MAC Crooting Thoughts, Week 10

[Jieret]

Previous entries:

• Week 6
• Week 8

 

Reminder: New commits for Weeks 9 & 10 are bolded.

Akron Zips (AI)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 128 (-9)
Signees: 5

Scores:
Composite: 0.81
ESPN: 584    Rivals: 11.2    247: 123.94

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

Bello is a welcome addition to the team; none of Akron’s underclassmen guards look close to starter quality.  Hopefully the Zips’ Strength & Conditioning coach can get him up to playing condition quickly, Bello will likely assume a starting position in Year 2.
Glenn Johnson is a nice complement to Akron’s other TE commit, Chun Chen.  While Chen will be a threat on option routes and the intermediate game, Johnson has the ability to stretch the seam of a defense.

Looking ahead: The Zips return to the Great State of Texas for 3-star rush linebacker Nicholas Fitzgerald, and he seems ready to sign within the next week or two.

Ball State Cardinals ( @npklemm)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 87 (-8)
Signees: 8

Scores:
Composite: 0.99
ESPN: 684    Rivals: 12.4    247: 156.16

Current Class:
#254 4* FS Donald Horst [Zone Coverage] Liberty, MO (C/A-)
#268 4* ILB Michael Albanese [Field General] Melville, NY (C/C+)
4* QB Kevin Johnson [Scrambler] Oak Park, MI (C/B)
4* RB Kenneth Curry [Speed] Marietta, GA (C/A-)
4* WR Ralph Nieter [Possession] Oskaloosa, IA (C/B+)
4* TE Joshua Osorio [Vertical Threat] Plant City, FL (C/C+) 
3* C Guillermo Tomas [Run Blocking] Avon, OH (C/C+)
3* OG Eric Morris [Run Blocking] Dexter, MI (C/C)

We have to start with some bad news.  Last time we talked about DE Kenneth Dellanno as a fit for the Cardinals defense.  However, he signed with Oregon in an upset win for the Ducks.

Now for the good news.  Ball State’s raised their OL floor with a pair of solid signings.  You’ve likely noticed this as a running trend throughout the conference, but Tomas and Morris should both be members of the two-deep after they redshirt.

Looking Forward: Hopefully this one goes better than last time, but Georgia native Charles Coleman is a strong Ball State lean.  The cornerback reports an offer list that includes Hawaii, UNLV, Kansas, and Colorado.

Bowling Green Falcons ( @PoopyRhinoPickle)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 50 (+15)
Signees: 10

Scores:
Composite: 1.29
ESPN: 840    Rivals: 47.4    247: 198.10

Current Class:
#169 4* DE Ray Wise [Run Stopper] Hilliard, OH (C/A-)
#196 4* C Douglas Springsteen [Line Captain] Houston, TX (C/A-)
#213 4* WR Donald Hairston [Possession] Philadelphia, MS (C/B-)
4* RB Todd Marriott [Balanced] Strongsville, OH (C/B-)
4* FS Krishna LaBrie [Run Stopper] Wall, TX (C/B+)
4* SS Philip Quiton [Run Stopper] Camarillo, CA (C/C)
3* WR Frank Tilghman [Route Runner] Bauxite, AR (C/B+)
3* OT David James [Run Blocking] North Canton, OH (C/B)
3* DE Paul Riggs [Speed Rusher] Prescott Valley, AZ (C/A-)
3* OLB Armando Flores [Pass Rush] Rio Linda, CA (C/B-)

Here we have our first MAC team that went up in the overall rankings.  The Falcons land a quartet of solid players from across the nation, all with some potential to perhaps dream on.  Going against the theme, however, none of these players should be needed to start for at least three years - again showing the solid foundation BGSU’s built over the last two seasons.

Looking Forward: Let’s highlight a battle!  Bowling Green is interested in Indiana 3-star linebacker Richard Hain, but so is Texas.  The Longhorns seem to have the edge in this two-team race so far.

Buffalo Bulls (AI)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 97 (-3)
Signees: 9

Scores:
Composite: 0.92
ESPN: 697    Rivals: 0    247: 140.76

Current Class:
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* DT Michael Luck [Nose Tackle] Avon, IN (C/C+)
3* OLB Bradley Sarkissian [Run Stopper] Eatonton, GA (C/B)
3* CB Alan Strickland [Ball Hawk] Norfolk, VA (C/A)
3* DE Daniel Patella [Run Stopper] Algona, IA (C/D+)
3* FS Gregory Rusak [Ball Hawk] Cashion, OK (C/B-)

Look, I get it.  That D+ potential is ugly.  But - and you’ve heard this story before - Patella will be one of only two DE underclassmen on the roster.   The Bulls badly need bodies there, and he is a better option than a Preferred Walk-On (The other underclassman DE? Yeah, PWO).
Not so much concern over Rusak’s growth, especially since Harry Chivington is a 4-star recruit from last season who will give Rusak time to learn.

