Feb. 6, 2002

2002 AKRON FOOTBALL RECRUITING CLASS

Mike BERRY...6-5... 240... DL... Chicago, Ill. (Thornton)
Mike BRADSHAW... 6-0... 175... DB ...Flint, Mich. (Northern)
Jumbo BRIDGER ...6-2... 300... OL... Fresno, Cal. (Fresno City College)
Tim CROUCH ... 6-4 ...300... OL... Dayton (Chaminade-Julienne)
Tyee DAVIS ... 6-3 ...198 ...WR... Montclair, N.J. (HS)
Mike DONALDSON ...6-6 ...325 ...OL ...Mansfield (Senior)
Jeff GARRISON ... 6-3... 187... WR ...Greensburg, Pa. (Central Catholic)
Gabriel GONZALEZ ...6-2... 265... DL... Elizabeth, N.J. (HS)
Sekai GREER... 6-0 ...195... DB ...Oakland, Calif. (Chabot J.C.)
Mark GROZA ... 6-4... 220... LB... Akron (Manchester)
Mario HARRIS... 6-3 ...190... DB... Flint, Mich. (Northern)
David HECTOR ... 6-2 ...290... DL ...Southfield, Mich. (Lathrup)
Domenik HIXON ... 6-2 ...180... DB ...Columbus (Whitehall-Yearling)
Aaron HOLDERMAN... 6-3... 235... LB ...Perry (Lake Perry)
Rick McFADDEN ... 6-5... 210... QB ...Struthers (Ohio State)
Ron REASE ... 6-1 ...185 ... DB ...Toledo (Rogers)
Jermaine REID... 6-4... 250... DL... Toronto, Ont. (St. Mary's Catholic)
Jay ROHR ... 6-1... 210 ...LB... Massillon (Jackson)
Antonio SHIPPY... 6-3 ...340 ...DL... Union, S.C. (HS)
Billy SULLIVAN ...6-1 ...175 ...K/P ...Niles (McKinley)
Darius THOMAS... 6-3 ...275... DL ...Miami, Fla. (Chabot J.C.)
Brian WHITE ... 6-2... 260 ...LB... Mansfield (Senior)
Andy WILLS ... 6-4 ...280 ...OL ...Columbus (St. Francis DeSales)

Akron - A bumper crop of offensive and defensive lineman highlight the 2002 University of Akron football recruiting class announced this afternoon by Zips' head coach Lee Owens. Ten of the Zips' 23 National Letter of Intent signees are projected to play on either the offensive or defensive line.

Owens was quick to point out key factors in UA's recruiting success: 1. The construction of a new Student Recreation and Wellness Center and Athletic Field House on campus, targeted to open in 2003, 2. A 14-10 Mid-American Conference record over the last three seasons, 3. A share of the MAC East title in 2000, and 4. Stability in the coaching staff.

"We're very pleased with the quality of this class," declared the Zips' 45-year old leader. "We needed to replenish our offensive and defensive line ranks and this is a high quality group of big guys." The class also includes five defensive backs and four projected linebackers.

Owens and his coaching staff have maintained a consistent recruiting policy of pursuing Ohio high school talent first and foremost, and this year 11 signees hail from the Buckeye State. Zip coaches reached into practically every corner of the state and landed several marquee student-athletes, highlighted by five first-team All-Ohio stars, including linebackers Mark Groza (Akron/Manchester), Aaron Holderman (Perry/Lake Perry), and Jay Rohr (Massillon/Jackson), offensive lineman Andy Wills (Columbus/St. Francis DeSales) and kicker-punter Billy Sullivan (Niles/McKinley).

The Zips also harvested two outstanding athletes from Nick Sparks' alma mater, Flint Northern HS in Michigan: projected defensive backs Mike Bradshaw and Mario Harris. Several of today's signees come from high-school programs where Zips' coaches have had success in the past.

The class represents eight U.S. states, plus a Canadian in Toronto's Jermaine Reid, as the Zips expand their reach and maintain their base. Just seven recruits are projected as offensive players, whereas 15 are expected to play on the defensive side, not including Sullivan.,p> "We also wanted to beef up our defensive personnel," said Owens. "It's no secret we need to improve on defense and we're confident many of these incoming players will make a contribution sooner rather than later.

"We also recruited young men who want to be at Akron and chose Akron over noteworthy schools," added Owens. "This class also possesses good character, solid academics and is committed to helping us reach the Mid-American Conference championship game."

Sixteen senior letter winners completed their eligibility last fall, with key losses being offensive tackles Konrad Dean and Jeff Grzeskowiak (Dean being a first-team All-MAC performer), defensive tackle Chris Smith and placekicker Zac Derr. Akron begins its 11th season as a member of the Mid-American Conference this fall and opens its 2002 season Aug. 31 at Iowa.

"The coaching staff did a great job of getting our program involved with such a high quality group of prospects. We're anxious to have the guys on campus and to get the 2002 season started," Owens concluded.

