AKRON, Ohio --Fourth-year head coach Terry Bowden’s Akron Zips program signed 18 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.
Geographically, the states most represented in the Zips' class are Florida and Ohio. Eleven student-athletes list their hometowns as the Sunshine state, while four hail from the Buckeye state.
Additionally, two signees call Georgia home and one hails from Pennsylvania.
Six of the signees— DB Chris Bivins (Gainesville, Fla.), DL Brock Boxen (New Galilee, Pa.), CB Bryce Jones (University Heights, Ohio), WR Michael Means, Jr. (Cincinnati, Ohio), LB Darryl Monroe (Orlando, Fla.), and DB D'Von Wilson (Maitland, Fla.)— enrolled in classes in January 2015. Bivins and Means signed with the Zips in December as junior college transfers, Jones is a transfer student from Boston College, and Monroe is a transfer from Washington State. Boxen and Wilson originally signed with the Zips in 2014.
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Geographically, the states most represented in the Zips' class are Florida and Ohio. Eleven student-athletes list their hometowns as the Sunshine state, while four hail from the Buckeye state.
Additionally, two signees call Georgia home and one hails from Pennsylvania.
Six of the signees— DB Chris Bivins (Gainesville, Fla.), DL Brock Boxen (New Galilee, Pa.), CB Bryce Jones (University Heights, Ohio), WR Michael Means, Jr. (Cincinnati, Ohio), LB Darryl Monroe (Orlando, Fla.), and DB D'Von Wilson (Maitland, Fla.)— enrolled in classes in January 2015. Bivins and Means signed with the Zips in December as junior college transfers, Jones is a transfer student from Boston College, and Monroe is a transfer from Washington State. Boxen and Wilson originally signed with the Zips in 2014.
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CHRIS BIVINS, JR.
Defensive Back • Junior • 5-11 • 185
Gainesville, Fla. / Gainesville HS / Highland CC
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015.
College: Second-team All-Conference honoree in 2014 at Highland Community College ... graduated in Dec. 2014 ... with the Scotties in 2014, had 38 tackles, a sack, a TFL, an interception, and seven break-ups ... played four games at USF in 2012 before re-tearing his ACL ... completed one year before transferring to Highland CC.
High School: Class of 2012 three-star recruit from Gainesville HS ... considered the 30th best CB by 247Sports rankings ... received scholarship offers from a long list of power conference programs before signing with South Florida ... during his final high school game, tore his ACL
Personal: Parents are La'Chanta and Chris Bivins, Sr. ... has three siblings-- twin sister Kayla, Lachlan, and Jada ... Kayla is a junior at Bulter where she plays volleyball.
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BROCK BOXEN
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-3 • 272
New Galilee, Pa. / Beaver Falls HS
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015 … originally signed with Akron in 2014.
High School: Rated a three-star recruit by Rivals.com ... 2013 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review All-WPIAL Class AA Midwestern ... played both lines for coach Ryan Matsook ... preseason first team All-State as a senior by Pennsylvania Football News.
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AVERY CAGLE
Tight End • Freshman • 6-4 • 210
Gainesville, Ga. / Riverside Military Academy
High School: Three-year letterwinner for coach Gary Downs at Riverside Military Academy ... played wide receiver, quarterback, and defensive back ... as a senior, had 554 yards and four touchdowns ... defensively, had two interceptions, returning one 95 yards for a touchdown ... also played basketball.
Personal: Left-handed ... hopes to major in broadcasting/journalism.
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RICHIE COOPER
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 5-10 • 185
Hollywood, Fla. / Halandale HS
High School: First-team All-State selection for coach Dameon Jones at Hallandale HS.
Personal: Expected to study sports management.
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JAQUAVIS DIXON
Athlete • Freshman • 6-2 • 185
Oviedo, Fla. / Hagerty HS
High School: Two-way player for coach Paul Ziglar at Hagerty HS ... saw time at wide receiver and safety as well as quarterback during situational plays ... as a senior, had 21 receptions for 314 yards and two touchdowns ... as a junior, had 12 receptions for 212 yards in seven games ... defensively, averaged five tackles per game ... also had an interception a forced fumble, and three break-ups ... Honor Roll student.
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VAN EDWARDS, JR.
