21538/Videos?Institution=18047" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Murray, Chris</td>
<td>Huchinson, KS (Hutchinson Community College)</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>5'10''/180lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pruehs, Jake</td>
<td>Lakewood, Ohio (St. Edward)</td>
<td>C</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'2''/285LB</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Royster, Pierce</td>
<td>Hudson, Ohio (Hudson)</td>
<td>K</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>5'9''/170lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1109741/pierce-royster" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>White, Papi</td>
<td>Ada, OK (Seminole)</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>5'9''/168</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Walker, Robbie</td>
<td>Washington, D.C. (Gonzaga)</td>
<td>ATH/RB</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>5'8''/162lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/139723/highlights/32883383" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;" colspan="6"><b>DEFENSE</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>PLAYER</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>HOMETOWN (SCHOOL)</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>POS</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>RATING</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>HT/WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align: center;"><b>HIGHLIGHTS</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Berger, Kent</td>
<td>Mento, Ohio (Mentor)</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'4''/240lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/501354/highlights/16563384" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bonnstetter, Mitch</td>
<td>Fort Dodge, IA (Iowa Central Community College)</td>
<td>P</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'0''/190lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brumfield, Jared</td>
<td>Dayton, Ohio (Stebbins)</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'3''/220lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brunson, Curits</td>
<td>Farmington, MI (Farmington)</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>5'11''/170</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DiCillo, Bryan</td>
<td>Stow, Ohio (Walsh Jesuit)</td>
<td>OLB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'2''/215lb</td>
<td><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1110527/bryan-dicillo" target="_blank">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fox, Jalen</td>
<td>Cincinnati, Ohio (Wyoming)</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>5'10''/175lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frueauf, Chalmer</td>
<td>Cincinnati, Ohio (Archbishop Moeller)</td>
<td>DT</td>
<td>NR</td>
<td>6'3''/245lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Layton, Brett</td>
<td>San Jacinto, California (Mount San Jacinto Community College)</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'0''/190lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nelson, Kylan</td>
<td>Lexington, KY (Lafayette)</td>
<td>CB</td>
<td>NR</td>
<td>5'10''/180lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wshington, Check</td>
<td>Mansfield, Ohio</td>
<td>S/WR</td>
<td>NR</td>
<td>5'11''/183lb</td>
<td></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p> </p>
<p>A season ago, Ohio's class was dominated by one position in particular: defensive linemen. But, in 2014, with less drastic needs, the Bobcats were able to put together a well-balanced class, while still filling several key needs.</p>
<p>Ohio had a few clear-cut needs in this recruiting season. No. 1 was running backs. Ohio lost its two leading rushers at the end of the 2013 season, and didn't feature a true every-down back on roster. The 'Cats went hard after running back, signing three, all players with various skill types and immense upside. Offensive line was another area of concern for Ohio fans. The 'Cats line struggled mightily in 2013 as it attempted to replace several multi-year starters, while also battling injuries. Several untested players were thrust into starting roles in 2013, including a freshman, so adding depth, and high-quality depth at that, was key.</p>
<p>Frank Solich and his staff responded by signing five offensive line, three of which are 3-Star players, and a pair of tight ends as well (Ohio has been cursed at the tight end position in recent years with several players suffering career-ending injuries).</p>
<p>Another are of concern was adding depth across the defense. Several starters are gone, and despite having backups more than capable of stepping into starting roles, Ohio still needed to bulk up its coffers at positions such as cornerback and defensive end. In the end the 'Cats compiled a 24-man class, featuring a mix of players from nearly every position—even punter and kicker, where Ohio struggled mightily for much of 2013.</p>
<p>With a class so deep, and balanced, it's important to look at who the standout guys are. Players who can either come in and make an immediate impact, or who's potential could develop into something special in a few seasons. Here they are.</p>
<h4>STANDOUT PLAYERS:</h4>
