Football

Rivals.com reports Akron has offered scholarships to six more players…

Julian Harrell, wide receiver, Harrisburg, Pa.
Offers: Akron, Buffalo and Miami
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 210
Speed: 4.55
Notes: Harrell seems like a fairly heady player. He told Rivals he wanted to play at several schools because they run a pass-dominant offense. His No. 1 target is Georgia Tech, but the Yellow Jackets have not offered yet. Michigan, Pittsburgh and Tennessee also could offer, Harrell says.
Likelihood: Of his current offers, Harrell knows most about Miami. He doesn't seem to be in a hurry to make a decision. Reading his quotes, however, a BCS offer would lure him away from the MAC. Likelihood is low.

Mike Shanahan, wide receiver, North Huntingdon, Pa.
Offers: Akron and West Virginia
Height: 6-4
Weight: 200
Speed: 4.8
Notes: The all-conference player looks like a possession receiver. There's not much more I can find on him. Nothing leads me to believe he is related to the Broncos head coach, although that would help the Zips' chances considering J.D. Brookhart formerly worked for Denver.
Likelihood: Going against a perennial top-25 program will be difficult. Possible offers from Pittsburgh and Penn State could complicate things. Shanahan is probably not coming to Akron.

Justin Virbitsky, tight end, Jermyn, Pa.
Offers: Akron and Buffalo
Height: 6-5
Weight: 251
Speed: 5.0
Notes: Virbitsky sent a highlight tape to Akron's coaches and received a scholarship offer just a few days later. He has made unofficial visits to Connecticut, Penn State and Boston College. Virbitsky is from the same high school as current Zips running back Joe Tuzze.
Likelihood: Virbitsky likes that Akron was the first to offer. Having a familiar face on the team is another plus, he said. I'd say there's a good chance he'll be a Zip.

James Searcy, defensive end, Newnan, Ga.
Offers: Akron and Troy
Height: 6-3
Weight: 255
Speed: 4.68
Notes: I watched a highlight video of Searcy. He looked like a high-motor player who excels at pass rushing. Given his speed and the Zips' 3-3-5 defense, Searcy might fit in best as a linebacker.
Likelihood: Searcy said Florida State is close to offering. It doesn't help that he wants to play in a 4-3 defense. Still, he says he likes Akron. It's possible he'll come north.

Tyrell Harris, cornerback, Harrisburg, Pa.
Offers: Akron and Syracuse
Height: 6-2
Weight: 194
Speed: 4.44
Notes: He has a great combination of speed and size — a combination no current Zips defensive back possesses. Harris plans to visit Akron. He says his leaders are Notre Dame and Georgia Tech, but those schools haven't offered yet.
Likelihood: In the stories I've read about Harris, he hasn't said a thing about Akron. That's not good. Likelihood low.

Cameron Saddler, athlete, Monroeville, Pa.
Offers: Akron, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Syracuse, Temple and North Carolina
Height: 5-6
Weight: 153
Speed: 4.4
Notes: If Saddler was taller, he would be one of the nation's top cornerbacks. His athleticism still intrigues a handful of BCS schools. He projects as a returner in college, but coaches will want him on the field however they can.
Likelihood: Michigan is close to offering. Saddler lists Virginia and Pittsburgh as his favorites, but the Wolverines will leapfrog them. It would take a miracle for Akron to land this electifying athlete. Likelihood is very low.

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