Tips & Advice to Aspiring Broadcasters

I totally understand, why is a 22-year old writing about advice and tips for aspiring broadcasters when he's so young himself? The truth is, if you are in or wanting to go into broadcasting, I've probably been in your shoes. Ever since being in fourth grade, all I wanted to do was talk about sports on television and there are a lot of people like me, whether it's sports, news, radio, etc. I got my start in this industry at the age of 15, where I was learning how to shoot and edit along with editing the scores that scroll in the ticker every night. Once again, I'm not trying to write this about me, but my experiences may help someone reading this along the way, so I will be reflective. Nevertheless, here are my tips and advice to someone who wants to go into broadcasting because over the past seven years, I've received a lot of this advice myself.

1) Stay True to Yourself

This is first and foremost and goes along with anything else you do in life. Find your passion and stick to it. For me, it was sports and as mentioned, that's all I wanted to do. Nobody knows yourself better than you so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. If your passion is in sports, stick to that. For me, I always told myself I would never consider doing news, even if the money was better. For years, that had been my story: sports over news no matter the pay, I truly built myself on that. In reality, when you have an offer to do news and hear how much better the pay is than in sports, you contemplate it. Don't. If you went into this industry to do one specific thing and that's what you have your heart set on, then do it. However, there are some fine lines that come with that, which brings me to my next point.

2) Learn It All

Never limit yourself... ever. If someone asks you to do something in this industry, you do it. Yes, it does contradict my previous point but understand where I'm coming from here. There may come a time when you don't want to do something or it isn't where your passion is, that's okay as long as you never lose sights of what you truly want to do and where you want to be.

For example, if you want to be an on-camera talent: learn how to edit, produce, script, shoot highlights, run audio, studio camera - anything and everything. It is invaluable to know the ins-and-outs of television or radio and ensure you understand where the problem lies when there is one. Truth be told, there's thousands of people that are out there just like you, so what's going to make YOU stand out? Be dynamic, never say no, learn something and then perfect it. If you learn a certain role and bolster it, chances are people around you will notice and more opportunities are going to come for you, that's when you truly prove your worth in the workplace.

3) Get Criticized

There's nothing worse in this industry than someone who can't take criticism. Embrace it. Ask for second and third opinions, tell them to be honest when critiquing you and let it make you better. There will be people that criticize you perhaps too hard, but I'm a firm believer that there's no such thing. The harder someone is on you, the better and I think that goes with any industry. I've had several professors and mentors that I've been extremely close to but when I ask for their opinion on something I had done, they'd rip it apart. I was confused and thought 'maybe I'm not cut out for this' but looking back, it makes you so much better. Thicken up your skin and get the feedback because when the same honest person that has been ripping you apart then turns around and tells you 'great job,' that's something to feel outstanding about. I can't emphasize enough: get critiqued and let criticism better you.

4) Don't Be Afraid to Hear 'No'

Ask and you shall receive is something to live by. That obviously comes within reason but for me, this was a big thing I had learned from many veterans in the industry. For example, my freshman year of high school I had a job shadow with a sports department at a television station. I obviously loved learning during my experience at their station so I went home as a 14-year old high school student and wrote emails to all four stations in my area asking them if I could intern for them. They all shot me down, obviously, because I couldn't receive high school or college credit for an internship. That's when one station took a chance on me and brought me in as a 'long-term job shadow' so to speak. I ended up spending three years at that station and got hired on as a freelance sports cameraman when I turned 18.

So yes, ask away. If there's something you want to do, ask someone who can get you there. Ask your college advisor or professors if they know of internships or if they can help you find something to get you into the industry. The worst someone say is 'no' and when you come to that realization, you will be much better off, no matter your career choice.

5) Choose Passion over Money

We all want to make money, that's a given. However, a lot of times in the television industry, it's not all it's cracked up to be. Many people think that people on their TV-sets are making triple-figures and bringing in so much more than the average person but in reality, that's often not the case. You have to put money aside and swallow your pride, the money will come. Especially when starting out in television, you'll have to take some lumps financially and figure out how to make ends meet but think about why you're in the industry.

A former high school advisor of mine once told me how broadcasters make very little money and that I should not go into the industry. He was animate about it: find something better to do where you can make more money. Nope, that's not me. I wanted to be a broadcaster and sure, money has been tight but work your way up and make it happen, you control your destiny.

6) Remember Why You Started

Nobody is going to die because of you, it's a harsh truth. As broadcasters, we aren't performing open-heart surgery or putting our lives on the line (in most cases) and that's something that has helped bring me back to my passion if I start to get even somewhat burnt out. So why did you want to get into broadcasting? What do you envision yourself doing? When you start to get exhausted and tired of the industry (believe me, you will have days like this) remember why you started. Back to point A, you could be in broadcasting, or you could be in a different profession with a lot more on the line in terms of putting other people's lives in your hands, it really helps to put things into perspective.

7) Bring A Work Ethic Every. Single. Day.

No days off. No quit. The television industry is busy, people are always trying to get their start. So again, what's going to make you stand out? Work ethic. It's that simple, if people around you (bosses, former co-workers, etc.) see that you're working hard to get to where you are, the respect level rises. Meanwhile, if you're coasting on what others do for you, nothing will lose your reputation faster. Be a busy body, do it all and never have a bad day. Especially when you're new at a station or workplace, show them how hard you'll work to get to where you want to go, you'll be surprised where that'll get you.

8) Get to Know Every Fellow Broadcaster You Meet

Shake hands, be sociable, get on LinkedIn. You'd be amazed how many opportunities can arise from getting to know people. In television, there's a fairly high turnover in terms of people moving onto bigger markets and that's where this comes in. Let's say you get to know someone at a station you're interning and they get a job elsewhere and that station likely has other job openings, that's where connections come in. Having connections across state lines and across the country is an invaluable asset because you never know when your name might come up. We live in a world of social media so follow the people you look up to and interact with them. Again, prove your worth to them and if they move up, you could too.