<p>This player isn't rated by any major scouting services, but he could wind up being the best player to come out of Ohio's 2014 class. <b>Maleek Irons,</b> a running back out of British Columbia, Canada, is considered by many to be <a href="http://topprospects.ca/searchatl_details.php?atlId=2460" target="_blank">the top recruit in Canada.</a> The 6 foot 1 inch, 205 pound running back has fantastic size, speed, athleticism. His stats are absolutely mind boggling. For his career he ran for 6,175 yards and 76 touchdowns. 5,948 of those yards and all the touchdowns came in his final two seasons. <a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/648981/highlights/35285431" target="_blank">(HIGHLIGHTS HERE)</a></p>
<p>A power runner who is also deceptively fast, Irons appears to have all the tools to be a dynamic running back. However, there are obvious concerns about the level of talent he faced in the Vancouver region. But it didn't scare Washington, Washington State or Colorado, all of which offered Irons. With Beau Blankenship and Ryan Boykin both gone now due to graduation, and Daz' Patterson returning as the team's leading rusher, it's likely Irons will contribute right away. He provides Ohio with a true power rushing attack.</p>
<p>Other players of note include the other two backs in Ohio's class, <b>Papi White</b> and <b>Robbie Walker</b>. Walker, a 3-star running back out of Gonzaga High School in Washington D.C.. At 5-foot-8, 162 pounds, he's not a power runner by any stretch of the imagination. His 4.52 40-yard-dash time is deceiving as well. On the field, with the ball in his hands, Walker is a play-maker with game-breaking speed. Walker's one of those players that can line up in the backfield, or in the slot, and be effective.</p>
<p>White is similar to Walker, but with Irons' stats. This past season the 5-foot-9, 168 pound dynamo ran for 3,220 yards and 41 touchdowns. Out of Seminole High School in Ada, Okla., White was committed to Southern Mississippi in the days leading up to signing day, before Ohio flipped him. White is faster than Walker, at least on paper, but is more of a raw talent. Either way, if Ohio can adjust it's offense to make use of these two, and current do-it-all slot/back Daz' Patterson, the 'Cats could have one dangerous offense.</p>
<p>Sticking on offense, <b>Joey Duckworth</b>, Ohio's top-rated recruit, is another name to keep an eye on. The Louisville, Ohio product is considered the 37th best pro-style quarterback in the 2014 class. Duckworth was garnering interest from top schools before suffering a knee injury at the end of his junior season. Another knee injury that resulted in him having season-ending surgery early on in his senior year all but cut him off from the BCS schools, but by then he had already committed to Ohio. A true pocket passer, Duckworth is incredibly accurate, has good mechanics, great footwork and the size of an NFL quarterback (6-foot-3, 215 pounds). Darrius Vick is the clear-cut start in 2014, but if Duckworth can redshirt this season, get healthy, and learn Ohio's offense to a T, he could challenge Vick in 2015, when Vick would be a senior.</p>
<p>One last offensive player to note is <b>Jared McCray</b>, a top-100 offensive tackle out of Minford, Ohio. At 6-foot-4, 303 pounds, McCray already has great size for a MAC offensive tackle. The former Louisville commit flipped to Ohio after Charlie Strong decided to grayshirt him. What was the Cardinals' loss was a big gain for an Ohio squad that has battled an insane amount of injuries on the o-line in the past two seasons.</p>
<p>Switching over to defense now, <b>Jared Brumfield</b> is the type of freakish athlete that make coaches drool. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, the Dayton, Ohio product is listed as an outside linebacker, but also played running back in high school. His upright running style means it's unlikely we see him continue to get reps out of the backfield in college, but still has the physical tools. Now it's just getting his technique down.</p>
<p>One other player to watch, and one who will surely have an immediate impact on the team is the JUCO punter, <b>Mitch Bonnstetter</b>. Ohio's punting game was atrocious in 2013. Bonstetter meanwhile has average well over 40-yards a punt in his two seasons at Iowa Central Community College. I'm making the prediction now that Bonnstetter will be Ohio's starting punter in 2014.</p>
<h4>BIG PICTURE:</h4>
<p>Ohio's recruiting classes in years past have relied heavily on prep academy recruits. Despite not having to dip into those ranks this year, Ohio actually managed to put together a better, more complete class. The 'Cats addressed nearly every position in this class, adding plug-and-go pieces where it needed immediate help, and project type player with high upsides where depth was an issue.</p>
<p>Solich and his staff also managed to go back to Ohio and milk in-state talent. Out of the 24 signed, 18 of the recruits came from the Buckeye state, the most in any of Solich's recruiting classes since he came to Ohio 10 years ago. Getting local guys is huge for any program, especially in a state as crowded as Ohio. It was also nice to see Ohio go after more athlete type players, such as Walker and White. With Tettleton, Blankenship and Foster gone, the 'Cats offense is going to have to adapt, and we may finally see Solich open up the playbook for a more up-tempo style attack that features slots doing more than just diversions. If Ohio can try to emulate how other slots have been used around the conference, with it's roster of athletes it could create a nasty fast-paced attack that might be what it needs to finally win another MAC Championship.</p>
