Recruiting talented student-athletes, who are leaders and team captains from championship-caliber programs has been a hallmark of signing classes for Coach Arth and his staff. These principles are strongly reflected in the '21 class.
The Zips' decorated signing class features nine state champions, 13 district champions, and 16 team captains from perennial power programs at both the state and national levels. This distinct group also features 14 all-state honorees and 17 all-district honorees. In total, the Akron signing class is comprised of nine "3-Star" and seven "2-Star" prospects.
The University of Akron football program has also placed a premium on having a strong local and regional footprint. Of the 17 early signees, over half hail from high schools within three hours of the Akron campus. Coach Arth anticipates rounding out the remaining members of the class of '21 with additional strong local and regional talent.
2021 Akron Football Signing Class
Bennett Adler, DE, 6-2, 260, Lakewood, Ohio (St. Ignatius)
Luke Bauer, ILB, 6-1, 238, Uniontown, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban)
Jasaiah Gathings, WR, 6-3, 190, Statesville, N.C. (Statesville)
Rishad Hence, DB, 5-11, 180, Detroit, Mich. (Martin Luther King)
DJ Irons, QB, 6-6, 215, Lawrenceville, Ga. (Grayson/Iowa Central CC)
Ryan Jankowski, QB, 6-5, 180, Vero Beach, Fla. (Vero Beach)
Darrian Lewis, DB, 5-11, 180, Akron, Ohio (St. Vincent-St. Mary)
Colin Lyons, OL, 6-5, 275, McKeesport, Pa. (McKeesport)
Gavin Malott, OL, 6-9, 330, Louisville, Ky. (Trinity)
S.L. McCall IV, OLB, 6-3, 240, Live Oak, Fla. (Columbia/Iowa Western CC)
Matthew Monaghan, TE, 6-5, 240, London, England (Wetherby)
Konata Mumpfield, WR, 6-1, 180, Hoschton, Ga. (Dacula)
Andre Proffitt, DL, 6-3, 281, Trenton, Ohio (Lakota)
Noel Roach, DB, 6-2, 195, Pittsburgh, Pa. (Penn Hills)
Oran Singleton, Jr., ATH, 5-11, 185, Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston)
Rey'noi Summersett, OLB, 6-4, 230, Charlotte, N.C./North Mecklenburg)
Myles Walker, WR, 5-11, 170, Ellwood City, Pa./Central Valley)
BENNETT ADLER (Lakewood, Ohio – Defensive End, St. Ignatius High School)
Adler is a three-year letter winner and team captain at St. Ignatius High School, where he played under the Wildcats' legendary head coach Chuck Kyle. Adler earned All-District and All-Area accolades as a senior and wrapped up his prep career collecting second-team All-State accolades helping St. Ignatius advance to the third round of the Division I playoffs this season. As a junior, he was tabbed an All-District selection. Throughout his prep career, Adler recorded 50 tackles, 21.5 tackles for a loss, 14.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. An honor roll student with a 3.7 GPA, he plans to major in engineering.
LUKE BAUER (Uniontown, Ohio – Linebacker, Archbishop Hoban High School)
A 247Sports two-star inside linebacker, Bauer is a four-year letter winner at Archbishop Hoban High School under head coach Tim Tyrrell. A member of three state championship teams in the State of Ohio, Bauer, a team captain, helped Hoban to a 51-3 overall record. In his senior season, Bauer led his team to a state championship victory and a No. 12 national ranking. He garnered 46 tackles, 9.5 sacks, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown in 2020. For his efforts, Bauer was named a second-team All-Ohio and first-team All-Northeast Ohio (Inland) selection. A member of the National Honor Society, he maintains a 4.3 GPA and is among the top-30 of his graduating class and plans to major in accounting.
JASAIAH GATHINGS (Statesville, N.C. – Wide Receiver, Statesville High School)
A 247Sports three-star wide receiver from Statesville, N.C., Gathings is a three-year letter winner at Statesville High School under head coach Randall Gusler. A talented multi-sport athlete (all-conference basketball), he received first-team All-State and All-Conference accolades following his outstanding junior season in which he recorded 57 receptions, 13 touchdowns, and 1,200 yards receiving. His team posted a 12-1 record in 2019 and was unable to compete in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gathings is rated as the No. 55 recruit in North Carolina and plans to major in communications.
RISHAD HENCE (Detroit, Mich. – Defensive Back, Martin Luther King Jr. High School)
A 247Sports three-star defensive back from Detroit, Mich., Hence is a four-year letter winner at Martin Luther King Jr. High School under head coach Tyrone Spencer. The top-100 player in Michigan led his team to a state championship victory in 2018, earned all-state recognition in 2019, and recorded three defensive touchdowns during his prep career. In a shortened senior campaign (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) he totaled over 50 tackles and ranked as the No. 60 recruit in Michigan by 247Sports. Hence held offers from Army, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan and Kent State and plans to major in history.
