Hustle Belt - 2015 Akron Football RecruitingMAC 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.png2015-06-30T10:13:49-04:00http://www.hustlebelt.com/rss/stream/55640232015-06-30T10:13:49-04:002015-06-30T10:13:49-04:00Akron gets Louisville WR transfer Harris
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZpwHvCMcKCAjH8NTNsPTw5Q1iDo=/0x190:3676x2641/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46640828/usa-today-8197259.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Akron picks up former Louisville star's sixth year of eligibility.</p> <p>News broke late Monday evening that former Louisville wide receiver Michaelee Harris is transferring to Akron. Harris was once a hot commodity coming out of high school, and was listed as a four-star prospect, according to <a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Michaelee-Harris-3181?Institution=9069">247Sports' composite rankings</a>, and ranked the 24th best receiver coming out of Northwestern High School in Miami, Florida in the 2010 class.</p>
<p>Injuries have prevented Harris from reaching his full potential. Harris redshirted his freshman year at Louisville due to an MCL injury. A PCL injury in winter workouts cut off Harris' spring practice for the upcoming 2011 season, but the Cardinals' fans got a glimpse of how explosive Harris could be in the 2011 season. The redshirt freshman tallied up 37 catches for 455 yards and a pair of scores in twelve games, but another injury would end his season early. Harris tore his ACL just prior to the Belk Bowl. Fall camp brought even worse news to the 6-foot-2 203 pound receiver. It was reported that Harris suffered another ACL tear and was forced to be sidelined for the 2012 season. It was his fourth knee injury in his first three years at Louisville.</p>
<p>Harris was able to play for Louisville in the past two seasons, but each season saw diminishing numbers. In 2013, Harris brought in 15 receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. The 2014 season saw Harris haul in nine catches for 113 yards and a score.</p>
<p>The once highly-touted prospect will hope to make his home and regain the spark he had coming out of high school, and will be able to participate in the Zips' 2015 campaign. Football fans will be pulling for Harris in hopes to see him maximize his potential. Harris will join Akron wide receiver Zach D'Orazio to help increase the Zips' 250 receiving yards per game they posted in 2014.</p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/6/30/8867989/2015-akron-football-recruiting-wr-michaelee-harris-transfers-to-theAlex Raicevich2015-02-04T17:14:20-05:002015-02-04T17:14:20-05:00How did Akron improve on NSD?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9FrZzxmvBW8KWvYKcjf1lCzY9Cc=/0x0:3315x2210/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45618978/usa-today-8068451.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Akron had a very small class for a majority of the recruiting season, but finished with a huge January.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/2/1/7951805/2015-mac-mid-american-conference-recruiting-national-signing-day-football-coverage-rankings-news" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="https://cdn1.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3359652/MAC-crootin-signing-day-2105-banner.0.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/akron-zips">Akron Zips</a> are coming off of their second straight 5-7 season. The 2014 season was disappointing in that the Zips went 1-5 to close out the season. There are multiple returning starters, and some big losses.</p>
<p><b>KEY LOSSES</b></p>
<p>A position that Akron has excelled at during Bowden's tenure is linebacker. In 2015, <span>Justin March</span> will no longer be there as the defensive captain. Akron's secondary lost a couple of key members to graduation in Bre Ford and <span>Johnny Robinson</span>. The secondary of Akron was a concern going into the 2014 season, and it will still be a concern in 2015. The offense is keeping many of its top performers. The only key losses are running back <span>Jawon Chisholm</span> and center Travis Switzer. Akron's offense wasn't great in 2014, but has the potential to be great with many starters returning.</p>
<p><b>KEY ADDITIONS</b></p>
<p>Terry Bowden and his staff broguht in a smaller recruiting class because there are many red shirts and grey shirts that are going to be eligible in the 2015 season. Ulysees Gilbert, a 3-star linebacker, will add tremendous depth to an already strong corps of linebackers, the best being <span>Jatavis Brown</span>. Helping the linebackers will be Washington State transfer <span>Darryl Monroe</span>. In the 2014 season, Monroe was PAC-12 honorable mention defense.</p>
<p>Another position that Akron needed to improve upon was the wide receivers. There were a lot of dropped passes in 2014 that could have easily changed some games. Richie Cooper and Michael Means are both 2-star receivers that could create competition during practice, and make everyone better.</p>
