2023 MAC Crooting Thoughts, Week 8

[Jieret]

So let's catch up on how the MAC did on the recruiting trail over the last couple of weeks!

Previous entries:

• Week 6

New commits for Weeks 7 & 8 are bolded.

Akron Zips

Class Stats:
Ranking: 119 (-39 from Week 6)
Signees: 5
Scores:

• Composite: 0.73
• ESPN: 427    Rivals: 11.2    247: 93.12

Current Class:
#188 4* FS Christopher Moore [Ball Hawk] Albuquerque, NM (C OVR/B- POT)
4* ILB Elton Williams [Coverage] Lima, OH (C/B-)
4* K Edgar Culbertson [Balanced] Cuyahoga Falls, OH (C/C+)
4* OT Rafael Garza [Pass Blocking] Bradenton, FL (C/B-)
3* TE Chun Chen [Receiving] Guthrie, OK (C/B-)

Garza joins a crowded Akron OT room - he’ll be the ninth Zips tackle.  But he’s one of the most talented, for sure.  Unless Akron wants to go pass-heavy, Garza isn’t likely to start next year. But in 2025 and beyond?  Most definitely.
Chun Chen is likely to fight for TE2 snaps, but he has the most complete route tree of any tight end.  I’d be happy to see him incorporated into the Zips attack sooner rather than later.  Mostly because of his A+ name, if I’m being honest.
Chun Chen. Chun Chen Chun Chen Chun Chen.

Looking ahead: Akron continues to search across the country for gems that need polishing.  They have a significant lead over Colorado State for California CB Jeremy Flores.

Ball State Cardinals

Class Stats:
Ranking: 79 (-14)
Signees: 6
Scores:

• Composite: 0.94
• ESPN: 530    Rivals: 12.4    247: 127.14

Current Class:
#268 4* ILB Michael Albanese [Field General] Melville, NY (C/C+)
4* RB Kenneth Curry [Speed] Marietta, GA (C/A-)
4* WR Ralph Nieter [Possession] Oskaloosa, IA (C/B+) MINN, BALL
4* TE Joshua Osorio [Vertical Threat] Plant City, FL (C/C+) 
#254 4* FS Donald Horst [Zone Coverage] Liberty, MO (C/A-)

The Cardinals have to be ecstatic to land Horst.  It’s very possible their emphasis on immediate playing time is what convinced Horst to sign with Ball State when most crystal balls had him going to Virginia.  And make no mistake - he might have a learning curve to work through, but Horst definitely is capable of being a four-year starter.

Looking Forward: In-state 5-tech Kenneth Dellanno is a perfect fit for Ball State’s 3-4 defense, and the 3-star is likely to sign within the next week or two.

Bowling Green Falcons

Class Stats:
Ranking: 65 (+5)
Signees: 6
Scores:

• Composite: 1.02
• ESPN: 527    Rivals: 47.4    247: 130.08

Current Class:
#169 4* DE Ray Wise [Run Stopper] Hilliard, OH (C/A-)
#196 4* C Douglas Springsteen [Line Captain] Houston, TX (C/A-)
4* FS Krishna LaBrie [Run Stopper] Wall, TX (C/B+)
#213 4* Donald Hairston [Possession] Philadelphia, MS (C/B-)
4* RB Todd Marriott [Balanced] Strongsville, OH (C/B-)
4* SS Philip Quiton [Run Stopper] Camarillo, CA (C/C)

The reports of Bowling Green’s recruiting death have been greatly exaggerated.  BGSU not only doubled their class, they did so with 3 more 4-stars and keeping that lovely 100% blue-chip ratio.  Hairston may be the highest-rated commit of the trio, but Quiton might be the most important - he will walk into a SS room where there’s only one other underclassman.

Looking Forward: Fun fact: Bauxite not only provides the world with aluminum, they also have 3-star wideout Frank Tilghman.  Tilghman seems very intrigued at the possibility of striking gold with the Falcons, and his commitment to BGSU looks like a good bet.

