Contemplating fall camp
Posted July 3rd, 2008 by mrasor
Football
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am itching to watch the Zips practice in August. I want to see the new players, the new schemes, who's been working hard and who's been playing too much XBox.
I plan to report from as many practices as possible, but for now, let's examine three of the main issues this team will face…
- Who plays quarterback?
Word from the team says Chris Jacquemain has improved quite a bit. Conventional wisdom says a starting quarterback will keep his job, particularly a young one who has room to improve. Count me as one of the skeptics. Last season, Jacquemain went from efficient to despicable over the course of each game, all while the more talented but character-afflicted Carlton Jackson watched. Jackson transferred, which would perpetuate the feeling that this is Jacquemain's job. But freshman Matt Rodgers has more upside. If Rodgers' arm is healthy, I expect him to start at Camp Randall Stadium on August 30. The winner of the job has the potential to look really good, considering the amount of talent on the offensive line, running back and *maybe* at receiver.
- Can Akron stop the pass?
Almost every team in Division I-A has one of these areas. It makes you bite your tongue and grimace. Considering that this is the MAC, I can foresee some 500-yard passing days for opposing quarterbacks. The Zips probably can find five defensive backs to rely upon, but after that, it's anyone's guess. Some of the transfers, such as Kevin Funches, Kevin Davis and Mike Thomas, must work their way onto the depth chart. 2008 is certainly a transitional year after losing so much talent from last year.
- Are these receivers for real?
Last season, it was Jabari Arthur and no one else. With Arthur gone, the uncertainty abounds. Of course, there is reason for optimism with Andre Jones showing great potential in the spring, Jeremy Bruce transferring from West Virginia after contributing for the Mountainteers as a freshman, and Deryn Bowser coming from California as a four-star junior college prospect. August will show which of these guys are reliable and which one will separate himself as Rodgers' (hopefully) go-to guy.
- Which freshman(men) will step up?
Every fall, there is a freshman who surprises coaches and gets serious playing time as a freshman. Last year, it was Almondo Sewell. This August, I think there is a great opportunity for Manley Waller to work his way in at cornerback and Aaron Williams to find time at linebacker.
- New scholarship offerees…
Kyle Zelinsky, inside linebacker, Bartlett, Ill.
Offers: Akron, Air Force, Ball State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan
Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 220
Speed: Not listed
Notes: Rivals gives Zelinsky three stars. The linebacker does not know much about Akron, but he plans to investigate. He is in no rush to decide on a school, but early playing time will be a major factor.
Nolan Procter, wide receiver, Birmingham, Mich.
Offers: Akron and Bowling Green
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Speed: Not listed
Notes: Procter was on campus this week, according to Scout.com. He will decide between Bowling Green and Akron in the next few days. His factors include coaching staff, facilities and how he fits into the offensive scheme.
- Also this…
Scout.com's premium content is free through July 6. You don't need credit cards or anything. It's a great chance to scope out the site and see if it's worth the $100 per year.
July 3rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
[...] Contemplating fall camp If Rodgers’ arm is healthy, I expect him to start at Camp Randall Stadium on August 30. The winner of the job has the potential to look really good, considering the amount of talent on the offensive line, running back and *maybe* at … [...]
July 5th, 2008 at 11:30 am
For a team in the MAC to succeed, they need to have an incredible QB. Look at CMU, Ball State, and Bowling Green.
We have an average-at-best QB unless Jacq has gone through some sort of complete transformation over the summer. Matt Rodgers seems like he has the potential, but I don't see him at the starter right away, due to JD's stubborness.
The pass defense worries me, but I am hoping that the D-line and linebackers can put enough pressure on QBs that it makes the secondary's job a little easier.
The problem with the receivers was produced more from a bad combination of circumstances than lack of talent. You saw two rookie quarterbacks who were afraid to throw to anyone but the one know quantity in Jabari Arthur, along with some of the most unimaginitave playcalling I have ever seen. If Jacq hasn't gotten over this fear of spreading the ball or our offenfive coordinator hasn't added another play besides the sideways pass to his playbook, I can't see us winning more than three games. The talent is there, but the system prevents it from being used.
More than the freshmen, the fate of this season rests on the tranfers coming through. Ryan Bain, Andrew Johnson, Jeremy Bruce, and Deryn Bowser all have the potential to become game changing players. They will carry this team or else you might see a new coach to go along with the new stadium.
As for true freshmen, Will Fleming will start right away and will have an immediate impact. Look for Adam Bice to see some playing time on the OL, and Hasan Hazime might see playing time on the DL but he is really a true unknown right now.
July 5th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Razor,
Love your columns, but have concluded that counting (was tempted to say "math") wasn't a real important part of your major was it?
July 5th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Zack, I hope you're wrong. JD cannot afford to be "stubborn" anymore. It hasn't worked yet. I don't care who was the QB last season….it was an unwatchable disaster. Brookhart's butt is on the line this season, and we can't afford to experiment with lesser talent, even if they are "upperclassmen." Put the freakin best players on the field and try to win EVERY SINGLE GAME.
Don't go into these games against Wisconsin, Syracuse and Cincinnati thinking we'd be "lucky" to pull off an upset. Man up, Zips and JD! If freaking Appalacian State can beat Michigan in the Big House, why can't Akron play to WIN, instead of just showing up to collect a paycheck, as they did at OSU? Show us some fire, some guts, some creativity on offense!! You'll never win over an apathetic town and student body with vanilla losses. Get the trick/gadget plays into your offense, mix it up….what do you have to LOSE? The program is at rock bottom, and YOU alone are responsible for turning this mess around.
July 6th, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Zipmeister,
Love your comments, but I have concluded that you don't know how to spell my name. Accuracy in spelling must not have been a big part of your education.
Zach,
I don't think Bice will play because of the amount of depth (particularly young depth) at OL. You're right about the QB, though. For Akron to be a winner, the QB must have that pro prospect skill level.
July 6th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I almost always refer to you as Razor and I'll give you three reasons why.
1. it's catchy.
2. It's cutting edge.
3. It's fun.
4. It's easy to spell.
and when you make it big with the moniker "Razor," I want a percentage.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
I'll give you three reason to trump yours.
1. Accuracy.
2. Accuracy.
3. Accuracy.