Terry Bowden is certainly looking to make a strong impression as the new head coach at Akron, and last weekend he made good on his promise to recruit Stark County.
Bowden accepted the commitment of Canton McKinley offensive lineman Kevin Mills, who selected the Zips over Toledo, Miami of Ohio and Ball State. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound, Mills could play either guard or tackle for the Zips.
"Akron was the right place for me because it's a program looking to rebuild right now, and it's close to home," Mills stated. "They started recruiting me right after Coach Bowden was hired, and I committed to him soon after they offered. My head coach (Ron Johnson) spoke to them and got them my film, and they offered soon after."
"Akron has a lot of excitement surrounding the program right now, and even the returning players are feeling it," he added. "They have great facilities and a great stadium, so it was an easy choice for me. I have friends playing there, which makes it easy as well. It's so close to home that all my friends and my family will be able to see me play every week. That was a big factor as well in my choice."
The Zips are looking to rebound from two terrible seasons under former head coach Rob Ianello, and the hope is the hiring of Bowden represents a fresh start for the Akron program.