<p>As an Ohio fan, it's hard to find much to complain about with this class. Some higher caliber players would have been nice, as would maybe another linebacker (3-stars), but even without those things, Solich put together one of his best classes since coming to Athens. Ohio came in at No. 12 in the MAC in recruiting classes in 2013, but is likely to finish in the Top 5 when final rankings come out.</p>
<h4>OFFICIAL HUSTLE BELT GRADE: A</h4>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5378878/national-signing-day-2014-ohio-bobcats-football-recruiting-results-recap-newsBryan M. Vance2014-02-05T18:30:01-05:002014-02-05T18:30:01-05:00UMass 2014 National Signing Day Recap
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_Lt1qBQ2AzLxqBIa6-YhTS1UBws=/0x0:3055x2037/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28138087/151021012.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Although Whipple wasn't given much time to recruit, he was able to bring in a solid class of 24 players</p> <p>Entering his first year as head coach at the University of Massachusetts, Mark Whipple has announced his first recruiting class to lead the Whip era. The class ended up with 24 players signing National Letters of Intent to play football for UMass, including seven transfers and five players already enrolled</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" lang="en">
<p>MT "<a href="https://twitter.com/dandinicola1">@dandinicola1</a>: Signed to UMass! Privileged & Excited to have this opportunity. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TheJourneyBegins&src=hash">#TheJourneyBegins</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FiretheMusket&src=hash">#FiretheMusket</a> <a href="http://t.co/1axSGQkwZa">pic.twitter.com/1axSGQkwZa</a>"</p>
— Mark Whipple (@CoachWhipUMass) <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachWhipUMass/statuses/431100046147596288">February 5, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Whipple, hired in January to be the new leader of the Minutemen did a good job to come in and attack specific needs of the team in such a short period. Football starts in the trenches and that's exactly where Whipple attacked first, signing 7 lineman (offensive and defensive). UMass lost 15 seniors from last season with four coming from the the defensive line and two on the offensive line. It is likely that many of these players will come in and contribute right away.</p>
<p>
</p>
<h4><b>STANDOUTS:</b></h4>
It's hard not to start with a few of the transfers as they look to compete right away so I'll begin with them. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/4/5377608/umass-adds-former-marshall-quarterback-blake-frohnapfel">QB Blake Frohnapfel will compete for the starting job and has a shot at getting it as </a><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/164377/a-j-doyle">A.J. Doyle</a> struggled last season.Frohnapfel has received high praise from everyone at Marshall but he was just in a difficult QB battle and wasn't going to see any playing time. Another transfer who will look to compete right away is WR Alex Kenney. I expect Kenney to line up in the slot and his blazing speed (reported 4.43 40 yard dash) should give UMass a deep threat they desperately needed last season. TE Jean Sifrin may be the biggest name that UMass signed. He is a very talented player and was highly recruited with offers from Oklahoma, USC, and Kansas. He should have an immediate impact as UMass only has two tight ends returning.
<p>Jake Largay, a 3-Star player (according to 247sports) may have the best chance to come and in play a significant role right away. The Minutemen return just four defensive linemen and three of them are edge rushers. With his size, Largay can help plug the middle and be a very good run stopper.</p>
<p>Three players that look like they will have great careers at UMass are RB J.T. Blyden, WR Lamarriel Taylor and QB Ross Comis. Blyden, a 3-Star player is a change of pace back and will get stronger after spending time with UMass strength coach, Mike Golden. UMass is deep at the RB position which could give Blyden a year to get stronger and work on his skills. Taylor is a big target and has great hands. He locates the ball at the highest point and looks to be a dangerous target. Like Blyden, he could also use a year to get stronger but the future for both of these players looks very bright.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/1/27/5351400/2014-umass-football-recruiting-qb-ross-comis-commits-to-minutemen"> Comis may end up being the sleeper pick for UMass.</a> In his senior season alone he rushed for 2,037 yards and passed for 1,772 yards with 57 combined touchdowns. Even with theses numbers, he was not highly recruited. Comis is my prediction pick to be the biggest steal in the MAC recruiting class.</p>
<p>
</p>
<h4><b>BIG PICTURE:</b></h4>
Given the circumstances that Whipple was under, he managed to do a good job keeping players committed and signing new ones. They got a big commit in Sifrin that really boosted this class. I'd give this recruiting class a B- as it was in the middle of the pack with the rest of the MAC. Given a full year to recruit, I expect Whipple to have one of the top classes in the conference next year.