9) Don't Let Social Media Ruin You

Please, do not let this generation ruin your career. In today's society, we love to vent and take our frustration out on social media and I'm as guilty as any. Either way, keep the profanity and other things you wouldn't want a boss to see off of your accounts. A former mentor in this industry once told me, "if you wouldn't want grandma to see it, don't post it," and that stuck with me. When adults tell you that bosses will look up your social media accounts before even interviewing you, they mean it. Do not apply for jobs until you clean up your act on social media.

10) Identify Your Goals

Do you want to work in a bigger market or do you want to stay close to your family? Decide what you want to do ten years from now. You may not have specific goals but it's important to at least know if you want to be in a big city or stay close to home, because those could limit your ceiling and potential. The more adventurous and 'up for anything' you are, you'll have a better chance of thriving in the industry, but different people want different things. Goals can change, however, so don't be so stubborn that you ignore your internal feelings.

There you have it, if you want to go into broadcasting, here are my personal tips for you from over six years in the industry and working around a lot of different people. I've had a lot of help from a lot of people and learned so much from them, now it's up to me to try to share that. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Don't hesitate to reach out to me on Twitter or Facebook. Thanks for reading. 

10% Talent, 100% Faith in the Plan

My first experience of television as a 14-year old freshman
with WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

As I lay here wide awake in my Toledo, Ohio home, I think about the unexpected path to where I am today. The similar nights an entire decade ago laying in bed in New Salem, Michigan thinking, "How cool would it be if I could somehow become a sports broadcaster?" I'm not writing this to tell you about what it takes to be successful, I'm nowhere near that point in my life yet. Nor am I writing this to tell you how to live your life as the American Dream is in the eye of the beholder. Honestly, I'm writing this because prior to tonight, I had zero idea how I made it to this point of my life; 21-years old, entering my senior year of college and still with so much happiness. The reason college stress and the future uncertainty has not yet taken over my life is because of the people in it and to be honest, the way God has looked out for me.

I understand, admittedly, there used to be a time where I heard about somebody being 'blessed' or 'God having a plan' and I cringed. Now, I totally understand it. As anybody who knows me is aware, I've wanted to be a sports broadcaster since I was about ten years old. Never did I think it was actually possible but with the amazing people at Fox 17 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, they helped that dream come true by allowing me to job shadow them and eventually, 'intern' (though we couldn't call it that since I wasn't receiving college credit). After almost three years at Fox, I took an absolute leap of faith to leave West Michigan and move to Toledo for college. Despite my friends, some family, and some mentors telling me to stay put in my hometown and go to college locally, something told me I had to attend the University of Toledo. The first few months of college weren't easy, I left my parents, grandparents, and younger sister who is honestly my best friend. And since we're on the topic of tough times, December of my freshman year (2014) was one of the low points of my life - I was failing my entry level math class, I was homesick, jobless, and I didn't know what the future had to offer. That's when Buckeye Cable Sports Network came along. I applied for a production assistant job with BCSN who I had heard a lot about from the UT broadcasting department. After a job interview, I was hired and the smile and joy came back to my life just before Christmas. After countless of hours in tutoring, I passed my math class with flying colors, my homesickness went away, and I fell in love with my new job.

It's been a crazy roller coaster ride over the past seven years of
pursuing this career.

Fast forward to today, I have been at BCSN for nearly three years and have gone from production assistant, cameraman, running audio, social media assistant, editor and now on-camera talent and journalist. Again, I'm not meaning this in an egotistical way. Instead, I'm trying to help others realize that sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone is not the worst thing in the world. At Fox 17, I had life extremely good. I was covering the Detroit Lions home games, going to Michigan football and basketball games, and doing everything that I wanted to do, especially for a high schooler. While I had the chance to attend Grand Valley State University or Central Michigan University for broadcasting and continue working with Fox 17, my heart (and God as well) drew me to Toledo. Like I said, until the end of December of 2014 I honestly doubted if this is where I was meant to be. Now, I realize low points in your life make for incredible and monumental highs. So many people see what I do on television and tell me, "That must be the coolest job ever!" And it is. At the same time, I've been incredibly lucky with amazing opportunities and people in my life, especially around my career. They always say if you pick a job/career that you like, you'll never work a day in your life and in the past five years, that's exactly the case. Once I stopped holding back from the path God was trying to show me and accepted the low points, life couldn't have gotten any better. Many people like to tell me that I deserve every opportunity I've been given but I don't agree with that, I truly believe I am one of the lucky ones that ended up exactly where they're supposed to be and whether or not that continues, is up to the man upstairs.

From dreaming about this at ten-years old, to this at age 21. I
couldn't be more thankful of the support and help.

It wasn't easy for me to leave home and trust what I felt in Toledo, Ohio. Especially after the first few depressing months of my college career, but everything worked itself out. Once I stopped stressing the little things and panicking about the future, everything fell into place. I'm not sure you'll get anything out of this blog post but as a former uncertain 18-year old, I can't believe where I am today. That's not to my credit at all, that's to everyone who has helped me along the way and honestly, once again to God for giving me that feeling and talking me into leaving home and my family. I don't know how things would have worked out if I never would have stepped out of my comfort zone but I don't need to. Here I am in Toledo with the best coworkers and job in the world (in my eyes), but again that's in the eye of the beholder, so go out and make the most of the opportunity you're given. Don't stress about the little things and focus on the big picture. Sometimes, the biggest message God is giving you is the smallest and easiest to find, so be sure to keep your eyes open and discover that. I just can't thank those that have supported me and aided me in my career journey and in my life, God truly does work in mysterious ways. Every day on this planet is a blessing and if you're doing what you love, that's an added luxury. This is just a late night rant and again, you probably didn't get anything out of it, but it's a way for me to gather my thoughts and realize how much I've been given in the first two decades of my life. We're all blessed in our own way. Thanks so much for reading and no matter the capacity, for being a part of my life.