<p>Other key additions to the Akron Zips come on the offensive line. Bowden was able to pick up three beasts today in Mitchell Hlay, Montel Jordan and Richie Kallay. Last year's offensive line was typically good enough, but the whole offense would struggle to make plays at times because there was no push up front. Kallay and Jordan are each 2-star players.</p>
<p><b>WHO CAN PLAY THIS YEAR?</b></p>
<p><span>Newman Williams</span>, a linebacker from St. Vincent St. Mary, will be eligible to play in 2015 after utilizing his red shirt in 2014. He will start as a freshman. Another player that is eligible to play after sitting out a year due to transfer guidelines is quarterback Tra'von Chapman, who originally went to Pittsburgh out of high school. <span>Brock Boxen</span>, a defensive linebacker, was originally recruited for the 2014 season, but just enrolled in January.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>A list of players with bios is available at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gozips.com/sports/fball/2015-16/signing_day/index">GoZips.com</a></p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" border="1" width="100%">
<tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="center">PLAYER</th> <th align="center">HOMETOWN (SCHOOL)</th> <th align="center">POS</th> <th align="center">RATING</th> <th align="center">HT/WT</th> <th align="center">HIGHLIGHTS</th>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2014/7/4/5870509/2015-akron-football-recruiting-dt-tyler-shipman-talks-commitment-to">Tyler Shipman</a></td>
<td align="center">Buford, Geogia (Buford)</td>
<td align="center">DT</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
<td align="center">6'1"/240</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2000670/tyler-shipman" target="_blank">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2014/7/24/5933829/2015-akron-football-recruiting-ath-jaquavis-dixon-commits-to-the-zips">Jaquavis Dixon</a></td>
<td align="center">Oviedo, Florida (Hagerty)</td>
<td align="center">ATH</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'2"/177</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2634104/jaquavis-dixon" target="_blank">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2014/12/4/7321693/2015-akron-football-recruiting-db-chris-bivins-talks-commitment-to">Chris Bivins</a></td>
<td align="center">Gainesville, Florida (Highland CC)</td>
<td align="center">DB</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">5'11"/185</td>
<td align="center"><a href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/909803/chris-bivins" target="_blank">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2014/12/16/7402029/2015-akron-football-recruiting-wr-michael-means-jr-breaks-down">Michael Means</a></td>
<td align="center">Cincinnati, Ohio (Scottsdale CC)</td>
<td align="center">WR</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'2"/200</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2531925/mike-means-jr">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/akron-zips/2015/1/19/7854353/2015-akron-football-recruiting-ol-richie-kallay-commits-to-the-zips/in/5564023">Richie Kallay</a></td>
<td align="center">Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater Central)</td>
<td align="center">OL</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'5"/287</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1748914/rich-kallay">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/1/27/7921573/2015-akron-football-recruiting-te-avery-cagle-talks-commitment-to-zips">Avery Cagle</a></td>
<td align="center">Gainesville, Georgia (Riverside Military Academy)</td>
<td align="center">TE</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'4"/230</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3446983/avery-cagle">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center">Mitchell Hlay</td>
<td align="center">Richfield, Ohio (Revere)</td>
<td align="center">OT</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
<td align="center">6'7"/275</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1441494/mitchell-hlay">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor="#FFFFFF" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'">
<td align="center">Van Edwards</td>
<td align="center">Cape Coral, Florida (Island Coast)</td>
<td align="center">RB</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">5'8"/195</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3913171/van-edwards">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Ulysees Gilbert</td>
<td align="center">Ocala, Florida (Trinity Catholic)</td>
<td align="center">LB</td>
<td align="center">3-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'1"/225</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1422681/ulysees-gilbert-iii">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/akron-zips/2015/1/31/7957547/2015-akron-football-recruiting-2-star-wr-richie-cooper-commits-to-the/in/5564023">Richie Cooper</a></td>
<td align="center">Hallandale, Florida (Hallandale)</td>
