Akron Football Signs 23 Student-Athletes to National Letters of Intent

Follow Akron Football on Facebook and Twitter

2019 Season Tickets

SHORT VIDEO | FULL PRESS CONFERENCE VIDEO

AKRON, Ohio— University of Akron first-year head football coach Tom Arth signed 23 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent on Wednesday.

This year's class features homegrown talent. Six student-athletes list their hometowns within the state of Ohio, five within a 20-mile radius of campus.

Additionally, eight incoming Zips hail from Georgia, four signees call Florida home, and two hail from California; and one each from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Two of the signees— defensive back Adetutu Daranijo (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and linebacker Michael Scott (Tallahassee, Fla.) — enrolled in classes in January 2019.

Additionally, 11 high school seniors, all from the state of Ohio, have committed to attend the University as walk-ons.

Quick Stats
√    Akron signees hail from nationally recognized programs in the country, including Ohio's St. Ignatius, St. Edward, Massillon, and La Salle; Penn Hills in Pennsylvania; Norcross and Parkview in Georgia.
√    Two of the top 10 rated players in program history signed with the Akron Zips– RB
      Peter Hayes-Patrick, No. 6 and DB Corey Thomas, Jr., No. 8.
√    Nineteen (19) Zips earned stars from various recruiting sites: one 5-star; one 4-star, ten 3-star, and seven 2-star rankings.
√    Three Zips were part of state championship teams [DB Corey Thomas, Jr. (Penn Hills), DB Adetutu Daranijo (St. Thomas Aquinas), OL Caleb Herring (St. Edward)].
√    Nine signees played multiple sports in high school.
√    Eight earned All-State honors, while five were All-Academic selections.
√    Four signees served as team captains.
√    Offensive lineman Xavior Gray (Massillon, Ohio) stands 6-9, the tallest Zip in the program's FBS history (since 1987).

Akron, which returns 51 letterwinners, begins spring practice on March 9. UA opens the 2019 season at Illinois on August 31. The home opener is slated for Sept. 7 against UAB.

Season ticket plans—which include a ticket to all six home games as well as a parking pass—can be purchased now to lock in the 2018 pricing for the 2019 season, starting at only $60 each. Renewals (for current season ticket holders) and new seats are now available for purchase by calling or texting 888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium-Summa Field (located at 375 E. Exchange Street, near Gate 1 at the southwest corner of the venue, at the corner of E. Exchange and S. Union streets) during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

2019 Akron Football National Letter of Intent Signees

Name	Pos.	Elig.	Ht.	Wt.	Hometown	High School	Previous School	NLI Received

Randy Cochran, Jr.	DB	Fr.	6-0	175	Doraville, Ga.	Norcross		7:27 AM
Jordan Daniels	OL	Fr.	6-5	275	Huntersville, N.C.	North Mecklenburg		7:22 AM
Adetutu Daranijo $	DB	Fr.	5-10	200	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.	St. Thomas Aquinas		Dec. 19, 2018



Zach Gibson	QB	Fr.	6-3	215	Alpharetta, Ga.	Johns Creek		10:51 AM
Xavior Gray	OL	Fr.	6-9	315	Massillon, Ohio	Jackson		9:33 AM
Peter Hayes-Patrick	RB	Fr.	6-0	204	Orlando, Fla.	Winter Park		1:00 PM
Caleb Herring	OL	Fr.	6-7	320	Lakewood, Ohio	St. Edward		7:22 AM
Daniel Lavelle	DL	Fr.	6-4	260	Forsyth, Ga.	Mary Persons		7:22 AM
Quevan Lawson	LB	Fr.	6-4	225	Ashburn, Ga.	Tuner County		10:35 AM
Kyshad Mack	DB	Fr.	6-1	200	Massillon, Ohio	Massillon Washington		3:27 PM
Michael Mathison	WR	Fr.	5-10	175	Covington, Ga.	Newton		8:12 AM
Tyson McDonald	DB	Fr.	6-2	195	Corona, Calif.	Eleanor Roosevelt		10:33 AM
Owen Murphy	OL	Fr.	6-6	270	Cleveland, Ohio	St. Ignatius		7:36 AM