Running Back • Freshman • 5-9 • 185
Cape Coral, Fla. / Island Coast HS
High School: Running back at Island Coast HS for coach Wayne Blair ... as a senior, rushed for 1,018 yards and 14 touchdowns on 102 carries ... helped team to a 10-3 record and district championship ... as a junior, ran 40 times for 372 yards and five touchdowns in three games ... as a sophomore, rushed for 1,408 yards and 13 touchdowns on 177 carries.
Personal: Parents are Diana and Van Edwards, Sr. ... plans to study sports medicine.
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ULYSEES GILBERT III
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-1 • 220
Ocala, Fla. / Trinity Catholic HS
High School: Consensus three-star linebacker for coach John Brantley at Trinity Catholic HS ... as a senior, had 128 tackles, 17 TFL, a sack, three interceptions and a break-up ... recovered a fumble and scores a touchdown ... also rushed for a 5-yard touchdown ... as a junior, had 141 tackles, 15 TFL, seven sacks, and a forced fumble ...
Personal: Has a brother, Uriah ... interested in nutrition or physical therapy.
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MITCHELL HLAY
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-7 • 275
Richfield, Ohio / Rever HS
High School: Two-year varsity letterman at offensive tackle for coach Mike Murphey at Revere HS ... 2014 first-team All-Suburban League ... second-team All-District ... also played basketball for three seasons ... Dean's List and Honor Roll student.
Personal: Parents are Jean and John Hlay ... has an older brother, Christopher, who is a sophomore at Miami (Ohio) ... father played football at Bowling Green ... grandfather John Hlay played football at Ohio State and was the leading rusher in 1952 ... plans to major in mechanical engineering.
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BRYCE JONES
Cornerback • Senior • 6-o • 178
University Heights, Ohio / Cleveland Heights HS / Boston College
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015 … has one year of eligibility remaining … due to NCAA transfer rules, must sit out the 2015 season.
College: 2014 (Junior): Started in first five games ... registered 20 tackles, including 17 solo stops ... recorded four tackles with a pass breakup against Pittsburgh ... tallied a season-high nine take-downs (eight unassisted) against Southern California, including 1.5 tackles for a loss of five yards ... notched four solo stops and an interception against Colorado State. 2013 (Sophomore): Started all 13 games at corner back ... also saw action as a return specialist ... tallied 62 total tackles, including 44 solo stops, 4.5 tackles for a loss of nine yards, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries ... returned two punts for one yard and one kickoff for 20 yards ... earned ACC Defensive Back of the Week honor after a stellar effort in the team's 24-10 home win over Wake Forest; recovered a quarterback fumble on the Demon Deacons 22-yardline that set up a Chase Rettig-to-Spiffy Evans touchdown pass on the ensuing play that lifted the Eagles to a 17-7 lead in the second quarter, then recorded his second interception in as many games late in the second quarter ... recorded a career-high seven tackles against Florida State ... totaled four tackles against Army ... charted five tackles and recovered a fumble at Clemson ... tallied six tackles in each of the team's last two regular season games at Maryland and Syracuse ... recorded his first career interception in the team's season-opening win over the Wildcats. 2012 (Freshman): Played in all 12 games ... contested 278 plays on the season between defense and special teams ... recorded 15 tackles, 10 solo, on the year ... returned four kickoffs for 96 yards (24.0-yard average) ... made four solo tackles at Florida State ... tallied three solo stops against Maine ... registered a season-long 45-yard kick return at Georgia Tech ... posted two tackles and brought back two kicks for 32 yards at NC State.
High School: Two-way player for head coach Jeff Rotsky at Cleveland Heights HS ... earned Lake Erie League and team Most Valuable Player honors as a senior defensive back and quarterback in 2011 ... recorded 1,388 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air and registered 350 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground during his senior season; tallied 27 tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions on defense ... also served as the team's punter ... helped lead the Tigers to a 9-1 season in 2011 with an undefeated 9-0 regular season, winning the Lake Erie League title and the first playoff appearance in the school's history ... tallied 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns through the air, registered 300 yards rushing and tallied five receptions for 105 yards and two touchdowns as a junior quarterback and wide receiver in 2010 ... also an accomplished track and field performer for the Tigers ... 2012 State Indoor Champion in the long jump ... 2012 Lake Erie League Champion in the 110 and 300 hurdles, and the long jump earning All-League Honors and league MVP ... also All-Ohio in the 110 hurdles and the long jump ...Team MVP ... set the school record in the 110 hurdles and long jump.