Buffalo Bulls

Class Stats:
Ranking: 94 (+19)
Signees: 7
Scores:

• Composite: 0.88
• ESPN: 541    Rivals: 0    247: 112.96

Current Class:
3* DT Michael Luck [Nose Tackle] Avon, IN (C/C+)
3* CB Alan Strickland [Ball Hawk] Norfolk, VA (C/A)
3* QB Lawrence Fair [Pocket] Tuscaloosa, AL (C/C+)
3* QB Kenneth Peterson [Field General] Houston, TX (C/B-)
3* OT Kent Baublitz [Balanced] Avondale, AZ (C/C+)
3* C Timothy Grube [Pass Blocking] Fort Myers, FL (C/A-)
3* OLB Bradley Sarkissian [Run Stopper] Eatonton, GA (C/B)

Maybe Buffalo is serious about diversifying their offense?  In addition to signing pass-blocking specialist Grube, the Bulls got two QBs to commit and fight it out in spring practice.  Peterson seems to have a slight edge… but, you know, that whole Field General thing.

Looking Forward: Look, when you have a chance to recruit a guy from “The Watermelon Capital of the World,” you have to do it.  3* corner Abelardo Barrientos really likes what he’s hearing from the Bulls staff, and he’s someone they badly need with only three underclassmen CBs on the 2024 roster.

Central Michigan Chippewas

Class Stats:
Ranking: 178 (NR)
Signees: 1
Scores:

• Composite: 0.13
• ESPN: 77    Rivals: 0    247: 16.74

Current Class:
3* WR Tommy Pennington [Possession] Cumberland, MD (C/B-)

The Chips signed someone!  I’m just as surprised by it as you are!  And it’s not like Pennington is just a guy either, he could be an important cog in the Chips offense come 2026.
And not just because he’s the only commit, stop it, what’s wrong with you

Looking Forward: CMU looks to the Great State of Texas, recruiting 3* scrambler Ralph Nunez.  Nunez doesn’t have many offers, but he’s a good fit for the Chips’ scheme.

Eastern Michigan EMUs Hurons Eagles

Class Stats:
Ranking: 133 (-24)
Signees: 5
Scores:

• Composite: 0.65
• ESPN: 398    Rivals: 0    247: 84.76

Current Class:
3* DT Phil Terrell [Pass Rusher] Groveport, OH (C/B+)
3* SS Scott Strahler [Zone Coverage] Salisbury, NC (C/C+)
3* ILB Anibal Stone [Run Stopper] Austin, TX (C/B-)
3* K Matthew White [Accuracy] Minster, OH  (C/B)
3* FB Isaac Walter [Blocking] Quincy IL  (C/A)

Some important pieces landed for the EMUs Herons Eagles.  Walter will start from day one, and both Stone and White are significant floor-raisers that should start in 2025.

Looking Forward: Eastern has a few irons in the fire (who doesn’t at this point?).  One of the more promising ones looks to be Georgia QB Willie Hill, and they are leading Appalachian State and Sam Houston for his services.

Kent State Golden Flashes

Class Stats:
Ranking: 169 (-27)
Signees: 3
Scores:

• Composite: 0.41
• ESPN: 242    Rivals: 0    247: 55.6

Current Class:
4* QB Andrew Hoover [Balanced] Miamisburg, OH (C/B)
3* WR George Campus [Red Zone Threat] Richwood, OH (C/B+)
3* OG Douglas Follett [Balanced] Madison, OH (C/C)

The Golden Flashes look to provide some help for Andrew Hoover to grow up with.  Unfortunately for them, they didn’t score the upset on Top-300 running back Sam Taylor as he signed with rival Miami(OH).

Looking Forward: Kent State pivoted nicely though - they have local 3* Jeffrey Eakin ready to sign and take handoffs from Hoover.