My Unexpected Path to Broadcasting

Whenever I meet someone new, or even longtime family friends, they always ask me what I want to do with my life. When I respond with broadcasting, they immediately ask me where that came from or how I ever decided I wanted to go away from the status quo of a 'normal' job, if you could say that.

Truth it, I knew I wanted to go into sports broadcasting at a very young age. My family tells me stories of when I was three or four years old reciting every NASCAR driver and their car number or watching Tigers baseball games, Red Wings hockey games, and Lions football games with my family. When I was a kid (I think everyone is like this), I went back and forth between becoming an artist (which I was awful at), a meteorologist (who at the time was afraid of storms), a massage therapist, and several other strange career choices.

Then, one day I was in sixth or seventh grade and my cousin called me asking if I'd like to be on his friend's sports radio show at Central Michigan University and their on-campus radio station to talk about the Detroit Tigers. I obviously accepted and loved every second of talking sports, which is when I decided I had to work towards a career at it. For the next two years, I had no idea how to get a jump start on my career, especially being in just eighth grade. Little did I know the unexpected journey I'd be on towards gaining experience in my field.


One spring day on April 26, 2011, I was standing outside with my dad and little sister watching storms roll in which is a frequent occurrence with a father who loves thunderstorms. But this storm was different. I remember seeing a funnel cloud, my dad pointing it out and urging it to drop to form a tornado, since my dad's dream is to chase them out west. Well, he got his wish. A few seconds later, we watched a small twister turn over 27th street in my hometown of New Salem, Michigan bringing debris with it and throwing it wherever it pleased. I watched in awe and fear as my dad anxiously waited while it approached our field and near our house.

Immediately, I grabbed my little sister and darted for the basement and after a few minutes, we stepped back upstairs to see my dad in the field watching it head northeast towards our general store. At that moment, my dad yelled at me from across the field and told me to call the news, so I did. First, I attempted to call WOODTV8 in Grand Rapids, our NBC affiliate but the lines were busy for several minutes due to the storms in the area. That's when I turned to WXMI-Fox 17 in Grand Rapids and within seconds, they answered my call. I pleaded my case for what we saw, which was in fact a tornado, their operator got my name, address and phone number saying they'd be at our house in about twenty minutes. Sure enough, the Fox 17 Jeep pulled into our driveway and the reporter interviewed my dad. As cool as I thought that was, I was more focused on how the cameraman and what the reporter was doing since that was the path I wanted to go with my life.

Following the interview, the reporter spoke to my mom as they looked my way before the Jeep finally drove off. Minutes later, I asked my mom what they were talking about, but her answer was nothing. The next week while I was in my freshman English class at Hopkins High School, I received a note saying my mom would be picking me up early, which was something she had never really done before. Assuming I had an appointment, I went to meet my mom in the high school office. As soon as we were in the car, she explained to me that I was going to Fox 17 for a job shadow and had been invited to their studio to see how everything worked.

After about a half hour drive or so to Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids, I had arrived to Fox 17 and was in complete shock. The first person I met was Steve Amorose, the sports anchor, who I had watched on television nearly every evening. He explained to me that he was sending me with Kent Wassink, their sports cameraman and I would be going to a Hudsonville High School softball game and a West Michigan Whitecaps game to watch him work and what not. From there, my mom stayed behind as I hopped in the Fox jeep with Kent and the crew to our two destinations. Following our evening of shooting simple highlights and Kent explaining how everything worked, I was in shock and knew this was what I wanted to do. Not only that, but I was given a studio tour following our arrival back to the station. Seeing behind the scenes of a newscast was something that caught my eye and something I never imagined doing.

After several thank you's and photos, I left the station and immediately asked my mom how to do it again. I went home later that night and emailed all four news stations in my area asking how to get experience and if I could "intern" with them for the summer or fall.

However, due to my age and only being fifteen years old, I was shot down after all of the stations told me I needed to be a college junior or senior, obviously, to receive credit. WOODTV8 was nice enough to offer me a job shadow with them, which I obviously accepted and got a chance to follow their sports director, Jack Doles around for an evening, seeing their studio as well. Still, I knew I wanted to help out or at least watch them night in and night out.

Weeks later, as high school football season approached, I woke up to an email from Ms. Tara Hernandez at Fox 17 saying that I could come back to their station for a night of High School Football and the Football Frenzy, which is their Friday night show. So the first Friday of the 2011 High School Football season, I arrived at Fox 17 and was ready to learn, which is when I walked in to Tara Hernandez at her desk as she told me I'd be riding around with Mr. Chris Poturalski, one of their Friday night cameramen and a very important news guy at the station as well. Following that week of High School Football, which was one of the craziest nights of my young life just seeing how much goes into the show and what not, I was asked to return and was given "internship" papers. However, it wasn't truly an internship since I wasn't in college, but I was Friday night help.

After helping out the entire High School Football season with simple things like grabbing rosters, holding the microphone for interviews, and editing their score ticker at the bottom of the screen, I was given the opportunity to help out with some college basketball. Between playing high school basketball myself, I struggled to find time to help out. Going forward, in the High School Football season of 2012, I had an increased role and also had a car so I didn't need to be brought to the station on Friday nights. After several weeks of football, I was asked if I'd like to attend a few Detroit Lions football games with Fox 17 as a media member. Completely in shock, I obviously accepted and covered four games in the 2012 Lions season and had a chance to hold a microphone next to Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Jim Schwartz and several others throughout the season while also shooting some on the field stand-ups and demos after the game.

Now, with technically five years of television experience, I've learned so much and met so many incredible people that I can't say enough about. I owe so many thank you's to everyone who has helped me reach this point. I am now twenty years old, I've traveled for a summer in Rochester, Minnesota and have shot, edited, produced, and scripted several 'Northwoods League Now' shows on Fox Sports North and Wisconsin and have done the same for our pregame shows. Not only that, but things are really going well for me at Buckeye Cable Sports Network in Toledo as I have begun doing audio, studio camera work, ENG shooting and editing as well as on-camera play-by-play.