Julian Richardson	LB	Fr.	6-2	210	Albany, Ga.	Westover		7:43 AM
Kyle Romenick	P	Fr.	6-2	220	Fort Mill, S.C.	Fort Mill		7:43 AM
Michael Scott $	LB	Jr.	6-3	230	Tallahassee, Fla.	North Florida Christian	Iowa Western CC	Dec. 19, 2018
Keyshawn Swanson	DB	Fr.	5-11	180	Pensacola, Fla.	West Florida		8:17 AM
Corey Thomas, Jr.	DB	Fr.	6-5	200	Pittsburgh, Pa.	Penn Hills		7:22 AM
Jarred Uran	LB	Fr.	6-2	195	Cincinnati, Ohio	La Salle		7:22 AM
Kevin Walls	WR	Fr.	6-6	215	Westlake, Ohio	Westlake		10:33 AM
AJ Watts	DB	Fr.	6-1	208	Columbus, Ga.	Carver		7:27 AM
Demetrick Watts II	LB	Jr.	6-3	230	Riverside, Calif.	Hillcrest	Humboldt State	11:15 AM
Bryce Wilson	DL	Fr.	6-3	275	Lilburn, Ga.	Parkview		7:22 AM

$ Mid-year enrollee

2019 Akron Football Walk-on Commitments

Name                            Pos.    Elig.    Ht.    Wt.      Hometown | High School
Ryan Beckman                OL      Fr.     6-3    305      Avon Lake, Ohio | Avon Lake
JJ Coleman #                  WR     Fr.    5-11   180      Westlake, Ohio | Westlake
Nick Demchuk                 QB      Fr.     6-3    200      Cleveland, Ohio | Benedictine
Marco Donatelli #             LB      Fr.     6-2    215      Girard, Ohio | Girard
Noah Garrett                    P       Fr.     6-3    175      Mentor, Ohio | Mentor
Austin Gillespie #          TE/FB R-Jr. 5-10   245      Dublin, Ohio | Dublin Scioto | Ashland University
Taylor Griffin                   RB      Fr.    5-11   195      Strongsville, Ohio | Strongsville
Jordan Maul                    DL      Fr.     6-4    325      Steubenville, Ohio | Central Catholic
Tank McClendon             DL      Fr.    5-11   270      Lima, Ohio | Lima Senior
Mason McMillen               LB      Fr.    5-11   200      Wadsworth, Ohio | Wadsworth
Shawn Naim                   WR     Fr.     6-4    195      Rocky River, Ohio | Lutheran West
Alex Robarge                  OL      Fr.     6-5    325      Chagrin Falls, Ohio | Kenston
Connor Shell                   LB      Fr.     6-1    190      Bay Village, Ohio | Bay Village

# added Feb. 15

Signee Biographies

RANDY COCHRAN, JR.
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-0 • 175
Doraville, Ga. | Norcross HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played cornerback for coach Keith Maloof at Norcross HS ... All-Region and All-County selection .... the Blue Devils went 7-5 overall and 5-1 in the region in 2018 ... as a senior, had 50 tackles, including 35 solo stops, 15 break-ups, seven interceptions, and a forced fumble ... one of 11 football signees from Norcross HS this season ... also ran track.

Personal: Born April 18, 2001 ... parents are Lareena McClain and Randy Cochran, Sr. ... has an older sister Shylin and an older brother Malik ... expects to major in sports management.

* * *

JORDAN DANIELS
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-5 • 275
Huntersville, N.C | North Mecklenburg HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … All-I-MECK 4AA Conference selection at left tackle for coach Eric Morman at North Mecklenburg HS ... Honor Roll student.

Personal: Born February 10, 2001 ... parents are Erskine and Hope Daniels ... father played baseball at USC Salkehatchie ... mother played at basketball at North Greenville University ... plays the drums.

* * *

ADETUTU DARANIJO
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-10 • 200
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | St. Thomas Aquinas HS

Enrolled at Akron in January 2019.

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … first-team All-Broward 8A-6A County … played three seasons at St. Thomas Aquinas under head coach Roger Harriott … helped the Raiders to their third state championships in Class 7A as a junior in 2016 … also competed with the track team, running in the 100 meters and 4x100 relay ... All-Academic selection.

Personal: Parents came to the U.S. from Nigeria ... joins St. Thomas Aquinas teammates Alvin Davis, Zaire Jacobs, and Deltron Sands as Akron Zips.