Miami (OH) Redhawks

Class Stats:
Ranking: 108 (-44)
Signees: 6
Scores:

• Composite: 0.79
• ESPN: 488    Rivals: 0    247: 100.32

Current Class:
4* OLB Terrence Levy [Pass Rush] Thornville, OH (C/C)
3* DE Ted Shank [Speed Rusher] Taylorville, IL (C/B+)
3* CB Yang Yuan [Man Coverage] Attica, OH (C/C+)
3* DT Sebastian Cintron [Balanced] Brooksville, FL (C/C+)
3* TE Sang Petersen [Blocking] Gilmer, TX (C/B-)
#254 4* RB Sam Taylor [Speed] Coldwater, OH (C/B-)

I spoiled it in Kent State’s writeup, but Taylor was a great get for the Redhawks.  He’s a shifty runner that hits holes quickly.  Miami can afford to redshirt him with Roy Clark likely returning for his senior season, but I expect Taylor to be the focus after that.
Unfortunately, Taylor is also the only recruit they’ve signed lately, hence the huge drop in rankings. 

Looking Forward: As many other schools do, Miami(OH) is reaching into the Peach State to find overlooked recruits.  3* DT Pedro Peters is who the Redhawks are focusing on, and they currently have a lead for him over Oregon and Nebraska.

 

Northern Illinois Huskies

Class Stats:
Ranking: 124 (NR)
Signees: 5
Scores:

• Composite: 0.69
• ESPN: 411    Rivals: 0    247: 90.9

Current Class:
#250 4* ILB Mario Glenn [Speed] Detroit, MI (C/B)
4* DT Jamie Powroznik [Pass Rusher] Tallapoosa, GA (C/B)
3* QB Jermaine Morgan [Balanced] Grayslake, IL (C/A-)
3* OT Cesar Flores [Pass Blocking] Morton, IL (C/B+)
3* DE Andrew Coleman [Balanced] Edwardsville, IL (C/A-)

The Huskies get in the game!  @Ape signs a nice group of commits in the two weeks since the last update.   To my mind, this is a class that feels better than 124th in the rankings.  Powroznik will be pushing to join the DT rotation immediately, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the coaching staff thinks Glenn doesn’t need a redshirt.  Offensively, Jermaine Morgan is a great get for NIU and probably will be their starter under center in 2025.

Looking Forward: The Northern Illinois staff looks ready to close the deal with Massachusetts 4-star Daniel Bennett, the ninth-rated punter in this class.

Ohio Bobcats

Class Stats:
Ranking: 69 (nice)(-25)
Signees: 7
Scores:

• Composite: 1.01
• ESPN: 584    Rivals: 19.3    247: 129.52

Current Class:
#223 4* OT Gregory Fuller [Pass Blocking] Orange Park, FL (C/B+)
#253 4* DT David Squicciarini [Balanced] Cincinnati, OH (C/B-)
#281 4* DE Thomas Robertson [Balanced] Ashland, OH (C/C+)
3* CB Gerard Sewell [Man Coverage] Hawthorne, FL (C/C)
3* FS Vincent Welch [Ball Hawk] Cincinnati, OH (C/C)
3* K David Brister [Power] Cincinnati, OH (D/B)
#174 4* ILB James Oneil [Speed] Monroe, GA (C/C+)

Oneil is a BIG get for the Bobcats, who scored the upset by beating Tennessee and Bowling Green to get his signature.  Oneil will fit right in; all of Ohio’s ILBs are speedy, reactive types.  He’ll likely slot right into the two-deeps from the get go, I predict no redshirt for him.

Looking Forward: Previously featured CB Eric Gaskins seems to be ready to sign with Youngstown State, but the Bobcats were hard at work elsewhere - namely Tennessee.  3* WR David Larsen is ready to make the trip north from Nashville to Athens, it’s just a matter of time.