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Recruit BIOS

Mike BERRY, 6-5, 240, DL, Chicago, Ill. (Thornton)

Chicago Sun-Times Top 30 ... First-team All-Illinois ... tight end, defensive end for coach Bill Mosel at Thornton HS ... registered 12 quarterback sacks, nine pass knockdowns and blocked kicks as a senior ... three-year basketball letter winner ... recruited by several MAC schools, one SEC institution and one C-USA school.

Mike BRADSHAW, 6-0, 175, DB, Flint, Mich. (Northern)

Second-team All-Saginaw Valley Conference ... first-team all-city ... 26 tackles, two INTs as a senior for coach Gary Lee ... Northern has won back-to-back city championships ... same high school program which produced Nick Sparks ... recruited by three other MAC schools ... one Big Ten team expressed an interest.

Jumbo BRIDGER, 6-2, 300, OL, Fresno, Calif., Fresno City College

Second-team All-California Junior College ... Fresno City College Rams won 20 games the last two seasons ... could make an immediate impact at offensive center.

Tim CROUCH, 6-4, 300, OL, Dayton (Chaminade-Julienne)

All-Southwest Ohio, All-Greater Dayton Catholic League junior and senior seasons ... two-way lineman ... Chaminade-Julienne's Most Valuable Lineman in 2000 and 2001 ... selected to play in the Ohio North-South Classic ... nominated for Big 33 ... 58 pancake blocks as a senior ... no sacks allowed ... track letter winner ... honor roll student ... actively recruited by one Big Ten school, one C-USA institution, and two other MAC universities.

Tyee DAVIS, 6-3, 198, WR, Montclair, N.J. (HS)

All-Northern New Jersey League ... first-team Essex County... 12 touchdowns scored as a senior (23 receptions) ... 55- and 100-meter sprint champion.

Mike DONALDSON, 6-6, 325, OL, Mansfield (Senior)

Second-team All-Ohio Division I as a senior ... first-team All-Ohio as a junior ... two-way tackle ... district lineman of the year ... twice named first-team All-Ohio Heartland Conference ... Massillon Sportsmanship Award ... selected for the Ohio North-South Classic ... three-year Scholar-Athlete ... Who's Who Among America's High School Students ... attracted attention from several major I-A universities.

Jeff GARRISON, 6-3, 187, WR, Greensburg, Pa. (Central Catholic)

First-team All-Pennsylvania defensive back ... Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Fab 22 ... All-WPIAL ... three-time first-team all-conference at three different positions (WR, DB, KR) ... 82 career receptions for 1,409 yards and 21 TDs ... 17 career INTs ... WPIAL high jump champion ... Pennsylvania runnerup in high jump ... three-year starter and letter winner in basketball (1,000 career rebounds) ... same high-school program which produced Bates Szakos ... actively recruited by one Big East school and at least two other MAC universities.

Gabriel "Kiki" GONZALEZ, 6-2, 265, DL, Elizabeth, N.J. (HS)

Second-team All-New Jersey ... first-team All-Watchung Conference ... played quarterback, tight end and defensive line ... 11 QB sacks his junior and senior seasons ... all-state shot putter ... fifth in the state all groups (56-7 1/2) ... two Big East schools and at least one Big Ten institution expressed an interest in his services.

Sekai GREER, 6-0, 195, DB, Oakland, Calif. (Chabot J.C.)

Two-way star for coach Steve Debprado at Chabot in Hayward, Calif. ... first-team all-league cornerback ... California Junior College League Freshman of the Year in 2001 ... 600 yards of offense and five TDs ... 80 tackles and 15 pass knockdowns ... fullback and strong safety at Miramonte HS in the Bay Area ... first-team all-state for coach Floyd Burnsed ... two-time track & field MVP, excelling in the field events ... pursued by two PAC-10 schools.

Mark GROZA, 6-4, 220, LB, Akron (Manchester)

First-team All-Ohio Division IV linebacker as a senior ... Northeast Inlands All-District Division IV Defensive Player of the Year ... 147 tackles, two INTs in 2001 for coach Jim France ... 100 tackles as a junior ... also played tight end for the Panthers ... selected for Ohio North-South Classic ... three-year baseball letter winner ... 3.9 student.

Mario HARRIS, 6-3, 190, DB, Flint, Mich. (Northern)
Projected as a defensive back ... first-team All-Michigan Division III for coach Greg Lee ... first-team All-Saginaw Valley Conference quarterback ... passed for more than 2,500 yards his junior and senior seasons ... Prep Spotlight Dream Team ... same high school as Nick Sparks ... HS teammate of Mike Bradshaw ... Big 12, Big Ten and three MAC schools expressed an interest in his services.

David HECTOR, 6-2, 290, DL, Southfield, Mich. (Lathrup)

Honorable mention all-state ... all-city ... All-Oakland Athletic Association ... team captain ... two-time Scholar Athlete ... National Honor Society ... OHSA Student Athlete of the Week ... 2002 National Achievement Scholarship Program.