* * *

ZACH GIBSON
Quarterback • Freshman • 6-3 • 215
Alpharetta, Ga. | Johns Creek HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... No. 1-rated quarterback in the state of Georgia ... pro-style quarterback and four-year starter for coach Matt Helmerich at Johns Creek HS ... team captain ... helped the Gladiators to 9-2 overall record and 8-0 record in regional play ... as a senior, went 164-of-240 for 2,675 yards and 32 touchdowns (and only two interceptions) ... averaged 243.2 yards per game ... as a junior, passed for 1,899 yards and 13 touchdowns ... also played basketball.

* * *

XAVIOR GRAY
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-9 • 315
Massillon, Ohio | Jackson HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played offensive tackle for coach Tim Budd at Jackson HS ... third-team All-Ohio selection ... All-Stark County ... first-team All-Federal League and first-team All-Northeast Inland District pick ... lost more than 150 pounds over two seasons (started at 480) ... had offers from UMass and several MAC schools.

Personal: Parents are Wendi Gray and the late Prince Gray ... has a sister Gabby.

* * *

PETER HAYES-PATRICK
Running Back • Freshman • 6-0 • 204
Orlando, Fla. | Winter Park HS

High School: Four-star recruit by Rivals.com ... three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … No. 6 ranked Akron recruit all-time by 247Sports. com ... played running back for coach Tim Shifflet at Winter Park HS in 2018 ... as a senior, rushed for 849 yards and 10 touchdowns ... ranked No. 12 in the Orlando Sentinel's 2910 Central Florida Super60 ... played three seasons at Timber Creek HS, rushing for more than 2,000 yards ... transferred to Winter Park for senior season ... also played basketball ... had offers from Florida State, FIU, and Georgia Tech.

Personal: Born October 27, 2000 ... mother is Yasmeen Patrick ... has older two brothers– Javonte and Jacques– and two sisters– Jasmeen and Jakayla ... both brothers also played football ... brother Jacques Patrick was a running back at Florida State [2015-18] ... expected to study communication.

* * *

CALEB HERRING
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-7 • 320
Lakewood, Ohio | St. Edward HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played offensive tackle for coach Tom Lombardo at St. Edward HS against the toughest competition in the country ... named to the McCallister Scouting Report watch list for Ohio Class of 2019 top recruits ... team went 11-3 in 2018 and ranked No. 10 nationally en route to the state championship ... started all 14 games ... Academic All-State selection.

* * *

DANIEL LAVELLE
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-4 • 260
Forsyth, Fa. | Mary Persons HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … three-year letterwinner at defensive end for coach Brian Nelson at Mary Persons HS ... team captain ... two-year starter ... 2018 first-team All-Region ... 2017 first-team All-State and first-team All-Region selection ... team went 12-1 in 2018, his senior season ... participated in the 2017 Georgia Elite Classic ... also lettered in track and field ... had offers from Kentucky, Western Kentucky, and Kent State.

Personal: Born December 11, 2000 ... mother is Sandra Lavelle ... has an older brother Martin ... participated in the Men About Change mentor program ... intends to study exercise physiology.

* * *
(pronounced Kway-von)

QUEVAN LAWSON
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-4 • 225
Ashburn, Ga. | Turner County HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports ... played defensive end for coach Leroy Hood at Turner County HS ... All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic selection ... in prep career, had 188 tackles, 53 TFL, 32 sacks, 14 break-ups, and five forced fumbles ... three-time All-Academic team honoree ... had offers from Tulane, FAU, UNLV, Southern Mississippi, and Kent State.

Personal: Born November 16, 2000 ... mother is Antwoinette ... has two sisters– Malaysia and Kamile– and a younger brother Kaven ... expected to study civil engineering.

* * *

KYSHAD MACK
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-1 • 200
Massillon, Ohio | Massillon Washington HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played safety for coach Nate Moore at Massillon Washington HS ... also returned kicks ... as a senior, had 29 solo tackles as team went 14-1 overall en route to an appearance in the state semifinal ... also played basketball.