Toledo Rockets

Class Stats:
Ranking: 64 (-9)
Signees: 8
Scores:

• Composite: 1.02
• ESPN: 625    Rivals: 0    247: 131.86

Current Class:
3* WR Nicholas Seals [Speed] Booneville, MS (C/C+)
3* TE Paul Olson [Vertical Threat] Gainesville, FL (C/C+)
3* ILB Ernest Bolte [Speed] Winter Haven, FL (C/A)
3* FS Mark Nye [Man Coverage] Massillon, OH (C/C+)
3* SS David Curtis [Ball Hawk] Hazlet, NJ (C/B-)
3* C Humberto Perez [Pass Blocking] Fort Myers, FL (C/C-)
3* WR Robert Ouellette [Route Runner] Brownsville, TX (C/C+)
3* WR Doyle Foreman [Route Runner] Olney, MD (C/B-)

Just staying ahead of BGSU in the rankings!  Also, more reinforcements for the WR room!  Remember, the ONLY underclassmen wideouts the Rockets will have next year are the ones they bring in with this class.

Looking Forward: 3* CB Lawrence Wilkinson from Washington hasn’t signed with the Rockets yet, but it’s basically just a formality at this point.  Toledo also went into That State Up North to recruit 3-star DE Charles Adams.  So far, so good with the big man.

Western Michigan Broncos

Class Stats:
Ranking: 4 (-3)
Signees: 11
Scores:

• Composite: 2.23
• ESPN: 985    Rivals: 247.1    247: 249.38

Current Class:
#4 5* OT Curtis Davis [Pass Blocking] Maroa, IL (B/B)
#7 5* SS Timothy Khan [Man Coverage] Madison, MS (B/B-)
#33 5* OG William Radosta [Balanced] Yorktown, VA (B/C+)
#232 4* RB Carlo Liu [Balanced] Arlington, MD (C/B-)
#237 4* C Richard Powley [Pass Blocking] Muskegon, MI (C/A)
#274 4* OLB David Hartshorn [Coverage] Brooksville, FL (C/B-)
4* OLB Anthony Reevey [Run Stopper] Montague, MI (C/C)
4* ILB Ronald Fennell [Speed] Swainsboro, GA (C/B)
#139 4* CB Ryan Topping [Zone Coverage] Brookfield, WI (C/C+)
4* WR Shane Morris [Red Zone Threat] Charleston, SC (C/C+)
3* ILB Robert Roe [Run Stopper] Parma, MI (C/A-)

Topping finally climbed into the boat, but so did another wideout for Willie Robinson to throw to, in South Carolina’s Shane Morris.  Western sweated out Morris’s decision until he put the Bronco hat on instead of North Texas’s.  Ditto with local linebacker stud Roe, who was torn between staying home or playing for the Tarheels of North Carolina.  Not all the coin flips went their way; they were runner-ups to Tennessee for the top-rated kicker in the class, Florida’s Bruce Knight

Looking Forward: The Broncos lead on Greensboro 4-star punter Phan Dighe.  Appalachian State, Baylor, and Georgia have also offered, but Dighe is attracted to WMU’s history - and their thin depth at punter.
 

And now, the charts:

(Reminder: A=5.0, B= 4.0, etc. +/- adds/subtracts 0.33 points)

 

[PoopyRhinoPickle]

Some of these AI classes look better than their rankings show, it'll be interesting to see how they fill them out.

[npklemm]

How is my class that much worse than Toledo's?

[Jieret]

21 minutes ago, npklemm said:

How is my class that much worse than Toledo's?

You're behind in the ESPN rankings (625-530). I think that's the one that values quantity a good amount.

[Ape]

On 7/19/2023 at 7:19 PM, Jieret said:

Looking Forward: The Northern Illinois staff looks ready to close the deal with Massachusetts 4-star Daniel Bennett, the ninth-rated punter in this class.

Punter U incoming