Domenik HIXON, 6-2, 180, DB, Columbus (Whitehall-Yearling)

Two-way standout for coach Kip Kane at Whitehall-Yearling ... as a senior: 33 receptions for 429 yards and four scores, 140 tackles, five sacks, four INTs ... projected as a defensive back with the Zips ... district honorable mention ... has also lettered in baseball and basketball ... actively recruited by four MAC institutions.

Aaron HOLDERMAN, 6-3, 235, LB, Perry (Lake Perry)

First-team All-Ohio linebacker Division IV ... played for Bob Ritley, father of Zip TE Tim Ritley, at Lake Perry ... Perry qualified for OHSAA playoffs in 2001 ... Lake District, Lake County, and conference Defensive Player of the Year ... first-team Cleveland Plain Dealer, Willoughby News Herald ... senior season: 112 tackles, seven sacks, two INTs, scored 11 touchdowns ... 18 career sacks and five INTs ... also standout wrestler.

Rick McFADDEN, 6-5, 210, QB, Struthers (Ohio State)

Arrives at UA after two football seasons at Ohio State where he was a reserve quarterback for the Buckeyes ... left-hander was a redshirt in 2000 and OSU's fourth QB in 2001 ... on a UA football scholarship, but has not ruled out trying to play football and basketball for the Zips ... a first-team Division IV All-Ohio quarterback at Struthers HS ... can work out this spring with the Zip football team, but could not see game action until 2003 ... two seasons of football eligibility left after passing for 2,056 yards and 20 touchdowns as a high school senior in 1999.

Ron REASE, 6-1, 185, DB, Toledo (Rogers)

First-team all-city and honorable mention all-district as a senior for coach Rick Rios at Toledo Rogers ... helped lead Rogers to first-ever city title in 2000 (teammate of Diontre Earl) and berth in the OHSAA playoffs ... second-team all-district in 2000 ... passed for more than 1,400 yards and rushed for in excess of 1,200 yards and scored 30 touchdowns his junior and senior seasons.

Jermaine REID, 6-4, 250, DL, Toronto (St. Mary's Catholic)

Ranked as the eighth best prospect in Canada ... first-team Greater Toronto ... team was runnerup in the 2001 Metro Bowl ... recruited by two Big East universities ... third Canadian player to sign with the Zips in the last two years.

Jay ROHR, 6-1, 210, LB, Massillon (Jackson)

Two-time first-team All-Ohio linebacker Division I ... Northeast Inland All-District Division I Defensive Player of the Year ... Stark County and Federal League Player of the Year ... became Jackson's all-time leading scorer, rusher and tackler ... team captain for coach Phil Mauro ... four-year starter ... 3,226 career rushing yards, 441 total tackles, including 80 career tackles for loss ... five career INTs, five career blocked kicks ... Jackson won the outright 2001 Federal League championship (6-0 record) ... actively recruited by one Big East school and two other MAC universities.

Antonio SHIPPY, 6-3, 340, DL, Union, S.C. (HS)

Generally regarded as one of the Top 10 defensive line prospects in South Carolina ... as a senior: 66 tackles, 11 TFLs, two caused fumbles ... 2001 team captain ... all-region, all-area selection ... venture scholar program ... Advanced Placement, Gifted and Talented Academic Program.

Billy SULLIVAN, 6-1, 175, K/P, Niles (McKinley)

First-team All-Ohio punter Division II ... All-Northeast Ohio first-team punter ... first-team All-Trumbull County and All-Mahoning Athletic Conference place-kicker for coach Bill Bohren ... three-time All-MAC ... 11-of-13 on career field-goal attempts, with a long of 42 yards ... won the Ohio State kicking camp ... senior captain of the 01-02 basketball team ... honor roll student ... actively recruited by five I-A universities, including UA.

Darius THOMAS, 6-3, 275, DL, Miami, Fla. (Chabot J.C.)

First-team All-Golden Gate Conference for West Hills J.C. in 2000 ... 74 tackles, 10 sacks, 2 forced fumbles ... played for Chabot in 2001 ... played his high school ball at Carroll City in the Miami, Fla., area.

Brian WHITE, 6-2, 260, LB, Mansfield (Senior)

Mansfield News-Journal Defensive Player of the Year ... linebacker, tight end for coach Stan Jefferson at Senior HS ... special mention All-Ohio ... first-team all-district ... first-team North-Central Ohio Coaches Association and Ohio Heartland Conference ...141 tackles, five quarterback sacks, three fumble recoveries and two caused fumbles ... baseball letter winner, first-team All-OHC ... actively recruited by four MAC schools.

Andy WILLS, 6-4, 280, OL, Columbus (St. Francis DeSales)

First-team All-Ohio Division III offensive lineman as a senior ... first-team Columbus Dispatch All-Agonis, first-team Super 25 ... two-way standout lineman for coach Bob Jacoby ... DeSales was Division III runnerup in 2001 ... picked up six sacks in the 01 playoffs ... three-year letter winner in both wrestling and track (discus) ... recruited by several NCAA Division I schools in Ohio.

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