* * *

MICHAEL MATHISON
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 5-10 • 175
Covington, Ga. | Newton HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played wide receiver and free safety for coach Terrance Banks at Newton HS ... first-team All-State and first-team All-Area ... as a senior, had 40 receptions for 558 yards and six touchdowns in nine games ... also had three picks at safety ... also returned seven kicks for 233 yards ... as a junior in 2017, had 37 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns ... also returned three kicks for 81 yards ... as a sophomore in 2016, had 13 receptions for 88 yards ... also returned three kicks for 59 yards ... also played basketball.

* * *

TYSON McDONALD
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-2 • 195
Corona, Calif. | Eleanor Roosevelt HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played safety for coach Tommy Leach at Eleanor Roosevelt HS ... 2018 first-team All-Big 8 Conference and All-CIF ... as a senior, had 60 tackles, five interceptions, and two interceptions returned for touchdowns ... as a junior had 23 tackles, including 14 solo stops, two interceptions, and a forced fumble ... participated in the IE Classic ... also ran track for two seasons ... participated in the 100 meters, 200 meters, and 4x100 relay ... 2011 100-meter champion in the Junior Olympics .... set a national record in the 4x100 ... had offers from Colorado, FAU, and San Diego State.

Personal: Born July 26, 2001 ... parents are Carmen and Luis McDonald ... has two older sisters– Tiara and Sasha ... would like to pursue a career in sports broadcasting ... expected to study communication/media studies.

* * *

OWEN MURPHY
Offensive Line • Freshman • 6-6 • 270
Cleveland, Ohio | St. Ignatius HS

High School: Played guard and tight end for coach Chuck Kyle at St. Ignatius HS against the toughest competition in the country ... moved to offensive guard as a senior ... broke into the starting line-up at right guard ... team went 8-3 in 2018 and ranked No. 36 nationally ... moved to tight end as a junior ... played offensive tackle as a sophomore and freshman ... Honor Roll student.

* * *

JULIAN RICHARDSON
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-2 • 210
Albany, Ga. | Westover HS

High School: Three-year letterwinner at defensive end for coach Olten Downs at Westover HS ... two-time first-team All-Region selection ... 2018 Honorable Mention All-State ... as a senior had 21 tackles, including nine solo stops and 1.0 TFL, and six sacks ... had four sacks in the 28-12 win over Americus-Sumter en route to WALB Player of the Week honors ... as a junior had 24 tackles ... as a sophomore, had three tackles.

* * *

KYLE ROMENICK
Punter • Freshman • 6-2 • 220
Fort Mill, S.C. | Fort Mill HS

High School: Five-star recruit by Chris Sailer and Kohls … three-year letterwinner for coach Rob McNeely at Fort Mill HS ... saw action at punter, kicker, and holder ... competed at the Kohl's Kicking National Scholarship Camp ... averaged 53 yards with 4.3 seconds of hang time during camp ... 2017 NC region punt champion.

Personal: Born January 8, 2001 ... parents are Darleen and Joe Romenick ... has a younger sister Samantha ... volunteered at Rice and Beans, a program that feeds the homeless ... expected to major in sport studies.

* * *

MICHAEL SCOTT
Linebacker • Junior • 6-3 • 230
Tallahassee, Fla. | North Florida Christian HS | Iowa Western Community College

Enrolled at Akron in January 2019.

College: Played defensive line at Iowa Western Community College as a sophomore in 2018 ... saw action in 10 games ... had 23 tackles, including 10 solo stops and 3.0 TFL, and a block ... redshirted as a true freshman at Tulane in 2017 ... originally signed with South Florida.

High School: Three-star recruit by ESPN.com (#98 outside linebacker in the nation, #246 player in Florida), 247sports.com (#94 outside linebacker in the nation, #224 player in Florida), and Rivals.com … two-star status by Scout.com ... four-year letterman for coach Steve Price at North Florida Christian HS ... rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com … reached the Class 2A state playoffs all four seasons ... as a senior, registered 64 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and two sacks … as a junior, tallied 80 tackles, seven tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and 4.5 sacks on his way to receiving Class 2A second-team All-State honors … as a sophomore, totaled 47 tackles, two tackles for loss and one forced fumble … also lettered in basketball as a junior and sophomore.

* * *

KEYSHAWN SWANSON
Defensive Back • Freshman • 5-11 • 180
Pensacola, Fla. | West Florida HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played defensive back and wide receiver for coach Rhett Summerford at West Florida HS ... team went 6-4 in 2018 ... as a senior, had 53 tackles and three interceptions as well as almost 700 all-purpose yards ... participated in the 2018 Subway High School All-Star game for team West ... had offers from Southern Mississippi and South Alabama.