Personal: Bryce D'Lanie Jones ... parents are Karen and Albert Jones ... has two older brothers, Chaz and Aric, and younger sister, Dia ... Chaz played running back at Virginia Military Institute ... sports science major.
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MONTEL JORDAN
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-2 • 310
Deerfield Beach, Fla. / Deerfield Beach HS
High School: Played offensive guard and defensive tackle for coach Allen Jackson at Deerfield Beach HS.
Personal: Parents are Alison and Calvin Jordan ... wants to study broadcasting.
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TRAVONTE JUNIUS
Defensive Line/Linebacker • Freshman • 6-3 • 205
Akron, Ohio / St. Vincent-St. Mary HS
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015 … originally signed with Akron in 2014.
High School: Helped St. V-M to a Division III state championship as a junior and senior ... as a senior, had 62 tackles, 17 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, three interceptions (returned one for a touchdown) ... also recovered one fumble and returned it for a touchdown, and forced one fumble ... as a junior, had 67 tackles, 12 sacks, 15 TFL, eight forced fumbles, and two interceptions ... selected to play in the 2014 North-South Classic ... also competed in basketball, and track and field for the Irish.
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RICH KALLAY
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-5 • 290
Clearwater, Fla. / Central Catholic HS
High School: A 2014 second-team All-State pick and Tampa Bay Times first-team All-Pinellas County selection for coach John Davis at Central Catholic HS ... played offensive guard ... team captain ... 2014 team MVP ... selected for the 2014 Pinellas County All-Star Game ... helped team to an 11-2 overall mark and 3-0 district record en route to 2014 District title ... team captured district title and state finals appearance in 2013, his junior season ... also a two-year letterman in wrestling and track and field (shotput) ... Student of the Month for October 2014 ... volunteered over 100 hours of community service.
Personal: Richard Robert Kallay ... parents are Roberts and Richard Kallay ... has a younger sister, Nadine ... plans to pursue an MBA ... interested in aerospace engineering and cybersecurity.
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MICHAEL MEANS, JR.
Wide Receiver • Junior • 6-2 • 200
Cincinnati, Ohio / Archbishop Moeller HS / Scottsdale CC
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015 … returns to Ohio after two years in Arizona.
College: In 2014, caught 23 passes for 353 yards and three touchdowns for Scottsdale Community College ... graduated in Dec. 2014.
High School: Honorable Mention All-GLA honoree at Cincinnati's Archbishop Moeller HS.
Personal: Parents are Nikki (stepmother) and Michael Means, Sr. ... psychology major.
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DARRYL MONROE
Linebacker • Senior • 6-1 • 235
Orlando, Fla. / Dr. Phillips HS / Washington State
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015 … has one year of eligibility remaining.
College: 2014 (Junior): Played in all 12 games with seven starts ... finished third in tackles with 70, including 39 solo stops ... also had 4.0 TFL, 1.5 sacks, one break-up, and one hurry. 2013 (Sophomore): Started all 13 games ... voted a team captain for 10 games ... third on team with 94 tackles ... recorded eight TFL and two sacks ... forced two fumbles and broke up three passes ... made six tackles, including one for loss, at Auburn ... made six tackles and broke up a pass in win at No. 25 USC ... recorded seven tackles in win over Southern Utah ... made career-high 12 tackles including 2.5 for loss and one sack in win over Idaho ... had five solo tackles against No. 5 Stanford in Seattle ... tallied seven tackles against Oregon State ... made four tackles including one sack that caused a fumble and resulting in fumble return for touchdown at No. 2 Oregon ... recorded five solo tackles against No. 25 Arizona State ... tallied 11 tackles, eight solo, in win at Arizona ... made eight tackles in win over Utah ... had eight tackles, seven solo, including a tackle for loss, at Washington ... made career-high 13 tackles, 1.5 for loss, against Colorado State in the New Mexico Bowl ... lettered. 2012 (Redshirt Freshman): All-Pac-12 honorable mention ... selected a team captain three times (Colorado, Oregon, Washington) ... started all 12 games at MIKE linebacker ... second on team with 80 tackles, tied for 16th-most in the Pac-12 Conference ... made 8.5 tackles-for-loss, tied for third on team ... made three sacks and recovered one fumble ... tallied seven-plus tackles six times ... made six tackles, four solo, at BYU ... made five tackles in win against Eastern Washington, including first career sack, and forced fumble ... had a season-high 10 tackles, one for loss, and forced a fumble in win at UNLV ... had five tackles and a sack and recovered one fumble against Colorado ... made six tackles, 1.5 for loss, and one sack against No. 2 Oregon in Seattle ... made seven tackles at No. 14 Oregon State ... tallied seven tackles, four solo, against California ... made eight tackles, one for loss, at No. 19 Stanford ... recorded six tackles at Utah ... tallied five tackles, four solo and two for loss, against No. 17 UCLA ... posted eight tackles at Arizona State ... made seven tackles and one hurry in Apple Cup victory over Washington ... lettered. 2011 (Freshman): Enrolled in Jan. 2011 for spring semester and participated in spring drills ... received a medical redshirt after suffering season-ending Achilles injury against Idaho State.
