Three-star recruits from Pa. choose Akron

Football

Just weeks after a disgracing home defeat to end a disappointing season, Akron reeled in two fine recruits.

• Da'Von Moore, three-star CB (Scout.com) from Pittsburgh. Moore had his scholarship pick between Akron and Pitt. He turned down former NFL coach Dave Wannstedt for J.D. Brookhart. Moore also had interest in Connecticut, Ohio State, Michigan, Iowa and Toledo, Scout.com says. Rivals.com, which gives Moore two stars, says Toledo also offered him a scholarship. The 6-foot-1 Moore played linebacker and running back at Brentwood High School. Moore visited Pitt on Oct. 21 -- the day the Panthers lost 20-10 to Rutgers. He was slotted to visit Akron next weekend, but he committed before that. Pitt had some inital concerns about Moore's grades, but they are now certain he'll qualify.


• Paul Simkovich, three-star offensive guard (Rivals.com and Scout.com) from Latrobe, Pa. There's probably an interesting story behind this commitment. Simkovich gave a verbal to Michigan State back in May, saying he loved the coaches. If you missed it, those coaches all got canned. Rivals.com says Simkovich, its 29th best offensive guard in the nation, had offers from Akron and Temple. The 6-4, 300 pounder probably decommitted because of the coaching change. Coach Joe Moorhead is to credit for bringing Simkovich to Akron.

Swimming and diving

Akron bested nine other teams to win the SummaCare Invitational.

Freshman Katelyn Lofland used the two-week break to shatter her own school record in the 1,650 meter. Danielle Beland and Emily Bulkowski also won their events.

The tournament included decent competition, including MAC foes Ohio and Buffalo.

Next up: Akron will host Bowling Green on Jan. 13.