QBs shine in first scrimmage
Posted August 13th, 2008 by mrasor
Football
The Zips offense came alive Wednesday morning.
Chris Jacquemain and Matt Rodgers combined for 32-of-58 for 463 yards and five touchdowns.
"Tremendous progress," coach J.D. Brookhart called it. "For the first time, we have two units that can operate."
How good were things going for the quarterbacks? Lineman Zack Anderson caught a tipped Jacquemain pass and rumbled 32 yards with it.
Brookhart and the coaches will talk about naming a starter tonight. However, the coach said Jacquemain is clearly the No. 1 at this point.
"He makes good decisions 99 percent of the time," Brookhart said.
The coach was also quick to prop up Rodgers, saying he was comfortable with having the freshman behind center.
Jeremy Bruce, Andre Jones and Dashan Miller were the main beneficiaries from the aerial attack. They should be the top three receivers on the depth chart.
- Here are some notes from the scrimmage…
Anderson's catch off the tip was the play of the day. It got a rise out of the team.
At halftime of the scrimmage, Brookhart came over to ask what we thought. He was pretty giddy about having the depth to scrimmage like this so early in the preseason.
Andrew Johnson looked really good. He might not be an every-down back, but he should be Akron's equivalent of a Reggie Bush — a guy who can score on any play. He also has a good attitude.
Some of the injured players returned. Marquinn Davis is one. The defensive lineman looks like a black Rambo. Mark my words, the first time you see Davis' size, you will gasp.
Jacquemain impressed me for the first time today. He didn't do anything spectacular, but he moved the team and made smart passes. Rodgers threw some great balls. He is the more exciting player to watch.
Nate Burney, who is listed as a defensive back, got a lot of carries today in the absence of Dennis Kennedy, who sat out with a minor injury.
Brookhart said he has never seen so many injuries before. "It's been ridiculous," he said. Despite that, Almondo Sewell returned today. Deryn Bowser and Ryan Bain are probably a week or two away with their foot injuries.
Both candidates for the starting safety position, Jalil Carter and Tyler Campbell, were out today, too.
There was a minor scuffle between Chris Kemme and Dan Marcoux in the trenches. ABJ beat reporter Tom Gaffney chimed in: "If only I wrote about every time Nick Dials got in a fight at practice…"
Freshman update: Brookhart is pleased with defensive lineman James Harvey. "He's just a big, powerful kid," the coach said.
To answer a couple questions from Zipsnation.org… 1) Yes, the QB will continue to take signals from the sideline. The reason is to allow the offense to adjust to the defense's setup. 2) The special teams look great. With the Zips' fantastic returners and kicker and Brookhart's obsession with special teams, it should not be a problem at all. In fact, MACReportOnline.com says Akron has two of the five best special teamers in the MAC.
August 13th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Rasor - Good reporting. Good to know the offense is picking up. Hope everything works out with Bain. Just wondering if you know what position they have Davis playing? Who's Nose Guard if Lively and Bain are out? What about Lively injury? Will he be back soon? Do you have any news on an updated depth chart?
August 13th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Thanks, Fred.
No depth chart yet. Lively either played today, or will play in the next couple days. I can't remember. Not sure about Davis' position. It really doesn't matter to me. In a three-man front, you need three hauses, period.
August 13th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Has Bain practiced at all or has he missed all practices and does he appear in shape?
August 13th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
I can't remember seeing Bain out there playing. He's on the sidelines and looks to be in shape, though.
August 13th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Oh good (rolls eyes). UA will continue the most amateurish look known to Div-1, with everyone lining up, then staring at the sideline for a delayed offensive play, followed by an inept execution. Ya know, it worked SOOOOOOO well last year, helping us to score mega-points and win the MAC. Oh wait. It was just the opposite? Thank heavens we're sticking with a losing plan of attack!!
CJ back at QB, huh? Brookhart really wants to lose his job, apparently.
August 14th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Apparently Bain has an ankle injury and is not expected to play at Wisconson.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Do we have three hauses? If so, who are they since Bain and Lively are out?
August 14th, 2008 at 10:56 am
I enjoyed the video, especially pinky.
August 14th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
mike who was on the d line with the first team. also, didn't see DT get any carries is he banged up too?
August 18th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Mike,
Great job reporting! You seem increasingly comfortable in front of the camera.
Dude, Andre Jones is straight chiseled! I gotta get a copy of the Zips' workout routines! (As well as different genetics!)
You're right, Andrew Johnson does seem like a really pleasant, humble guy. Watching his interview really has me hoping he has a terrific season - for his sake.
And you're right again, Marquinn Davis is one of the most physically imposing men I have ever laid eyes on. I'm literally half the size of that guy. I'm sure he's a cool dude but he's also generally got a pretty mean look in his eyes. Gotta like that! I hear that there is a little confusion as to whether use Marquinn on DL or OL. Do you have any insight into his eventual position? I know he is relatively new to the sport of football but that is an NFL body all-the-way right there.
Do you have any updates on how Hasan Hazime (sp?) has looked thus far? He's another player who's statistical size and speed make one's jaw drop.
Thanks Mike!
August 18th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
19 and Rob,
I'll try to answer those questions Wednesday. I think I'll be at the scrimmage.
August 19th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Good Job Rasor - Keep up good work