Personal: Born September 29, 2000 ... parents are Sharnell and Marlon Swanson ... has a younger brother Adrian and a younger sister Shamari ... would like to pursue a career in the dental field ... expected to major in biology.

* * *

COREY THOMAS, JR.
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-5 • 200
Pittsburgh, Pa. | Penn Hills HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … the No. 19 overall player in Pennsylvania ... No. 8 ranked Akron recruit all-time by 247Sports. com ... three-year letterwinner for coach Jon LeDonne at Penn Hills HS ... played safety, wide receiver, cornerback, and linebacker ... three-time All-5A Northern Conference selection ... team went 16-0 in 2018 en route to the WPIAL and state championship ... also won the 2016 WPIAL ... National Honor Society member.

Personal: Born August 29, 2000 ... parents are Bobbi Thomas, and Corey Thomas, Sr. ... has a younger brother Cameron and sister Caidyn ... father coaches high school football ... expected to study business.

* * *
(pronounced you-ran)

JARRED URAN
Linebacker • Freshman • 6-2 • 195
Cincinnati, Ohio | La Salle HS

High School: Two-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played outside linebacker for coach Patrick McLaughlin at La Salle HS, one of the best programs in the state ... GCL Linebacker of the Year ... first-team All-GCL ... first-team All-District ... second-team All-State ... Skyline Chili Crosstown Showdown MVP vs. Colerain ... as a senior, had 95 tackles, five break-ups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries ... had offers from Buffalo, Ball State, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Kent State.

* * *

KEVIN WALLS
Wide Receiver • Freshman • 6-6 • 215
Westlake, Ohio | Westlake HS

High School: Played wide receiver and free safety for coach Jason Hall at Westlake HS ... as a senior, had 32 receptions for 587 yards and seven touchdowns ... also played center for the basketball team ... outstanding track athlete ... All-District ... two-time regional champion in the 100 meters (11.0) and two-time state qualifier in the 4x100.

* * *

A.J. WATTS
Defensive Back • Freshman • 6-1 • 208
Columbus, Ga. | Carver HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … played safety for coach Calvin Arnold at Carver HS ... as a senior, had 46 tackles, including 37 solo stops, five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery ... team wen 9-2 overall and 7-1 in conference play in 2018 ... also played basketball ... All-State selection ... averaged 22.0 points per game ... had offers for basketball as well.

Personal: First name is Anthony.

* * *

DEMETRICK WATTS II
Linebacker • Junior • 6-3 • 230
Riverside, Calif. | Hillcrest HS | Humboldt State

College: Played two seasons at middle linebacker at Humboldt State ... team captain ... as a sophomore in 2018, finished second on team with 80 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks for a loss of 22 yards, two hurries, a break-up, and an interception ... as a redshirt freshman in 2018, played in nine games ... had 28 tackles, a sack, and a break-up.

High School: Three-year letterwinner at linebacker and running back for coach John Brandom at Hillcrest HS ... two-time All-River Valley League selection ... Citrus Belt League Athlete of the Year ... as a senior, had 120 tackles, 11 TFL, six sacks, 1100 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns ... participated in the 2016 California Classic All-Star game ... twice selected as the Linebacker MVP.

Personal: Born September 21, 1997 ... parents are Demetrick Watts and Kimberly Turner ... has two brothers– Darian and Charlie– and three sisters– Zhane, Mya, and Makayla ... expects to study sports management.

* * *

BRYCE WILSON
Defensive Line • Freshman • 6-3 • 275
Lilburn, Ga. | Parkview HS

High School: Three-star recruit by 247Sports.com … team captain ... played defensive end and quarterback for coach Eric Godree at Parkview HS ... helped team to an 11-1 overall record and perfect 6-0 record in regional play in 2018 ... as a senior, had 38 tackles, including 22 tackles, 2.0 sacks, six hurries, and one break-up ... also played basketball.

The University of Akron Athletics

Akron Football Signs 23 Student-Athletes to National Letters of Intent

Players Mentioned

Adetutu Daranijo

Zaire Jacobs

Deltron Sands

Michael Scott

Related Videos