DJ IRONS (Lawrenceville, Ga. – Quarterback, Grayson HS / Iowa Central CC)
A 247Sports three-star quarterback from Lawrenceville, Ga., Irons comes to Akron from Iowa Central Community College. This past season, he earned JUCO All-America accolades, completing over 62 percent of his passes for 2,039 yards and 21 touchdowns en route to recording a passing efficiency of 186.8. The athletic, dual-threat QB added an additional five touchdowns rushing. Named the 2019 ICCAC Player of the Year, Irons led Iowa Central to its best season in program history, including a victory over rival and perennial power, Iowa Western. During the 2019 campaign, Irons posted four games with three or more touchdown passes, including a four-touchdown performance in a 45-17 victory over Coffeyville Community College. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the Graphic Edge Bowl after throwing for 350 yards and four touchdowns. As a prep at national powerhouse Grayson High School, Irons was recognized as the Georgia 7A Offensive Player of the Year in his senior season. In addition, Irons was a standout three-sport athlete (football, basketball and track) and four-year letter winner at Grayson High School under head coach Christian Hunnicutt. Irons plans to major in business.
RYAN JANKOWSKI (Vero Beach, Fla. – Quarterback, Vero Beach High School)
Jankowski is a three-year letter winner at Vero Beach High School, a top program in South Florida, under head coach and father Lenny Jankowski. As a senior, Jankowski was tabbed a first-team All-State honoree after finishing third in the voting for the Florida 8A Player of the Year. Jankowski led his squad to a 13-1 mark and a regional title, completing over 72 percent of his passes for 2,400 yards, 22 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions. In his regional championship senior season, Jankowski also secured Vero Beach's 62nd consecutive regular season victory. Jankowski, who also held Big Ten offers, becomes the fourth straight quarterback out of Vero Beach to sign with an FBS program. He plans to major in sport management.
DARRIAN LEWIS (Akron, Ohio – Defensive Back, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School)
A 247Sports two-star defensive back, Lewis is a four-year letter winner at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School under head coach Bobby Nickol. As a captain, he helped lead SVSM to a combined 29-9 record during his four-year prep career en route to collecting 12 touchdowns and a school-record nine interceptions. As a senior, he garnered first-team All-Ohio accolades as well as first-team All-Northeast (Inland) District honors as the Fighting Irish advanced to the third round of the Division III playoffs. SVSM posted 8-2, 7-3 and 8-2 marks during his junior, sophomore and freshman campaigns, respectively. Additionally, he is a three-year letter and starting point guard on SVSM's nationally ranked basketball program. Darrian's uncle is Akron men's basketball Akron Varsity 'A' Hall of Famer, and high school teammate of LeBron James, Romeo Travis. Lewis held MAC offers and plans to major in business.
COLIN LYONS (McKeesport, Pa. – Offensive Line, McKeesport High School)
A 247Sports two-star offensive lineman, Lyons is a four-year letter winner at McKeesport High School under head coach Matt Miller. Lyons was selected as the Bill Fralic Award winner (recognizes the top OL in the WPIAL), PennLive All-22 All-State selection, first-team All-State and All-Conference (offense and defense) and was voted the conference Defensive Player of the year. As a team captain, Lyons led his team to an upset over state champion Thomas Jefferson. An honor roll student with a 3.98 GPA, he also played basketball, wrestling, and track, in which he finished fifth in the state as a sophomore in the discus. Held FBS offers from Army and Navy. Plans to major in education.
GAVIN MALOTT (Louisville, Ky. – Offensive Line, Trinity High School)
A 247Sports three-star offensive lineman, Malott is a four-year letter winner at Trinity High School under head coach Bob Beatty. A two-time All-State selection in Kentucky, he led his team to a state championship victory in 2019. The No. 10 nationally ranked program is currently preparing for the 2020 state championship this coming weekend. Kentucky Sports Radio tabbed Malott an All-State honoree and he is rated as the No. 23 recruit in Kentucky by 247Sports. At 6-9, 330 pounds, Malott is an exceptional multi-sport athlete. He was a standout AAU basketball player prior to transitioning to football his junior year. Malott plans to major in architecture.
S.L. MCCALL IV (Live Oak, Fla. – Outside Linebacker, Columbia HS / Iowa Western CC)
A 247Sports three-star outside linebacker, McCall IV is a four-year letter winner at Columbia High School under head coach Brian Allen. He comes to Akron after playing this past season at Iowa Western Community College. McCall played in 10 games and recorded 16 tackles, including 10 solo stops, a pair of sacks, 5.5 tackles for a loss and a fumble recovery for Iowa Western. A highly-regarded talent coming out of high school, S.L. McCall IV will be teaming up with former Columbia High School teammate Teon Dollard. Named to the Gainesville Sun Super 11 as a senior after recording 60 tackles, 10 sacks and eight tackles for a loss, he held offers from West Virginia, Houston, South Alabama and South Florida. McCall's major is undecided.