Looking Forward: South Carolina cornerback Abelardo Barrientos is still the name to watch here.  His commitment hasn’t happened as quickly as some thought, but word is that the Bulls have nothing to worry about on that front.

Central Michigan Chippewas (AI - RIP Time, 2023-2023)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 175 (+3)
Signees: 5

Scores:
Composite: 0.50
ESPN: 387    Rivals: 0    247: 73.36

Current Class:
3* WR Tommy Pennington [Possession] Cumberland, MD (C/B-)
3* QB Ralph Nunez [Scrambler] McKinney, TX (C/C)
3* OT Katarzyna Meunier [Pass Blocking] Massillon, OH (C/C+)
3* DT Kurt Almond [Balanced] Killen, AL (C/B-)
3* P Richard Durrence [Balanced] Portland, OR (C/C)

Time died so that Chippewa croots may live, I guess.  We will remember your sacrifice.  Durrence has the clearest route to immediate playing time, but raising the floor (which this group does) is even more important in Mount Pleasant than elsewhere, as it seems their controversial 2021 recruiting tactic of low floor/high ceiling doesn’t look to be paying dividends so far.

Looking Forward: CMU focuses on the homefront, as they’re in a battle with Notre Dame to keep 3-star cornerback Joseph Mullen in Michigan.  Perhaps fittingly, Army has also shown interest in the Hudsonville man.

Eastern Michigan Eagles (AI)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 164 (-31)
Signees: 6

Scores:
Composite: 0.64
ESPN: 475    Rivals: 0    247: 99.84

Current Class:
3* FB Isaac Walter [Blocking] Quincy IL  (C/A)
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* DE Dagoberto Garcia [Balanced] Tyler, TX (C/B)
 

Garcia is a great get for the Eagles, but the fact that he’s the only EMU commit over the last two weeks means Eastern is our biggest dropper in the rankings.  Just like many other 3-star recruits coming to AI teams, Garcia will be a part of the two-deeps by 2025, if not a starter.

Looking Forward: Cordele (GA) QB Willie Hill is still keen on Eastern Michigan, who still lead Appalachian State and Sam Houston for his services.

Kent State Golden Flashes (AI)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 170 (-1)
Signees: 6

Scores:
Composite: 0.59
ESPN: 452    Rivals: 0    247: 89.08

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)
3* DE Jose Rodriguez [Balanced] La Puente, CA (D/C)
3* RB Jeffrey Eakin [Balanced] Chagrin Falls, OH (C/B)
2* RB Richard Ramirez [Balanced] Sugar Land, TX (D/D)

And our first two-star signing.  Unfortunately for Ramirez, he is neither coming into a sparse RB room nor is he even the only RB in the class.  Eakin is a much smoother runner, and could be in the mix to get some playing time right away.  As for Rodriguez, the coaches have some work to do to get him up to college speed, but from the looks of their DE depth chart he should have two years to work before Kent State needs him to start.

Looking Forward: Ohio punter Phillip Kozel is ready to make a decision.  Unfortunately for the Golden Flashes, the crystal balls seem to show Kozel heading south to Charlotte.  A shame too, they REALLY need a punter.

Miami (OH) Redhawks (AI)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 89 (+19)
Signees: 9

Scores:
Composite: 0.97
ESPN: 720    Rivals: 0    247: 150.76

Current Class:
#254 4* RB Sam Taylor [Speed] Coldwater, OH (C/B-)
4* OLB Terrence Levy [Pass Rush] Thornville, OH (C/C)
3* TE Sang Petersen [Blocking] Gilmer, TX (C/B-)
3* DE Ted Shank [Speed Rusher] Taylorville, IL (C/B+)
3* DT Sebastian Cintron [Balanced] Brooksville, FL (C/C+)
3* CB Yang Yuan [Man Coverage] Attica, OH (C/C+)
3* C Imad Bunt [Pass Blocking] Salisbury, MD (C/C+)
3* DT Pedro Peters [Balanced] Walnut Grove, CA (C/B+)
3* FB Omar Abbott [Balanced] Tucker, GA (C/C-)

Look, at this point you know the deal with AI teams.  Virtually any 3-star player they sign is going to be a key backup or a starter by 2025, because they have a lot of walk-ons.  And so it goes with the Redhawks, although I have to caveat that slightly for Peters depending on what defense Miami plays in 2025.  If it’s a 3-4 he could be third string NT behind Edward Medina and Wilton Peterson, three-star recruits themselves once upon a time.  A 4-3?  He’s probably starting.

Looking Forward: You thought the battle for the Victory Bell was only on the field?  Apparently not, as the Redhawks and the Cincinnati Bearcats fight all the way over in Massachusetts to sign QB Scott Kirkland.  UTEP and USF have also shown interest, but it’s currently Ohio-on-Ohio violence.