What I'm getting at is I can't believe the journey I've been on. I haven't done anything special; I'm not overly smart and not overly talented, but I've been dealt some insanely lucky and timely hands and have met some of the best people this world has to offer and for that, I thank the Lord and everyone who has helped me along the way, you know who you are.

This journey has consisted of sleepless nights, insane amounts of stress, time away from my family, and a loss of a few friends since I, "grew up too quickly" or "changed," but I wouldn't trade that for the world. Everything granted to me has been a blessing, I've been given several outstanding opportunities that I wish to thank you all for and all of your support has only helped me along this insane journey. As I continue to grow and mature and graduate college within the next two years, I'll never forget those that have helped me along the way and will never forget that little tornado that went through my hometown which has led to this dream chase.


So THAT is how the small EF-0 tornado helped change my life as I continue towards my goal of reaching the peak of sports broadcasting.

Toledo Football Recruiting Update

TOLEDO RECRUITING CLASS NOT FULL YET -- WHO TO WATCH FOR:

THANKS FOR READING! 14,000 PAGE VIEWS!

BY: ZACH HARIG (@ToledoZach on Twitter) -- January 28, 2016

The Candle era is underway.

The 2016 recruiting class has been shaping up well for the Toledo Rockets as of late, but inside of one week until signing day, Power Five schools are looking to fill their recruiting classes with MAC-level commits, which is part of college football. In recent years, Toledo has been plagued by bigger programs stealing commits just days before signing day. In the 2014 class, it was an incoming phenom out of Ithaca, Mich. named Travis Smith. Many thought the four-time MHSAA State Champion could come into The Glass City and compete for the starting job right away.

Instead, former Bowling Green head coach, Dave Clawson, called Smith just days before National Signing Day and reportedly promised him the starting quarterback job for all four years at Wake Forest. Ultimately, Smith would decommit from Toledo and commit to the Demon Deacons. Just months later in fall camp, Smith was beat out for the starting job by a fellow true-freshman and would transfer to Eastern Michigan, before deciding to transfer from Eastern Michigan just months later once again and the list doesn't end there.

Last year, in the Class of 2015, Fort Wayne, Ind. defensive back, Jessie Bates was prized as one of the best commits in Toledo's class. However, once again, Clawson offered Bates just days before National Signing Day and the then-Toledo commit would flip his fax to the Deacons. Bates would not play in the 2015-16 season as a true-freshman.

Miami, Fla. product Jamal Hudson, who decommitted from
Toledo earlier this week. Photo Courtesy: 247Sports.

Once again, like prior years, the Rockets have had two decommitments in the previous week as Miami, Fla. defensive back, Jamal Hudson and Pittsburgh, Penn. linebacker, Ron George have decided against Toledo. Hudson tells me he will decide between Air Force, Appalachian State, and Florida Atlantic most likely on National Signing Day.

From the day Hudson "committed" to Toledo on December 31, there have been doubters on if he truly wanted to play in The Glass City. In fact, one anonymous commit told me that he could tell on their official visit that Hudson didn't want to play in Toledo and had a stand-offish approach to him.

George on the other hand, a three-star linebacker and one of the top commits, at the time, in Toledo's class, decided to make a lateral flip. After visiting Western Michigan on January 22, George informed the Toledo coaching staff and a few commits that he would become a Bronco rather than a Rocket.

"Western Michigan was a better fit for me as a player and as a person," George told me, "My family loved it. I feel like I can play anywhere in the country but the off-the-field benefits played a major role (in flipping commitments). The things they teach you about life and how to become a better man are just remarkable to say the least," George continued on his commitment to Fleck and the Broncos.

Newest Toledo commit, Tre'Shun Wilson.

So what's next after losing two solid commits? Those questions are slowly but surely finding answers prior to Wednesday. On Thursday, Toledo received a commitment from Tre'Shun Wilson out of Montgomery, Alabama. Wilson is a freak athlete at the linebacker position, standing 6'1", nearly 200-pounds with a 4.53 40-yard dash. Other than the physical attributes, Wilson has had a stressful recruiting period to say the least. The Alabama native had offers from Colorado State, Alabama A&M, and Delaware State but when Wilson went to take visits, the coaching staffs informed him that they were full and that he would be placed on hold. That is, until Coach Jason Candle and the Rockets called. Wilson will visit Northwest Ohio for the first time on the weekend of January 29.

"Toledo never left me hanging," Wilson told me, "Coach Ricky (Ciccone - new Director of High School Relations) never left me hanging, even though they didn't offer me (at the time), he would still always check up on me."

With Wilson's commitment, he becomes the first true linebacker in the Class of 2016 for the Rockets after George's decommitment.

At defensive back, the Rockets have turned to a junior college product in Baltimore native, Darren Kelley. The 6'1", 200-pound safety is a dangerous ball-hawking athlete who registered a 34-inch vertical two years ago at Potomac high school in Maryland.

"My top three are Northern Iowa, North Dakota State and Toledo," Kelley told me, "I turned down offers from other FBS schools because of the quality of UNI and NDSU. I visited UNI last week, got back from Toledo yesterday (the 27th), and I'll be at NDSU on the 29th."

Darren Kelley on his official visit to Toledo.

One thing working in Toledo's favor is the relationship between Kelley and new cornerbacks coach at Toledo, Cory Robinson.

"My visit at Toledo was awesome, Coach Cory and I have a great relationship, I knew him before he even got to Toledo. He's basically a legend in Baltimore because he's had his hand in the success of many inner-city athletes that probably would not be where they are today without him. He trains defensive backs in the DMV area and that's how I knew him before Toledo offered me."

Coach Candle made a difference during Kelley's visit, but his wife, Nicole, also helped in on Kelley's visit. "Coach Candle's wife gave me some insight regarding my business major and nursing minor, the alum at UT and the professors."

Kelley also stated that Toledo is his favorite but he does have one more visit to take, which will be to North Dakota State this weekend. "I will make my decision on Monday or Tuesday, I feel that it's more professional to let coaches know I will or will not be signing before signing day."

