OCTOBER 23, 2013: CB - Jason Beck COMMITS TO EMU (5th RECRUIT of 2014 CLASS)
Some good news coming out of Ypsilanti as the Eagles pick up their 5th recruit for the class of 2014. Jason Beck, a 3 star rated CB from Arsenal Tech (IN), commited to the Eagles after visiting with assistant coach Mike Hart. This is a big commitment for the Eagles who only had 4 commits to this point, with only one 3 star (Gary Hosey). Beck is rated as the 124th best CB in the nation by 247 Sports and was recruited largely for his size at the corner position. At 6'1" and 195 lbs, Beck has great size and will become a great compliment to Jaleel Canty (who is currently having a great year for the Eagles as a freshman). Recently we took a poll from the EMU fans asking what positions needed to be addressed in this year's recruiting class; 50% of the readers identified that the defensive back position was a major issue. Well, Ron English heard you all loud and clear and it seems that the staff is addressing the defensive failures in this class (especially with the DBs). Beck is the second 3-star recruit and a large pickup for the Eagles. I don't see Beck as an immediate starter as he lacks the polish of a starting corner in D1 football, but he does have the size and athletic ability to have a big impact for the Eagle's defense.
AUGUST 30, 2013: EMU GRABS 3RD COMMIT OF 2014 CLASS
Mitch Stanitzek (Grand Rapids, MI)
On the eve of EMU's 2014 home opener, Ron English brought in his 3rd recruit of the 2014 class. Mitch Stanitzek, the #161 rated Defensive End out of Grand Rapids, MI told coaches last night that he would be playing for EMU next season. Stanitzek was a 2-way player at West Catholic High school wherre he played both DE and TE. He is expected to fill a spot on the defensive line but could see some time later in his career as a tight end. Stanitzek told Scout.com how happy he was with the coaching staff and the recognition of athletics during his recruitment period:
"I really love all coaches and the community. The biggest thing was academics, they had the major I'm interested in and that fit together and all came together".
Stanitzek is the 2nd player in class brought in to aid the future defense as Ron English looks to address holes in the front 7 (contract renewal permitting of course).
Like Kashama, Stanitzek is an athletically built Defensive End who thrives on his speed advantage rather than his size (6'3", 215lbs) and would flourish in a system that would permit him to execute his speed pass rushing abilities. Though he may not see immediate playing time, I estimate that Stanitzek will be a solid starter by the end of his career at EMU.
"I really love all coaches and the community. The biggest thing was academics, they had the major I'm interested in and that fit together and all came together".
Stanitzek is the 2nd player in class brought in to aid the future defense as Ron English looks to address holes in the front 7 (contract renewal permitting of course).
Like Kashama, Stanitzek is an athletically built Defensive End who thrives on his speed advantage rather than his size (6'3", 215lbs) and would flourish in a system that would permit him to execute his speed pass rushing abilities. Though he may not see immediate playing time, I estimate that Stanitzek will be a solid starter by the end of his career at EMU.
August 28, 2013: EMU nabs 3 star recruit gary hosey
Gary Hosey (Detroit MI, Cass Tech)
One thing that Ron English has been successful in doing during his tenure at EMU is recruiting. EMU has taken a quality over quantity approach to recruiting in the past couple of years in which I whole-heartedly believe in. English has continued his recruiting success by nabbing his first major recruit of the class of 2014, Gary Hosey (Detroit, MI). Hosey is the #43 nationally ranked ILB by ESPN out of Cass Tech and a 3-star recruit. At 5'10" and a solid 225 lbs, Hosey will primarily act as a run-stopper and an inside anchor for the EMU defense. He doesn't have the speed or explosiveness to act as a coverage LB but has great field awareness and tackling form.
The truth is, I'm really excited about Hosey. The guy is a beast. Other teams thought so too as he received offers from Ball State, BGSU, Buffalo, and Illinois. The fact that English was able to bring Hosey to EMU over Illinois and several other top MAC teams is a big victory and a step in the right direction. This will also benefit Hosey for a few reasons; First, Hosey will see playing time early on at EMU. He has the talent to be a top MAC linebacker and should get the opportunity to show it alongside Ike Spearman and Hunter Matt. Secondly, Hosey fits into the defensive system very well. With the EMU defense playing a dime/quarter defense on a regular basis, it gives Hosey the opportunity to let loose and concentrate on stopping the run which is what he's best at.
Look for Hosey to be one of the top talents and leader of this 2014 class.
The truth is, I'm really excited about Hosey. The guy is a beast. Other teams thought so too as he received offers from Ball State, BGSU, Buffalo, and Illinois. The fact that English was able to bring Hosey to EMU over Illinois and several other top MAC teams is a big victory and a step in the right direction. This will also benefit Hosey for a few reasons; First, Hosey will see playing time early on at EMU. He has the talent to be a top MAC linebacker and should get the opportunity to show it alongside Ike Spearman and Hunter Matt. Secondly, Hosey fits into the defensive system very well. With the EMU defense playing a dime/quarter defense on a regular basis, it gives Hosey the opportunity to let loose and concentrate on stopping the run which is what he's best at.
Look for Hosey to be one of the top talents and leader of this 2014 class.