<td align="center">WR</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">5'10"/171</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2700834/richie-playmaker-cooper">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Montel Jordan</td>
<td align="center">Deerfield Beach, Florida (Deerfield Beach)</td>
<td align="center">OT/DT</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'4"/310</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3440638/montel-jordan">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Brock Boxen</td>
<td align="center">New Galilee, Pennsylvania (Beaver Falls)</td>
<td align="center">DL</td>
<td align="center">3-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'3"/272</td>
<td align="center">No</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center"><span>Bryce Jones</span></td>
<td align="center">University Heights, Ohio (Boston College)</td>
<td align="center">CB</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
<td align="center">6'0"/178</td>
<td align="center">No</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center"><span>Travonte Junius</span></td>
<td align="center">Akron, Ohio (St. Vincent St. Mary)</td>
<td align="center">DE/LB</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'3"/205</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1578366/travonte-junius">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Darryl Monroe</td>
<td align="center">Orlando, Florida (Washington State)</td>
<td align="center">LB</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
<td align="center">6'1"/235</td>
<td align="center">No</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">Kevin "Ray Ray" Smith</td>
<td align="center">Hollywood, Florida (Apopka)</td>
<td align="center">ATH</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
<td align="center">5'9"/190</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/637732/ray-ray-smith">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center"><span>Jason Williams</span></td>
<td align="center">Hialeah, Florida (Milford Academy)</td>
<td align="center">DB</td>
<td align="center">2-Star</td>
<td align="center">6'3"/185</td>
<td align="center">No</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center"><span>K'Von Wilson</span></td>
<td align="center">Maitland, Florida (Boca Raton)</td>
<td align="center">DB</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
<td align="center">5'11"/182</td>
<td align="center"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2035153/kvon-wilson">Yes</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/2/4/7969319/akron-zips-football-recruiting-national-signing-day-2015-newsMatt Hammond2015-01-31T17:46:16-05:002015-01-31T17:46:16-05:00Zips land 2-star WR Richie Cooper
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XgeaLSLafCBCm-P54Q8sNILENfw=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827933/large_hustlebelt.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p>Akron has been very busy on the recruiting trail this week, most recently landing 2-star WR Richie Cooper. Cooper is the 2nd recruit to de-commit from NIU and then ultimately commit to the Zips.</p>
<p>Cooper chose Akron over offers from Appalachian State NIU, and Marshall. Cooper is currently taking his official visit to Akron and announced the decision on his Twitter page on Saturday afternoon.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>officially Committing to the university of Akron looking forward to play for coach Bowden. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AkronUniversity?src=hash" mce_href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AkronUniversity?src=hash">#AkronUniversity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Akron?src=hash" mce_href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Akron?src=hash">#Akron</a> <a href="http://t.co/N35xBhcwDx" mce_href="http://t.co/N35xBhcwDx">pic.twitter.com/N35xBhcwDx</a></p>
— Coop (@R__Coop) <a href="https://twitter.com/R__Coop/status/561643614129106945" mce_href="https://twitter.com/R__Coop/status/561643614129106945">January 31, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Shortly after his commitment, Cooper told<i> Hustle Belt</i> exactly why he chose the Zips.</p>
<p>"The coaching staff, the environment, and I feel that I can make a big impact. I want to help turn Akron around."</p>
<p>Cooper has some big goals while he's at Akron as well.</p>
<p>"I want to set some WR records since they really haven't had a major WR come out lately."</p>
<p>Cooper will have to bulk up a little bit before breaking any records, however he definitely has the potential to be a major offensive weapon for the Zips. Check out his Hudl highlights below:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2700834/highlights/171413375" mce_src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2700834/highlights/171413375" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>></p>
-->
https://www.hustlebelt.com/akron-zips/2015/1/31/7957547/2015-akron-football-recruiting-2-star-wr-richie-cooper-commits-to-theMike Karpinski2015-01-28T14:11:17-05:002015-01-28T14:11:17-05:00Akron flips 3-star LB Joe Riggins from NIU