Due to the relationship between Kelley and Coach Robinson as well as the player connection between him and his visit hosts, Kennedy Frazier and Delando Johnson, I'd say Toledo is a certain landing spot for Kelley's services. Another added benefit is that Kelley has three seasons of eligibility remaining, rather than just two, like several JUCO products.


In recruiting, the "Athlete" position can be quite confusing. For those that don't know, an Athlete is exactly what it sounds like, someone that can do anything, play anywhere, and make plays. Jacksonville, Fla. product, Jacquez Williams is the definition of the term, "Athlete."

Jacksonville, Fla. product, Jacquez Williams.

"I'm a receiver, I can play slot, I play cornerback and safety, I'm pretty much everywhere," joked Williams. Despite the versatility of Williams, Toledo is recruiting him as a cornerback. Williams will officially visit Toledo the weekend of the 29th of January but one interesting aspect to him is that the Rockets have yet to offer.

"I have offers from Marshall, Western Kentucky, Charlotte and UMass but Toledo is one of my dream schools and I'd commit on the spot," he told me. Wow, high praise for a player with some notable offers to his name already but Toledo would be fortunate to have a ball-hawk like Williams. Coach Ricky Ciccone setup Williams' official visit while head coach, Jason Candle has been contacting him for the over the past week or so.

The question isn't if Williams will choose Toledo, the question is will Williams receive an offer during his official visit to Northwest Ohio?


Let's now turn to the offensive side of the ball. As Rocket Nation knows, Toledo has had one of the most dynamic offenses in all of College Football for the past five or so seasons, especially under the offensive coordination of Jason Candle. People always say, "Players make coaches, coaches don't make players," which could be true to an extent but Jason Candle was able to bring in an extremely high quality signal-caller on January 25.

Columbia, Tennessee native, Tylin Oden was on Toledo's campus this week for the men's basketball game against Ohio, a campus tour, and much more. Oden is a 6'5", 190-pound somewhat dual-threat quarterback that would fit absolutely seamlessly in Candle's up-tempo offense.

Quarterback, Tylin Oden, who has recently committed to
Rutgers. Photo Courtesy: Spring Hill Homepage.

"I give my visit to Toledo an A+ and I give that for reasons beyond just football too," Oden told me, "What I liked most was about it was how nice and respectful everyone was on my visit."

Despite the 'A+' visit to Northwest Ohio, Oden found himself with some offers that he couldn't pass up. In fact, Oden held interest from several Power Five programs, including interest from Oklahoma State and South Carolina plus an offer from Rutgers, where he would later commit on January 27.

"My family and I just really liked what Rutgers had to offer me," Oden continued on his commitment to new head coach, Chris Ash and the Scarlet Knights. Oden will have an opportunity to compete for playing time right off the bat in New Jersey but was called, "One of Toledo's most important visitors they've ever had on campus," by several die-hard Rocket fans, it could be a stretch, but Oden would have been a tremendous fit with Candle and Toledo, especially since the Rockets are without a true quarterback in the 2016 class as of right now.

The Blur, Calvin Jackson Jr.

Turning now to wide receiver, there has been a lot of hype around Pamprano Beach, Fla. wide receiver, Calvin Jackson Jr., or 'The Blur' as we refer to him as. Jackson tells me he will decide between Akron, Iowa State and Toledo and says the Rockets are, "Considered high on my chart." The three-star speedster fits the mold of a Bernard Reedy or current wide out, Corey Jones. Jackson has the ability to catch screen passes and take them the distance, hence the nickname, 'Blur.' Jackson also tells me he will most likely make his decision on Sunday or Monday but there's a chance it could be a National Signing Day decision. Jackson did not comment on his visits to Iowa State or Toledo.



I'll be LIVE from the Larimer Athletic Complex at The University of Toledo to cover the National Signing Day press conference. I'll be there beginning at 1:00 pm with the press conference beginning at 2:00 pm featuring a fan event at 5:30 pm. Follow me on Twitter for updates! @ToledoZach

Get to Know the Future of Toledo Rocket Football

GET TO KNOW THE CLASS OF 2016 -- TOLEDO COMMITS THUS FAR

By: Zach Harig -- @ToledoZach on Twitter

RB - SHAKIF SEYMOUR 

Cleveland, Ohio

High School: Holy Name

Committed to Toledo: May 22, 2015

Offers: Bowling Green, Miami (OH), Western Michigan, Kent State, Old Dominion, Akron, Ball State, Buffalo, Toledo and more.

Caliber: Rivals -- 3-star       247Sports -- 2-star

Senior Season Stats: 1,065 yards, 16 touchdowns just over four games before being injured.

Recruited to Toledo by: Former head coach Matt Campbell and current runningbacks coach, Anthony Johnson.

Expectations: "My expectations are to come in and do whatever it takes to help the team. I really hope people look back and say this is the best recruiting class to ever come through Toledo."

Models Game After: Pittsburgh Steelers runningback, Le'Veon Bell.

Will Major In: Business.

DE - EDRICK MATHEWS II

Detroit, Mich.

High School: Cass Technical

Committed to Toledo: September 4, 2015

Offers: Eastern Michigan, Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Iowa State and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star      247Sports -- 2-star

Senior Season Stats: 73 tackles, 14 sacks, 34 tackles for loss, forced fumble.

Recruited to Toledo by: Matt Campbell staff.

Expectations: "To work hard and win championships while earning my degree. My expectations are the the Class of 2016 will come in and try to fight for some starting jobs and for as much playing time as we can get. I also expect us to be one of the best recruiting classes to ever come through Toledo."

Reason for Choosing Toledo: "I felt like I belong there and the educational opportunities I could have at school."

Models Game After: Nobody.

Will Major In: Communications & Broadcasting.

DB - ALONZO MCCOY

Redford, Mich.

