By MIKE SMITH
Even as the basketball season turns for the regular season homestretch, football made its annual February recruiting splash last week. It is a day of optimism and hope for all schools, but most of the new blood won’t be significant contributors for at least a couple years.
At least for me, it’s always interesting to see some of the less-lauded athletes who surprise a few people along the way. In any case, good luck to all the new recruits. They are embarking on a special time in their lives.
Of course, there are some former Mid-American Conference . . .
Even as the basketball season turns for the regular season homestretch, football made its annual February recruiting splash last week. It is a day of optimism and hope for all schools, but most of the new blood won’t be significant contributors for at least a couple years.
At least for me, it’s always interesting to see some of the less-lauded athletes who surprise a few people along the way. In any case, good luck to all the new recruits. They are embarking on a special time in their lives.
Of course, there are some former Mid-American Conference . . .
. . . recruits who not only went on to star on MAC fields, but in the professional ranks, as well. Several have been in the news.
► Former Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman is having quite a career as a receiver, and he came through – again – to help his New England Patriots pull out a historic Super Bowl win. His amazing second quarter catch to keep a drive moving was a key play in the Patriots victory.
In fact, USA Today suggested it may be among the best Super Bowl catches EVER!
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/02/ranking-best-super-bowl-catches-nfl-51-julian-edelman-julio-jones-david-tyree-holmes-patriots-falcons
► Another MAC alum is headed to the NFL Hall of Fame.
Jason Taylor, a former member of the Akron Zips, became one of the NFL’s top rushers while wearing Miami Dolphins gear. Taylor made it to the hall in his first year of eligibility. For more on his pro accomplishments, check: http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Jason-Taylor-Elected-To-Pro-Football-Hall-Of-Fame/0f1cd403-5f38-48e9-b116-cc8261b7e494
► Another former MAC standout on the defensive side recently made news by earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Khalil Mack was drafted fifth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL draft. He previously capped off a fine career for the Buffalo Bulls by taking MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
► Former Kent State quarterback Julian Edelman is having quite a career as a receiver, and he came through – again – to help his New England Patriots pull out a historic Super Bowl win. His amazing second quarter catch to keep a drive moving was a key play in the Patriots victory.
In fact, USA Today suggested it may be among the best Super Bowl catches EVER!
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/02/ranking-best-super-bowl-catches-nfl-51-julian-edelman-julio-jones-david-tyree-holmes-patriots-falcons
► Another MAC alum is headed to the NFL Hall of Fame.
Jason Taylor, a former member of the Akron Zips, became one of the NFL’s top rushers while wearing Miami Dolphins gear. Taylor made it to the hall in his first year of eligibility. For more on his pro accomplishments, check: http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Jason-Taylor-Elected-To-Pro-Football-Hall-Of-Fame/0f1cd403-5f38-48e9-b116-cc8261b7e494
► Another former MAC standout on the defensive side recently made news by earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. Khalil Mack was drafted fifth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2014 NFL draft. He previously capped off a fine career for the Buffalo Bulls by taking MAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Recruiting day activities gave me a chance to take a partial tour of the new Athletic Performance Center at Miami. The building connects Miami’s new indoor practice field with the actual game gridiron.
It’s just amazing what they do with facilities these days. The APC has a new weight room, various rehab pools, a lounge, theater seating for the entire team and, among other things, a fabulous locker room. I couldn’t help but think about how things have changed over the years.
Check out this clip from the Rudy movie, and then look at a couple APC pics below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdRiPWOP8so
It’s just amazing what they do with facilities these days. The APC has a new weight room, various rehab pools, a lounge, theater seating for the entire team and, among other things, a fabulous locker room. I couldn’t help but think about how things have changed over the years.
Check out this clip from the Rudy movie, and then look at a couple APC pics below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdRiPWOP8so
There are a number of rows of lockers adjacent to an area where the entire team can be addressed - such as before a game or at the half. There is no word yet on the acoustical qualities for singing a fight song, since the facility was finished after the 2016 season. Of course, the theater-style seating will also come in handy. (MVSmith/MRO)
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