<figure>
<img alt="Coach Mounds and Joe Riggins during his official visit. " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KdUB4yDqH2CglrDjVrmkM1BpFA8=/0x57:508x396/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45570284/photo__1_.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Coach Mounds and Joe Riggins during his official visit. </figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Joe Riggins has decided to de-commit from NIU and will now attend Akron. </p> <p><a style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" target="_blank"><img style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;" width="100%" src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png"></a></p>
<p>About three weeks ago, linebacker Joe Riggins announced that he was going to attend Northern Illinois to play his college football. Joe has since changed his mind for various reasons and has now decided that he will attend Akron.</p>
<div class="sidebar" style="text-align: center;">
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4400687/crootin-profile.png"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Joe Riggins</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Fort Lauderdale, Florida</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Status:</b> Verbally committed to Akron</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Commitment Date: </b>1/28/2015</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Height: </b>6'2"</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Weight: </b>205</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Position(s): </b>LB</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>High School: </b>Cardinal Gibbons</p>
<p style="text-aliign: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/MAC_Crootin" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @MAC_Crootin</a></p>
</div>
<p>Joe told <i>HustleBelt</i> in a statement that he "had a change of heart and I am going to de-commit from NIU and commit to the University of Akron."</p>
<p>There's one man who Akron fans can thank for Riggins' commitment to the Zips: defensive backs coach Otis Mounds.</p>
<p>"Coach Mounds is like an uncle to me. My dad and his family are real close, they used to coach together for 3 years at a local high school here in Florida. Coach Mounds also coached my brother and played high school football with my dad." Riggins added that Mounds is also a former track coach of his.</p>
<p>However, coach Mounds is not the only coach that Riggins has a connection with as he says that running backs coach Eric Hickson is also a close family friend.</p>
<p>"So to me it's going to feel like I am home away from home, and if you look at their coaching staff, they have a lot of experience. All of our families grew up together, so I already have a close knit relationship with those coaches."</p>
<p>As far as Riggins' goals while at Akron, he has quite a few. He says that he wants to get a degree, but is unsure of what he'll major in. Riggins says that he wants to play "good football", and play right away.</p>
<p>As far as what Riggins is looking forward to the most when he gets to Akron: spending time with the coaching staff.</p>
<p>"I'm very excited to play for a head coach like Terry Bowden whose resume speaks for itself. He will continue to recruit Florida kids and he will continue his winning success at the University of Akron. Also, finally getting the chance to be coached by someone I've known since I was 7 years old, coach Otis Mounds."</p>
<p>Akron is recruiting Riggins as a strong safety, which is different than what NIU was projecting him at. Joe says that he enjoys playing strong safety more, however he is open to playing whichever one the coaches decide is best for him and the team.</p>
<p>Akron was actually Joe's first official visit back in October during the football season. At that time, Riggins did not hold an offer however he knew he was interested in Akron and he knew the Zips coaching staff was interested in him as well.</p>
<p>Riggins is ultimately choosing Akron over offers from NIU, Cincinnati, Coastal Carolina, Utah State, Hawaii, and Ohio.</p>
<p>After a long process, it seems that Joe Riggins has found a perfect fit at the University of Akron. Look for him to compete for playing time immediately upon his arrival on campus.</p>
<p>Excited about Joe's future as a Zip? Check out his highlights courtesy of Hudl below:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2213894/highlights/145525375" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/1/28/7929115/2015-akron-football-recruiting-3-star-lb-joe-riggins-talks-commitmentMike Karpinski2015-01-27T12:05:02-05:002015-01-27T12:05:02-05:002015 TE Avery Cagle Talks Akron Commitment
