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2003 MAC Football Recruiting - Akron Zips

Overview
Akron brought in 22 recruits from seven states and two different parts of Canada for a well rounded recruiting class.  Eleven players were brought in on both sides of the ball, but defensively is where the emphasis was for immediate help.  Only three JUCOs were signed, but all three are defensive players, two LBs and one DL.  Eight players from this class hail from Ohio. 

Highlights

• The highlighted player in this class is QB John Ferguson, who is rated as the #43 pro-style QB in the country according to Rivals.  Some of his recruiting stature fell when his team changed offensive philosophies during his senior season to a more run oriented offense.
• Akron signed four Florida players in this class, and used their Akron alumni success with the likes of Jason Taylor & Dwight Smith, who play in the NFL in Florida.
• WR Andrew Higgins runs a 4.4/40 and has loads of talent for the skill positions.  John Mackey was the area POY in NE Ohio and could play as a freshman.
• In typical Akron fashion under Lee Owens, the offensive linemen are huge - averaging 6-4 290 per man.
• Akron could have used more help at DT and more speed at LB.

Final Thoughts

Lee Owens continues to get some very good talent to sign with Akron, which is difficult to comprehend given their mediocre success and pathetic fan support.  Owens is a good coach and seems to find quality QBs that get missed, and he did again with Ferguson & Arthur.  Even though the defense was a primary focus for this class, more help is needed.  Overall this class ranks as AVERAGE, BORDERING ON VERY GOOD compared to the other MAC programs this year in recruiting.

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