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2004 MAC Football Recruiting - Buffalo Bulls

Overview

The University of Buffalo signed 19 players from nine different states, focusing on defense and special teams/kickers. There is a heavy emphasis on DBs & WRs in this class. Robert Yealu is the prize recruit and with his ability to play either TE or WR, he should contribute right away in this program. One recruiting service listed him as a top-25 TE prospect in the nation. DT Mike Thompson is an all-state performer from Florida who is highly regarded and may make UB’s two-deep roster this fall. Needing better speed, talent and versatility, UB was looking for athletes who can compete in the MAC. Coach Hofher signed five players from New York state and three more from nearby New Jersey.

Highlights

• It’s not often you can highly a PK prospect, but in the case of Gerry McGroarty from Wilks-Barre (PA), you can. All he did was nail a 64-yard FG, a high school state record in PA, knock 34 of his kickoffs through the end zone, and punted for an average of 43-yard per kick. Also, one of his kicks made “ESPN’s Chris Berman’s” top ten plays during this past year.
• While UB did not bring in a lot of line prospects, Jon Geddes from Colonie (NY) was rated as a top-50 player and an all-state pick.
• Buffalo has certainly lacked speed compared to the top tier MAC programs but Danzell Issac from Florida may bring some much needed perimeter speed to the defensive line. While undersized at 6-2 205, this track star from Florida brings 4.45 speed to either a OLB or DE position.
• Two all-state prospects at LB should help bring size and speed to that position immediately. Brad Robinson from Groton, NY, and Chris Scharon from Salem, NH, have the abilities to play right away for this UB program. Both are in the 6-2 220/230 range with 4.6/40 speed.

Final Thoughts

The Bulls have a class here with not a lot of fanfare compared to the other MAC programs, with the exception of the PK prospect. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but many of these players were not highly recruited. UB did do what they needed to do and that is bring in more speed and beef up their DB position. Entering his 4^th season, Coach Jim Hofher is just 5-30 and needs to start winning now. This class does not look to have a lot of immediate impact players, but certainly adds some much needed depth. This class rates as AVERAGE compared to the other MAC schools this year.

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