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WiODbI0qHf3JreJOy09iaybVVhY=/0x165:540x525/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45561304/B8KC7QZIMAAWd43.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Akron had a solid weekend on the recruiting trail. </p> <p> </p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p>After losing one time verbal pledge <b>Trey Dunkelberger</b> to Syracuse earlier this recruiting cycle it left the Akron football staff searching for a tight end to add to the Zips roster. On Saturday Terry Bowden, and his group of assistant coaches finally found their guy.</p>
<p>While on campus for his official visit class of 2015 tight end <b>Avery Cagle </b>of Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia gave Bowden, and the Zips his commitment.</p>
<p>A number of things played a role in Avery's decision.</p>
<p>"The visit was unforgettable. The amount of time I was able to spend with Coach Bowden, and the rest of the staff, they definitely made me feel welcome, and at home. (They give me) A wonderful opportunity for a great education, and to play with a tremendous coaching staff. Also I get to compete in the Mid-American Conference." Avery told <i>Hustle Belt </i>soon after his commitment.</p>
<p>Location was another reason why the 6'4 230 pound Cagle fell in love with the University of Akron.</p>
<p>"I love the proximity of everything. All the sports clubs in Cleveland are right at your finger tips, and I'm pretty sure the Great Lakes aren't too far either."</p>
<p>Before deciding to suit up for the Zips, Cagle, who should find himself battling for early minutes next season for Akron was considering continuing his education and football playing days at schools such as East Tennessee State, Jacksonville State, Robert Morris, Georgia State, and many other programs.</p>
<p>Seeing time on the field in a matter of different ways last season for Riverside, Cagle accounted for 554 total yards from scrimmage, and four touchdowns for head coach Gary Downs, and the Eagles.</p>
<p>See what Cagle will add to the Zips with these highlights brought to you by Hudl:</p>
<p>
<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style>
</p>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/3446983/highlights/185049377" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2015/1/27/7921573/2015-akron-football-recruiting-te-avery-cagle-talks-commitment-to-zipsCharles Doss2015-01-19T22:50:33-05:002015-01-19T22:50:33-05:00FB/H-back Joe Tupta talks commitment with Akron
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/q8HcmdneZDMJWzH-9U6WNcvMwpw=/0x89:576x473/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45499402/B7u01N1IIAEjati.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Fun fact: his parents went to Kent State.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p>We always hear about high school players committing to schools when he or she has been life-long fans of its program, like committing to Michigan football or Florida softball. It's not too often that those stories are told when a player commits to a MAC-member school. But when you grow up watching a local team play, it's hard not to be a fan.</p>
<div class="sidebar" style="text-align: center;">
<p><img src="http://cdn2.vox-cdn.com/assets/4400687/crootin-profile.png"></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Joe Tupta</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Ellet, OH</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Status:</b> Verbally committed to Akron</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Commitment Date: </b>Jan. 18, 2015</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Height: </b>6-foot-1</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Weight: </b>256 lbs.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Position(s): </b>H-back, fullback</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>High School: </b>Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)</p>
<p style="text-aliign: center;"><a href="https://twitter.com/MAC_Crootin" class="twitter-follow-button" data-show-count="false">Follow @MAC_Crootin</a></p>
</div>
<p>"I basically live five minutes away from Akron University," Joe Tupta, who announced his commitment on January 18 (via <a href="https://twitter.com/Countrykid44/status/556875650368561153" target="_blank">Twitter</a>), told us over the phone. Tupta remembers going to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/akron-zips">Zips</a> football games as a kid at the Rubber Bowl, always had friends that had gone to Akron but didn't know much about its campus until he took his official visit. "Growing up, I was always a Zips fan."</p>
<p>What makes him committing to a school that he's grown up being a fan as even better? His parents went to Kent State.</p>
<p>"They're happy for me going to Akron," Tupta said. "There's still a little tension there, but overall, we're really excited with me going to Akron. But me, personally, I already have a bad taste in my mouth with Kent, so I'm really looking forward to that."</p>
<p>Tupta wasn't a highly looked upon recruit by many Division-I schools, said the majority of schools going after him were D2 and D3-level. Schools that were looking at and/or offered scholarships to Tupta include Ashland, Dayton, Duquesne, Mount Union, and Princeton.</p>