<h4>OFFICIAL HUSTLE BELT GRADE: B-</h4>
<p>Here's a look at the full recruiting class:</p>
<p>
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<table class="tableizer-table"><tbody>
<tr class="tableizer-firstrow">
<th>PLAYER</th> <th>HOMETOWN (SCHOOL)</th> <th>POS</th> <th>RATING</th> <th>HT/WT</th> <th>HIGHLIGHTS</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>OFFENSE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Angelas, Dimitri</td>
<td>Northville, MI (Northview)</td>
<td>OG</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'5"/308</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1643776/highlights/77267383?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Blyden, J.T.</td>
<td>Springfield, PA (Cardinal O'Hara)</td>
<td>RB</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>5'11"/195</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1349191/highlights/113725378?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Comis, Ross</td>
<td>Weirton, WV (Weirton Madonna)</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>NR</td>
<td>6'2"/215</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3381588/highlights/121140375?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Denton,Jon</td>
<td>Perry,KS (Coffeyville C.C.)</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>6'6"/260</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/174204/highlights/109611379">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DiNicola, Dan</td>
<td>Brookline, MA (Dexter School)</td>
<td>OT</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'6"/280</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/217510/highlights/90978385?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fernandez, Anthony</td>
<td>Rancho Cucamongo, CA (Rancho Cucamongo HS)</td>
<td>OL</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>6'6"/280</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/553687/highlights/50481380">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fiske, Jordan</td>
<td>Hinsdale, MA (East Coast Prep)</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>6'3"/225</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/3148878/highlights/94486375">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Frohnapfel, Blake</td>
<td>Stafford, Virginia (Marshall)</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>6'6"/225</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO5VrFH_snE">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Johnson, Ryan</td>
<td>St. Louis, MO (Garden City (Kan.) Community College)</td>
<td>OL</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>6'5"/320</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1565991/highlights/95084376">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kenney, Alex</td>
<td>State College, PA (Penn State)</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>NA</td>
<td>6'0"/195</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9cX5fBXLUY">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Porter, Liam</td>
<td>Franklin, MA (Dean College)</td>
<td>OT</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'6"/276</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/199595/highlights/69893376">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sifrin, Jean</td>
<td>Hawthorne, CA (El Camino Junior College)</td>
<td>TE</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'7"/250</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/422977/highlights/9742372?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Taylor, Lamarriel</td>
<td>Chula Vista, CA (Mission Bay)</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'3"/185</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3255196/highlights/84950385?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Verboys, Andrew</td>
<td>Armonk, NY (Fort Union Academy)</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>5'11"/197</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3000313">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>West, Randall</td>
<td>Trenton, NJ (The Lawrenceville School)</td>
<td>QB</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'4"/215</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/366772/highlights/73815375">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Williams, Jalen</td>
<td>Kennesaw, GA (Dean College</td>
<td>WR</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'3"/205</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2027842/highlights/94567398">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DEFENSE</td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Addo, Jarell</td>
<td>Leominster, MA (Leominster Senior)</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'1"/183</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1881564/highlights/41463382?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carter,Chris</td>
<td>Bridgewater, NJ (Bridgewater Raritan)</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'4"/240</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1828774/highlights/78830376?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Downey, Da'Sean</td>
<td>White Plains, NY (Canterbury School)</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'5"/240</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2775688/highlights/82804377?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Edmonds,Ezekiel</td>
<td>West Palm Beach, FL (Royal Palm Beach HS)</td>
<td>LB</td>
<td>NR</td>
<td>6'0"/200</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/626059/highlights/101481376?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Largay, Jake</td>
<td>East Hartland, CT (Granby Memorial)</td>
<td>DL</td>
<td>3-Star</td>
<td>6'5"/275</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2556354/highlights/121684375">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Singh, Charan</td>
<td>Murrysville, PA (Franklin Regional)</td>
<td>ATH</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'2"/175</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1102816/highlights/63371382?autoplay=1">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Smiley, Joshua</td>
<td>Pomfret Center, CT (Pomfret School)</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'6"/243</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/895651/highlights/101830376">YES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wynne, Jack</td>
<td>Greenwich, CT (Greenwich)</td>
<td>DE</td>
<td>2-Star</td>
<td>6'4'/240</td>
<td><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/808836/highlights/40318378">YES</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>
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https://www.hustlebelt.com/football-recruiting/2014/2/5/5383292/umass-2014-national-signing-day-umass-results-recapchadhunte