High School: Lee M. Thurston

Committed to Toledo: 

March 21, 2015

Offers: Bowling Green, Eastern Michigan, Temple, Navy, Army, Ohio, Central Michigan, Buffalo and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star     247Sports -- 3-star

Senior Season Stats -- Offense (QB/RB/WR): 23 touchdowns, over 2,000 total yards.

Defense: 83 tackles, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 5 tackles for loss.

Special Teams: 2 kick return touchdowns.

Recruited to Toledo by: Former cornerbacks coach, D.K. McDonald.

Expectations: "I expect to come in and make a big impact right away while getting my degree and creating a positive future for myself. When people look back in four years, I hope they will say that this was the best recruiting class to ever come through Toledo."

Models Game After: Darrelle Revis and Tyrann Mathieu but I like to learn from everybody.

TE - KEIDREN DAVIS

Grand Rapids, Mich.

High School: Grand Rapids Union

Committed to Toledo: June 27, 2015 

Offers: Duke, Air Force, Ball State, Davenport University, and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star     247Sports -- No Rating

Recruited to Toledo by: Wide Receivers Coach, Derek Sage along with former tight ends coach, Bryan Gasser.

Expectations: "I trust in Coach Robby Discher and Coach Sage to mold me into the player I'm meant to be, I would love to play in the NFL one day but for the next four years, I intend to contribute any way I can to win ball games. I feel like I can bring a lot of versatility to the tight end, especially in the pass game. As a team, I see a lot of success and wins in our future."

Quotes: "It was love at first sight. I met Coach Sage at the Michigan State camp and ended up coming to the Toledo camp after I was offered. I took a few visits after and loved the campus, I could actually see myself there for the up and coming years. The facilities were crazy and the coaching was phenomenal! I feel confident I will reach my full potential at Toledo. I met all the new staff and it was a rocky coaching change but I'm still 100% on board with Jason Candle and the Rockets, I really can't wait to play for him."

Will Major In: Undecided.

WR - NERU N'SHAKA 

Hallandale Beach, Florida

High School: Hallandale

Committed to Toledo:

December 19, 2015

Offers: Virginia, Marshall, Bowling Green, Florida International and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 3-star       247Sports -- 3-star

Recruited to Toledo by: Jason Candle

Expectations & Quotes: "I'm expected to come in and make a HUGE impact. Toledo is the best fit for me and we expect nothing but MAC Championships."

Models Game After: Tavon Austin.

Will Major In: Undecided.

DE - TUZAR SKIPPER 

Norwich, Conn.

High School: Norwich Free Academy

Junior College: Monroe College 

New Rochelle, NY

Committed to Toledo: December 17, 2015

Offers: Florida International, Rhode Island, Idaho, Norfolk State, Bethune-Cookman and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star       247Sports -- 2-star

Sophomore Season Stats (JUCO): 30 tackles, 7.5 sacks, blocked punt, blocked field goal.

Recruited to Toledo by: Ricky Ciconne, new Director of High School Relations.

Expectations: "My expectation is to enjoy my time here in Toledo, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm going to make the most of it."

Quotes: "The coaches are great and the guys here are some dogs on the field. Also, this school takes academics just as serious as football, they want you to finish with a degree."

*Two years of eligibility remaining.*

TE - NATE SWART 

Washington, Penn.

High School: Washington

Committed to Toledo: March 27, 2015

Offers: Youngstown State and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star          247Sports -- 2-star

Senior Season Stats (Offense): 8 catches, 225 yards, 3 touchdowns.

(Defense): 50 tackles, 4 sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss.

Recruited to Toledo by: Jason Candle

Expectations: "I'm expecting to work my ass off right out of the gate."

Will Major In: Accounting.

Models Game After: Pittsburgh Steelers Heath Miller.

DB - DEDARALLO BLUE 

Seffner, Florida

High School: Armwood

Committed to Toledo: January 8, 2015

Offers: Iowa State, North Dakota State and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 3-star        247Sports -- 3-star

Senior Season Stats: 90 tackles, 66 solo, 13 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks, 1 interception.

Recruited to Toledo by: Jason Candle.

Expectations: "The 2016 class is full of hard workers. In four years, I want to be a graduate with a college diploma and play at the next level."

Models Game After: "I feel like the way I play is one of a kind, nobody plays like me, but I like to learn from Sean Taylor."

Will Major In: Communication & Arts.

OL - LUKE DOERGER 

Cincinnati, Ohio

High School: LaSalle

Committed to Toledo:

July 23, 2015

Offers: Akron, Buffalo, Miami (OH), Ohio, Marshall, James Madison, Holy Cross, Army, Navy, Yale, Dartmouth, Princeton, Penn, Columbia, Iowa State and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star          247Sports -- 2-star

Stats: Started every game from freshman through senior year -- 50 consecutive starts at LaSalle High School.

Recruited to Toledo by: Began being recruited freshman year of high school by now-former offensive line coach, Tom Manning and head coach Matt Campbell. Since the change, Doerger's main recruiter has been new offensive line coach, Mike Hallett.

Expectations: "My hopes for myself at the University of Toledo include receiving my masters degree in Engineering and developing in all aspects of my life (academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually) to become the best version of myself I can be. As far as the team goes, I expect nothing less than to continue Toledo's tradition and progression of excellence on and off of the field."

Quotes: "What I like about my class is that they are a good group of young men. None of them have very large egos, they are all hard-working team players and we've already established somewhat of a brotherhood among ourselves which will set us up for success."

Models Game After: "One NFL player I try to model after is JJ Watt. Though there is the obvious difference between offensive line and defensive line, there are some main character attributes which are key to both sides of the ball. These of which Mr. Watt holds are humility, discipline, tenacity, and an unparalleled passion for the game."

Will Major In: Mechanical or Industrial Engineering.

LB - RON GEORGE 

Pittsburgh, Penn.

High School: Central Catholic

Committed to Toledo: December 25, 2015

Offers: Temple, Western Michigan, Old Dominion, Miami (OH), Bowling Green, Virginia, Youngstown State and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star      247Sports -- 3-star

Senior Season Stats: over 60 tackles.