<p>"I can't wait to get in there with the recruiting class coming in to make Akron a better football team, I really look forward to that."</p>
<p>What could Tupta look like in Akron's offense in the future? Check out this highlight tape of his, courtesy of Hudl.</p>
<p>
<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style>
</p>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" width="640" src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/1311416/highlights/193331375"></iframe></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/akron-zips/2015/1/19/7854103/2015-akron-zips-football-recruiting-fb-h-back-joe-tupta-talksAlex Alvarado2015-01-19T17:23:55-05:002015-01-19T17:23:55-05:00Akron adds OL Richie Kallay
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XgeaLSLafCBCm-P54Q8sNILENfw=/0x26:400x293/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47827933/large_hustlebelt.com.minimal.0.png" />
</figure>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p>Terry Bowden landed two verbal commitments this weekend. The first was FB/DT Joe Tupta, while the most recent commitment was OL Richie Kallay.</p>
<p>Kallay, a native of Clearwater, Florida, currently attends Central Catholic High School. Kallay received an offer from Akron earlier this month and after contemplating for a few weeks he decided to become a Zip.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>CCC's Richie Kallay picked up an offer from Akron this past week.</p>
— Bob Putnam (@BobbyHomeTeam) <a href="https://twitter.com/BobbyHomeTeam/status/552136583424790528">January 5, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Kallay was selected 1st team all-Pinellas county by the <i>Tampa Bay Times</i> for his play as a senior.</p>
<p>Check out Kallay's highlights below courtesy of Hudl:</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/1748914/highlights/177244376" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/akron-zips/2015/1/19/7854353/2015-akron-football-recruiting-ol-richie-kallay-commits-to-the-zipsMike Karpinski2014-12-16T12:26:18-05:002014-12-16T12:26:18-05:00Means Excited To Start Next Chapter At Akron
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u-_MyEO8vzE2OzG-4GcJch-tikg=/0x25:610x432/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44348088/10801967_419776361513583_5791777328762868470_n.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>The JUCO wide receiver committed to the Zips hours after his official visit. </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc1e3d; font-weight: bold; font-family: 'Mercury SSm A', 'Mercury SSm B', Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/assets/4401295/MAC-Recruiting-football-banner.png" width="100%" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; max-width: 100%;"></a></p>
<p>Akron has had a hard time getting things going on the recruiting trail. With just a couple months left until signing day, and quite a few spots left to fill in their 2015 class, Terry Bowden, and the Zips coaching staff are hoping after landing their latest pledge the verbal commitments start to fly in.</p>
<p>Soon after ending his official visit on the University of Akron campus over the weekend, JUCO wide out <b>Michael Means Jr. </b>called the coaches on the phone, and let them know he was joining their squad over chances to suit up, and play for Arkansas State, Georgia State, and Idaho.</p>
<p>"I picked Akron because first off it was closer to home, and I have been away from home for a couple years now. I want my family to come watch me play, and Akron was the closest to home." Means, who is originally from Cincinnati, and played his high school ball for powerhouse Moeller stated to <i>Hustle Belt</i>.</p>
<p>"I took my visit to see if Akron was the school for me, and I liked it a lot. The coaching staff made me feel like I was at home. I broke the news to the offensive coordinator (A.J. Milwee) as soon as I got off the plane when I landed in Phoenix. I thought about it hard on the four hour plane ride I had and knew it was the place for me. The staff was excited as well as myself. I thanked them for another opportunity for me to continue to play this game. They can't wait till I'm officially on campus."</p>
<p>The 6'2 200 pound receiver will graduate from Scottsdale Community College later this month, and plans to arrive at Akron in January to start the next chapter of his life.</p>
<p>Playing in a pass happy offense last season for the 8-3 Artichokes, Michael caught 23 passes for 353 yards, and three touchdowns.</p>
<p>Want to see what Means will add to the Zips roster? Check out his JUCO highlights, courtesy of Hudl:</p>
<p>
<style>.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; height: auto; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }</style>
</p>
<div class="embed-container"><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2531925/highlights/174630375" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
https://www.hustlebelt.com/mac-football-recruiting/2014/12/16/7402029/2015-akron-football-recruiting-wr-michael-means-jr-breaks-downCharles Doss