High School: Four-year letterman for coach Dale Salapa at Dr. Phillips HS ... ranked No. 31 on Central Florida Super 60 list ... named one of the top five linebackers in Florida ... 2010 Orlando Sentinel Central Florida All-Defensive Team selection ... as a senior, led team and county in with 136 tackles ... also had two fumble recoveries, one interception (returned for a touchdown), three sacks, one pass break up, and eight tackles for a loss helped the team to a 14-1 record and the state championship game ... as a junior, year led team in tackles ... team captain ... named to the All-Orange County team ... received the team Defensive Player of the Year award ... named one of the top five linebackers in Central Florida ... named to Central Florida Super 60 and top 100 in Florida... as a sophomore, received team awards for Most Improved and Most Hardworking Player.
Personal: Parents Darryl Monroe and Najia Hasan ... has three sisters ... interested in a degree in communications or business management.
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TYLER SHIPMAN
Defensive Tackle • Freshman • 6-1 • 240
Buford, Ga. / Buford HS
High School: Two-way player for coach Jess Simpson at eight-time Georgia state champion Buford HS ... played defensive end and tackle ... also saw time at fullback in goal line situations ... as a senior, helped team to a 14-0 record and third consecutive state championship and 40-game winning streak ... finished with 35 tackles, five hurries, four TFL, three sacks, a fumble recovery, and a blocked extra point ... as a junior, had 35 tackles and two sacks ... 2012 Captain's Award and 2011 Coaches' Award recipient ... also played lacrosse.
Personal: Parents are John Shipman and Lori Doran ... has two older brothers, Matthew and Tommy, and an older sister, Alana ... exercise science major.
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KEVIN "RAY RAY" SMITH, JR.
Athlete • Freshman • 5-9 • 190
Hollywood, Fla. / Apopka HS
High School: Won two state championships with coach Rick Darlington at Apopka HS ... played wide receiver and cornerback... 2014 Florida All-State selection ... team won four consecutive 8A Conference titles ... as a senior, won 2014 state championship ... team also won state title in 2012, his sophomore season ... also played basketball.
Personal: Kevin Rayshun Smtih, Jr. ... nickname is Ray Ray ... parents are Latonya Riley and Kevin Smtih, Sr.
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JASON WILLIAMS
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-3 • 185
Hialeah, Fla. / Champagnat Catholic HS / Milford Academy
Originally signed with Akron in 2014.
Postgraduate: Played the 2014 season for coach Bill Chaplick at Milford Academy.
High School: A 2013 second-team All-Dade County selection for coach Mike Tunsil at Champagnat Catholic HS... as a senior, posted 45 tackles, eight break-ups, and five interceptions ... third-team All-County as a junior ... responsible for 50 tackles, 12 PBU, and five interceptions.
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K'VON WILSON
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-11 • 182
Maitland, Fla. / Boca Raton HS
Enrolled at Akron in January 2015 … originally signed with Akron in 2014.
High School: Two-way player for coach Eric Davis at Boca Raton HS ... played defensive back and wide receiver ... as a senior, had 36 tackles, four blocked field goals two fumble recoveries, and an interception ... offensively, had 15 receptions for 330 yards and four touchdowns ... on kick returns, had 11 returns for 236 yards ... also returned 10 punts for 184 yards ... named the Defensive Player of the Game following his three tackles, 50-yard interception return, blocked field goal, and fumble recovery against Spanish River (10/4/13).
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