Recruited to Toledo by: Former head coach, Matt Campbell, former linebackers coach, Tyson Veidt and Jason Candle. Fellow Toledo commit, Ronnie Jones also recruited George.

Expectations: "Of course I expect a MAC Championship, win all of our bowl games and make non-believers into believers."

Models Game After: Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, Ryan Shazier.

Will Major In: Criminal Justice or Business.

DL - WILLIE ROSS

Ravenna, Ohio

High School: Ravenna

Committed to Toledo: May 7, 2015

Offers: Akron, Kent State and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- N/A      247Sports -- 2-star

Season Season Stats (Offense): 611 yards rushing, 11 touchdowns. (Defense): 69 tackles, 37 solo, 10 sacks, 12 hurries, 12 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles.

Recruited to Toledo by: Former offensive line coach Tom Manning.

Expectations: "As a team goal, I just want to have a successful season but as an individual my goal is to first make sure I grow a relationship with each player and coach. Another goal is to be a starter and not red-shirted. I also want to push myself to my full potential on the field and in the classroom."

Models Game After: Ndamukong Suh.

Will Major In: Something in the medical field.

WR - OBI ANUNIKE 

Lewis Center, Ohio

High School: Olentangy

Committed to Toledo: June 27, 2015

Offers: Ohio, Eastern Michigan, Davidson and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 3-star         247Sports -- N/A

Senior Season Stats: 60 catches, 850 yards, 11 touchdowns.

Recruited to Toledo by: Former recruiting coordinator, Tyson Veidt.

Expectations: "I expect nothing less than four MAC titles at Toledo because of how much I believe in Coach Candle."

Models Game After: "Demarius Thomas is my favorite wide receiver but I look up to my brother, who is a defensive end with the Denver Broncos, Kenny Anunike."

Will Major In: Medicine.

ATH - BILLY KISNER 

Pittsburgh, Penn.

High School: Penn Hills

Committed to Toledo: March 28, 2015

Recruitment: "I was recruited to Toledo as an Athlete but Coach Candle said I'll be mainly offense and kick/punt return."

Offers: Pittsburgh, James Madison, Albany and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star      247Sports -- 2-star

Senior Season Stats: Over 1,000 All-Purpose yards, 2 rushing touchdowns, 3 passing touchdowns, played in just five of team's ten games due to injury.

Recruited to Toledo by: Jason Candle.

Expectations: "My expectations for myself and for the team is to be a team captain and lead by example both on and off the field and in the community. I expect nothing less than First-Team All-Conference because of how hard I'll work."

Models Game After: "I probably model my game after a Charles Woodson or Deion Sanders athletically but off of the field conduct myself like Russell Wilson. On the field, I have fun like Cam Newton."

Will Major In: Criminal Justice or Education.

RB - RONNIE JONES 

Pittsburgh, Penn.

High School: Central Catholic

Committed to Toledo: March 28, 2015

Offers: Fordham, Kent State, Buffalo and Toledo.

Caliber: Rivals -- 2-star         247Sports -- 2-star

Senior Season Stats: 1,889 all-purpose yards, 21 touchdowns.

Recruited to Toledo by: Jason Candle.

Expectations: "My expectations at UT are to just have fun, play good football, and focus on my education. Ultimately, I want to lead myself to a good path of success."

Models Game After: Utah runningback, Devontae Booker.

Will Major In: Business.

P - ZACH HOOVER (PWO)

Toledo, Ohio

High School: Toledo Central Catholic

Committed to Toledo:
August 11, 2015

Offers: Preferred Walk-On to Syracuse, Preferred Walk-On to Iowa State and Preferred Walk-On to Toledo.

Caliber: Kohl's Kicking -- 4.5 Stars (of 5)

Senior Season Stats: 55 punts, 42.2 average, 28 punts inside the 20-yard line, 12 inside the 10-yard line, 2 60+ yard punts. First-team All-Ohio, First-team All-District.

Recruited to Toledo by: Former tight ends coach Bryan Gasser and former head coach, Matt Campbell.

Expectations: "I want people to say, 'That was the top recruiting class in Toledo's history' when they look back. I definitely feel we have the athletes to be that and I feel we're coming in with high expectations and I know we can meet them all."

Quotes: "I love Toledo, I love the coaching, even with the changes, and I especially like what I know about the new special teams coordinator (Robby Discher). I really like all of the guys coming into this class with me and I think Toledo is on the rise and will continue being in the Top-25. I think it will be really cool to stay home and do what every kid dreams of, which is to play college ball, and being able to do that in my hometown will be really special."

Models Game After: "I take bits and pieces from all NFL guys, but I have worked out with former Dolphins punter, Brandon Fields, he is known around Toledo and is a graduate of St. John's Jesuit."

Will Major In: General Business.





ARTICLE NOTES:

• Toledo verbal commit DB Jamal Hudson (Miami, FL) declined comment for this article.
• Toledo verbal commit ATH James Jackson (Pittsburgh, PA) did not respond for the article.
• Toledo verbal commit DB Jordan Williams (Pflugerville, TX) could not be reached for the article.
• Toledo verbal commit DB Justin Clark (Bloomfield, MI) could not be reached for the article.

QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? NATIONAL SIGNING DAY NEWS WILL BE COMING! TALK TOLEDO FOOTBALL WITH ZACH ON TWITTER: @ToledoZach 

A Monumental Weekend Coming for Toledo Football

Toledo commit, Neru N'Shaka highlights
the visitors on official visits this weekend.

By: Zach Harig -- January 14, 2016
Now that the recruiting dead period is over, coaches are now available to meet with recruits face-to-face again, whether that be via in-home visits or official college campus visits. For Toledo, this weekend will be extremely important for the 2016 recruiting class. Nineteen recruits are slatted to visit Northwest Ohio on the January 15th weekend. Of those nineteen, at least twelve are committed to The University of Toledo. Aside from that, The Sunshine State will be well-represented in the Glass City this weekend with five recruits out of the state of Florida.


