Interview with Eddie Stockett, Zips QB recruit

McKeesport quarterback Eddie Stockett

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The Akron Zips received their second member to the class of 2013 when McKeesport (Pa.) High School quarterback Eddie Stockett gave an oral commitment Monday.

He represents coach Terry Bowden’s first recruit to that position.

“It means a lot because he’s good. He coached at Auburn – coached them to an undefeated season.  He has ties to the NFL.  He’s been there and done that.  To get recruited by him is a good feeling,” Stockett said via phone.

Stockett’s current coach, Jim Ward, said something that will play like music in the ears of Zips fans.

“Akron got a steal,” Ward said during a phone conversation Tuesday morning.  “He’s a big kid with a big arm and he can make all the throws. I don’t know why he didn’t get more BCS offers.”

At 6-foot-4, 212 pounds. Stockett had interest from Youngstown State, Eastern Michigan and Rutgers.  Even with just one BCS offer, playing at Rutgers could have offered more exposure for Stockett, yet he chose the Zips.  It came down to a couple of reasons.

“The coaching staff and what the coaches thought of me,” he said. “What they told me, it was pretty much hard to turn down.”

He’s also been impressed by what he’s heard about the Zips faculties.  He’s not expected to visit until returning from the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

“It’s a good feeling to see a school that I want to go to have everything to offer you to get to the next level,” he said.

Stockett passed for more than 1,700 yards and 17 touchdowns during his junior year at McKeesport. He is the second player from Western Pa. that Bowden received a commitment in recent weeks.