MATTHEW MONAGHAN (London, England – Tight End, Wetherby Senior School)
The future tight end, Monaghan, successfully competed for eight years in rugby at Wetherby Senior School. He helped lead his squad to the Middlesex Cup Final. Monaghan brings a physical presence and at 6-5 and 240 pounds, he brings a formidable and athletic frame to Akron this coming season. Maintaining over a 3.0 GPA, Monaghan plans to major in business.
KONATA MUMPFIELD (Hoschton, Ga. – Wide Receiver, Dacula High School)
A 247Sports three-star wide receiver, Mumpfield is a three-year letter winner and multi-sport athlete at Dacula High School under head coach Clint Jenkins. A two-time All-Region and All-County selection, he pulled in 43 receptions for 820 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior. As a multi-dimensional player, he also recorded three punt returns for touchdowns and three interceptions, leading his squad to a 13-1 record. He finished his prep career as Dacula's all-time leader in receiving touchdowns as well as among the top-10 in career receptions and was selected to compete at the Georgia Elite Classic. He helped Dacula High School reach the state semifinals in each of his final two seasons and earned All-Region honors in 8A his final season. Mumpfield plans to major in sport management.
ANDRE PROFFITT (Trenton, Ohio – Defensive Line, Lakota West High School)
A Rivals two-star defensive lineman, Proffitt is a four-year letter winner and multi-sport athlete at Lakota West High School under head coach Tom Bolden. As a first-team All-Conference selection his senior season, he helped guide his team to an 8-1 record, a conference and regional championship and the winningest season in program history. With 33 tackles, Proffitt led one of the best defenses in the state that limited opponents to less than six points per game and registered four shutouts. Proffitt plans to major in business.
NOEL ROACH (Pittsburgh, Pa. – Defensive Back, Penn Hills High School)
A 247Sports three-star defensive back, Roach is a four-year letter winner and three-sport athlete at Penn Hills High School under head coach Jon Ledonne. As a senior, Roach earned second-team All-State honors after registering 48 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, three interceptions, and nine pass breakups. The talented, two-way player also racked up 22 receptions for 266 yards and four touchdowns. The two-time all-conference selection was also recognized by MaxPreps as a second-team All-State honoree. As team captain, Roach led Penn Hills, one of the top high school programs in the nation, to a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) championship and a state title in 2018. Roach finished his prep career with 117 tackles, nine interceptions, 17 pass breakups, 10 tackles for a loss and 40 receptions for 579 yards as part of 839 overall all-purpose yards. He is rated the No. 53 recruit in Pennsylvania by 247Sports and held offers from all of the MAC, Navy and the Ivy Leagues. Roach plans to major in architectural engineering.
ORAN SINGLETON, JR. (Clewiston, Fla. – Athlete, Clewiston High School)
A 247Sports three-star athlete, Singleton is a four-year letter winner at Clewiston High School under head coach Pete Walker. Singleton garnered All-State 4A honors in Florida as a senior after capping his prep career with 3,113 yards and 26 touchdowns. Singleton brings dynamic versatility to the offensive side of the ball, explosive play making ability as a returner on special teams, and a physical defensive background to the Zips program. Singleton held offers from Florida Atlantic, Florida International, Kentucky, Liberty, New Mexico and Toledo. Singleton also competed in baseball and track and plans to major in sports medicine.
REY'NOI SUMMERSETT (Charlotte, N.C. – Outside Linebacker, North Mecklenburg HS)
An outside linebacker from Charlotte, N.C., Summersett is a three-year letter winner at North Mecklenburg High School under head coach Damon McKee. In his final season at North Mecklenburg, Summersett recorded 73 tackles, 13 sacks, and a pair of interceptions, earning him honors of Defensive Most Valuable Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year honors for his conference. As team captain, Summersett was selected to wear No. 1, the highest honor within the football program at North Mecklenburg High School, where he played with current Akron offensive lineman Jordan Daniels. Summersett held offers from Liberty and UMass and plans to major in sport management.
MYLES WALKER (Ellwood City, PA – Wide Receiver, Central Valley High School)
A 247Sports three-star wide receiver, Walker is a three-year letter winner and multi-sport athlete at Central Valley High School under head coach Mark Lyons. Walker earned All-State and All-Conference honors. The talented two-way player was also recognized as the Pennsylvania Fab 22 Player of the Year. As team captain, Walker led Central Valley to a perfect 13-0 record and the 2020 Pennsylvania state championship. As a junior, Walker received All-State recognition and All-Conference honors and led his team to a 14-2 record and a state championship appearance. In his final two seasons, Walker recorded 30 touchdowns, 1,300 all-purpose yards and six punt returns for touchdowns. Walker held offers from Central Michigan, Kent State and UMass and plans to major in business.