Desmond Phillips, a 3-star athlete that is an early enrollee this semester with the Rockets, could also help sway Florida-natives towards the Rockets since he is already on campus as a Miami native.

TOLEDO COMMITS VISITING:
- WR Obi Anunike (Lewis Center, Ohio / 6'4", 205 pounds) -- COMMITTED 6/27/2015
- DB Justin Clark (West Bloomfield, Mich. / 5'10", 165 pounds) -- COMMITTED 6/30/2015
- LB Ron George (Pittsburgh, Penn. / 6'2", 200 pounds) -- COMMITTED 12/25/2015
- DT David Hood (Miami, Fla. / 6'1", 265 pounds) -- COMMITTED 5/26/2015
- DB Jamal Hudson (Miami, Fla. / 6'0", 185 pounds) -- COMMITTED 12/31/2015
- RB Ronnie Jones (Pittsburgh, Penn. / 6'1", 185 pounds) -- COMMITTED 3/28/2015
- DB Alonzo McCoy (Redford, Mich. / 5'10", 180 pounds) -- COMMITTED 3/21/2015
- WR Neru N'Shaka (Hallandale, Fla. / 5'10", 180 pounds) -- COMMITTED 12/19/2015
- TE Nate Swart (Washington, Penn. / 6'5", 225 pounds) -- COMMITTED 3/27/2015
- DB Jordan Williams (Pfleugerville, Texas / 5'10", 175 pounds) -- COMMITTED 7/24/2015
- DB Dedarallo Blue (Seffner, Fla. / 5'9", 180 pounds) -- COMMITTED 1/8/2015
- RB Shakif Seymour (Cleveland, Ohio / 6'0", 205 pounds) -- COMMITTED 5/22/2015
- OG Luke Doerger (Cincinnati, Ohio / 6'3", 300 pounds) -- COMMITTED 7/23/2015
- RB/FB Willie Ross (Ravenna, Ohio / 6'2", 245 pounds) -- COMMITTED 5/7/2015
- DB Zach Ford (Cleveland, Ohio / 6'3", 180 pounds) -- COMMITTED 6/30/2015
- TE Keidren Davis (Grand Rapids, Mich. / 6'5", 215 pounds) -- COMMITTED 6/27/2015

UNCOMMITTED RECRUITS VISITING:
- ATH Marquis Smith (Ypsilanti, Mich. / 6'0", 170 pounds) -- Considering: Toledo, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Syracuse, Kansas.
- WR Calvin Jackson (Pampano Beach, Fla. / 5'9", 160 pounds) -- Considering: Toledo, Iowa State, Bowling Green, Florida Atlantic, Florida International

TOLEDO COMMITS NOT VISITING THIS WEEKEND:
- WR Jalen Martin (Harper Woods, Mich. / 6'3", 200 pounds) -- Iowa State visit this weekend, will likely visit Toledo officially on 1/22 or 1/29.
- ATH Billy Kisner (Pittsburgh, Penn. / 6'0", 200 pounds) -- Appointments this weekend, will visit 1/29/2016.
- ATH James Jackson (Pittsburgh, Penn. / 6'2", 175 pounds)
- DL Edrick Mathews (Detroit, Mich. / 6'4", 270 pounds)

TOLEDO COMMITS ALREADY ON CAMPUS:
- DE Tuzar Skipper (Bronx, NY (JUCO) / 6'4", 245 pounds) -- Signed Letter of Intent with Toledo.
- ATH Desmond Phillips (Miami, Fla. / 6'1", 190 pounds) -- Enrolled Early

Dedarallo Blue (Seffner, Fla.) chose
Toledo over Iowa State.

As you can see, there's a lot to take in with official visits this upcoming weekend. The Toledo staff will be looking for a couple of more commitments, as will the current Toledo commits.

"There will be a few other guys that are uncommitted that I'll be after this weekend," outside linebacker, Ron George stated, "Tymar Sutton and Aaron Mathews are two guys I'm after specifically though."

"I'm very excited about this weekend," runningback commit, Shakif Seymour, told me, "I get to see the other boys that are committed and I get to see the coaches which is always fun."

Especially for the Florida natives and Jordan Williams, of Texas, this is the first time they really get a glimpse of Toledo. Even someone like Alonzo McCoy, who is only about an hour from the Glass City, said he's excited to get acclimated to his new home, "I'm most excited to be able to hang with my new family and to get a few for my new home at Toledo."

Jason Candle is off to an extremely
hot start on the recruiting trail.

Toledo's 2016 class has a lot of pride between the current commits, especially when it comes to the Midnight Blue & Gold. "Get ready to win this MAC Championship," defensive back, Alonzo McCoy added in my interview with him. Ron George also added, "Our class can't wait to get up there and get straight to business. Our goal is the MAC Championship and anything less than that is unacceptable. Speaking for myself, I know I've been putting in work this off-season and I can't wait to get up there and leave it all out on the field."

There will also be a few more visitors this weekend from the preferred walk-on commits. Guys like Toledo Central Catholic punter, Zach Hoover, "Since I'm a preferred walk-on, I can't really do much because they can't pay for anything but I'll probably meet up with the guys since I live here."

With National Signing Day less than three weeks away, this weekend will be extremely monumental for the Rockets recruiting class. Currently, the Rockets have the second-best recruiting class in the Mid-American Conference, only behind the Broncos of Western Michigan, but that could likely change before National Signing Day with the few uncommitted recruits visiting Toledo this weekend.

What a start to Jason Candle's tenure at Toledo, huh? In just the first month, Candle has hit the ground running as far as recruiting is concerned and even managed to steal a couple of recruits from the jaws of Iowa State and former head coach, Matt Campbell. One recruit that chose Toledo over the Cyclones was cornerback, Dedarallo Blue who is a three-star by most agencies and will be on campus this weekend for his official visit. The Candle tenure is already lit.


I'll keep you posted on the latest Toledo Recruiting and Football news via Twitter: @ToledoZach