Northern Illinois Huskies ( @Ape)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 81 (+43)
Signees: 9

Scores:
Composite: 1.02
ESPN: 733    Rivals: 0    247: 163.46

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-)
4* P Daniel Bennett [Accuracy] Shrewsbury, MA (C/C+)
3* RB Ruben Saucedo [Speed] Las Cruces, NM (C/B+)
3* FB Oscar Brinkley [Balanced] Yuba City, CA (C/A+)
3* TE Michael Ray [Balanced] Princeton, IL (C/B)

Considering how late NIU got started in recruiting they’re doing really well, and their HUGE jump up the rankings reflect that.  Punter Daniel Bennett will be the starter from the jump, but Saucedo, Brinkley, and Ray will also be the only non-PWO underclassmen at their positions.  Not only did the Huskies fill holes at their positions of need, they did so with high-potential players.

Looking Forward: NIU looks to keep OLB Christopher Anderson home and they have a slight lead on Oregon, who seems oddly intent on recruiting the Midwest area lately.

Ohio Bobcats ( @AFu01)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 61 (+8)
Signees: 10

Scores:
Composite: 1.16
ESPN: 817    Rivals: 19.3    247: 179.62

Current Class:
#174 4* ILB James Oneil [Speed] Monroe, GA (C/C+)
#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)
3* QB Thomas Mishoe [Scrambler] Pensacola, FL (C/C+)
3* WR David Larsen [Route Runner] Nashville, TN (C/C)
3* SS Joseph Chase [Zone Coverage] Elkhart, IN (C/B)

Mishoe’s signing suggests the Bobcats are looking to a more run-based offense in the future, although they won’t need him to run it right away with 2022 four-star recruit Andrew Tyler there.  Ohio can also take their time developing Larsen, but Chase is going to have to learn on the fly as the presumptive (and so far only) backup to Albert Gutierrez.

Looking Forward: Another battle, this time in the Sunshine State.  DE Nathan Wickersham seems to like the Bobcats and Appalachian State equally, and at this point I don’t think he’d know which school to tell you if you gave him an ultimatum.

Toledo Rockets (AI)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 73 (-9)
Signees: 10

Scores:
Composite: 1.06
ESPN: 781    Rivals: 0    247: 166.58

Current Class:
3* WR Nicholas Seals [Speed] Booneville, MS (C/C+)
3* WR Robert Ouellette [Route Runner] Brownsville, TX (C/C+)
3* WR Doyle Foreman [Route Runner] Olney, MD (C/B-)
3* TE Paul Olson [Vertical Threat] Gainesville, FL (C/C+)
3* C Humberto Perez [Pass Blocking] Fort Myers, 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* CB Lawrence Wilkinson [Man Coverage] Lynden, WA (C/C)
3* CB Gregory Smith [Man Coverage] Mableton, GA (C/C)

Wilkinson and Smith are good gets for the Rockets, who could really use some young depth at corner.  And they’re scheme fits too, which is great.

Looking Forward: Michigan 3-star DE Charles Adams makes his announcement next week, and Toledo is still the favorite.  However, Sam Houston State has made up ground and turned Adams’ commitment into a much closer race than anticipated.

Western Michigan Broncos (Jieret)

Class Stats:
Ranking: 3 (+1)
Signees: 13

Scores:
Composite: 2.12
ESPN: 1159    Rivals: 247.1    247: 271.63

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+)
#139 4* CB Ryan Topping [Zone Coverage] Brookfield, WI (C/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* WR Shane Morris [Red Zone Threat] Charleston, SC (C/C+)
4* OLB Anthony Reevey [Run Stopper] Montague, MI (C/C)
4* ILB Ronald Fennell [Speed] Swainsboro, GA (C/B)
3* ILB Robert Roe [Run Stopper] Parma, MI (C/A-)
4* K Alejandro Rivera [Power] Mesquite, TX (C/B-)
4* P Phan Dighe [Balanced] Greensboro, NC (C/C+)

The Broncos address their special teams over the last couple of weeks.  After losing out on Bruce Knight, Western convinced Rivera to come to Kalamazoo instead of Champaign.  WMU also got North Carolina punter Dighe on board, seemingly putting the special teams in a good place for the future.  And maybe the present too, if incumbent kicker Duke Lotulelei continues to struggle.

Looking Forward: If there are two things Iowa is known for growing, it’s corn and Tight Ends.  The Broncos look to harvest the latter, as three-star David Pause looks ready to commit.
 

~~~

Want charts? Course ya do!

 

[Ape]

I’m dropping another 20 on Anderson this week. Bringing another Illinois boy back to where he belongs 

9 hours ago, Jieret said:

Looking Forward: NIU looks to keep OLB Christopher Anderson home and they have a slight lead on Oregon, who seems oddly intent on recruiting the Midwest area lately.

 

Edited August 3, 2023 by Ape